Jet lag and player wellbeing in esports: A call for research in the counter-strike scene

Abstract

This article addresses growing concerns of jet lag and its potential impact on esports performance in the Counter-Strike scene. Pre-COVID, this esports scene experienced an oversaturation of tournaments, leading to frequent travel and sleep disruption for players. However, recent developments in 2025 may pave the way for a return of this oversaturation to affect player health and competition outcomes. Research in conventional sports has a long tradition of examining the impacts of transmeridian travel, yet data remains virtually non-existent in esports literature. Given the demand for unique cognitions in professional esports such as intense focus, rapid decision-making, and high mental acuity, players could be severely impacted by disrupted sleep. This article calls for research on how jet lag affects esports athletes and urges the industry to consider players’ mental and physical well-being as they navigate the pressures of international competition.