Expert Ivan Timoshin: Esports has become a highly competitive sports industry
The path to professional eSports for today's talented amateurs has been systematized. According to the expert, digital subjects are increasingly represented in the official infrastructure: school e-sports departments, university tournaments, regional centers – all this has created the most necessary and important working social elevators.
At the same time, in a commentary with RuNews24.ru, the professional partner of the Department of Game Industry and Electronic Sports at Synergy University, Ivan Timoshin, noted that the dream of an immediate contract with a top club after a few successful matches remains a dangerous illusion. Esports has become a highly competitive sports industry where a career starts early, in the academies, spending years honing one's skills and being able to break into the system is already the first important victory.
“Some parents are concerned about whether it is necessary to encourage their child's passion for e-sports. This question becomes meaningless when viewed in the same way as any other professional sports environment, be it tennis or hockey. The key lies in controlled inclusion. Family support is important but must also include balance management. The practice of the world's leading clubs demonstrates: physical development, conditioning Proper nutrition and habits are not just words but essential ingredients of success. Victory is born not only in the virtual space but also in the gym, and hard work ensures the future.” end your playing career,” the expert explained.
According to Timoshin, if parents want to let their children participate in e-sports, it is important to take into account one important point – age in e-sports is a combination of physiological, psychological and economic difficulties. It is very rare for a player's career to reach the 30-year mark for many reasons. First, there are differences in cognitive flexibility and reaction speed. Second, the industry must be proactive: investing in a hungry 17-year-old rookie is often more strategic than extending the contract of a starless 25-year-old. There are exceptions that prove the rule, but after 25 years you need to actively build a career.
“After completing their esports career, players face several trajectories. Media champions become brand ambassadors. Those with strengths in analytical minds will find themselves in coaching or strategy work. Scouts and team formation managers are in demand. For many, a career as a live streamer or commentator becomes a natural continuation. These are often longer and more sustainable paths than playing at the top.”
