e-Sports Events: A Sports Parent's Perspective

Abstract

e-Sports is a rapidly growing industry, which has gained popularity in the recent years. It is estimated that the global e-sports market will have a value of $1.87 billion in 2025. e-Sports competitions and tournaments are becoming increasingly popular, especially among schoolchildren and college students. The growth of leagues, at school level, requires that parents should understand this sport and have a positive attitude towards e-sports and e-sports events, due to the likely support that parents are required to provide to participants at these events. The study is a preliminary study, which aims to understand parents' view of e-sports, as a form of sports, to determine the financial investment to participate in e-sports and parents’ experience during an e-sport event. The study used a qualitative approach, utilising a semi-structured interview schedule, with six parents interviewed at an event, as well as a focus group discussion, with 21 parents of e-sports players. The study found that parents have a positive perception of e-sports events and are fully supportive of their children participating in them. Further, it was concluded that e-sports is viewed as a form of sports and, in comparison to other ‘traditional sports’, it is actually a very affordable form of sport to partake in. Parents spend most of their money at e-sports events on food, whilst some parents will go to a restaurant after the event, to celebrate the child’s accomplishments. The results of this preliminary study will guide further studies on e-sports events and are already giving an indication to e-sports organisers what the perspectives and needs of parents are.