Do you ever wish the $187 billion video games industry, which is bigger than movies and music combined, could have been something you were a part of as a kid? Many young gamers dream of turning their passion into a professional career, whether through competition, streaming, or content creation. While esports offers exciting opportunities, the intense demands can lead to burnout before players reach their full potential. Just as in traditional sports, young competitors often sacrifice balance, health, and personal growth in pursuit of success. Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child navigates esports in a healthy and sustainable way.
Teenagers are signing with major esports teams at younger ages, often balancing school and intense training schedules. These professional esports teams are multi-million dollar organizations with mansions that house their players and provide chefs, personal trainers, gaming setups, and more. This is much like if a professional soccer team lived and trained together at a compound to become a better team. Take Kyle "Mongraal" Jackson, who joined Team Secret at 13 and later signed with FaZe Clan. He earned significant winnings of over $700,000 but stepped away from competition before turning 20. The pressure to perform, maintain an online presence, and manage sponsorships can take a toll on young players like Jackson.
Stefano "Verbo" Disalvo experienced this burnout firsthand. After signing with Immortals as a teenager, he faced a grueling schedule of scrimmages, solo practice, streaming, media obligations, and constant competition for his position. Gaming, once an escape, became a high-pressure job. Eventually, he stepped away from professional play, realizing the sacrifices he made for esports had cost him his personal life, education, and relationships. His story highlights the importance of balance and long-term planning in esports careers. Had non-profit organizations like the Coalition of Parents in Esports (COPE) been around then, these players may have been set up for success, as COPE helps empower parents to leverage gaming to build youth confidence, curiosity, community, and careers.
Burnout is not unique to esports. Traditional sports like gymnastics and tennis have seen young athletes suffer from overtraining, mental fatigue, and early exits from their careers. One contributing factor is parental pressure, where a child's success becomes a way for parents to relive their own missed opportunities. Others see gaming as a financial opportunity, believing their child is on the verge of a lucrative career. While esports has produced million-dollar earners, only a small percentage of players reach that level, making it a risky path without proper balance.
Generational trauma can also fuel helicopter parenting, as parents push their children to succeed in an effort to secure a better future. When gaming shifts from a passion to a job, children may feel obligated to play at all costs, leading to stress, social isolation, and emotional exhaustion. Without proper support, young players can burn out before they have a chance to explore other opportunities.
Parents and coaches play a crucial role in helping young esports players develop healthy habits that support long-term success. Here are some ways to ensure a balanced approach:
Parents who actively engage with their child’s gaming journey can help ensure they have a sustainable and positive experience in esports, rather than an overwhelming and unhealthy one. Use tools like Game Quitters to recognize any warning signs in your child’s video game use.
Esports can be a valuable pursuit, but it should not come at the expense of a child’s wellbeing. Competitive gaming teaches teamwork, strategy, and discipline, but it must be balanced with education, social connections, and personal growth. Parents who engage with their child’s gaming can ensure it remains a positive experience rather than a source of stress or burnout.
By supporting various career paths in gaming and setting realistic expectations, parents help young players recognize success beyond mere competition. Encouragement should emphasize enjoyment, learning, and long-term growth. With the right guidance, esports can serve as a stepping stone to lifelong opportunities rather than an all-or-nothing gamble.
Bubba is a professional broadcaster, host, consultant, entrepreneur, higher education professor, content creator, and veteran event manager. His main focus is on gaming, esports, education, and technology. He has worked in radio, television, live streaming and is the founder of the Jolumi Media firm (Joe-lou-me), where he consults for multiple esports, gaming, sports, tech, and education companies. He has been a gamer and self-proclaimed NERD ever since he was a kid when his dad managed Radio Shacks in Oklahoma. Bubba has been a professor in higher education since 2013 and is a current Senior Instructor at the College of Esports in London, UK. He has worked in the non-profit and traditional sports industry for over 24 years with the YMCA, NCAA, NAIA, Parks and Recs, Sports Commissions, and the Chamber of Commerce. In 2018, he helped create the non-profit 501(c)3 charity the Videogames and Esports Foundation (VEF) as the Executive Director and now serves as the President Co/Founder.
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