Esports is a competitive and rewarding field that attracts millions of players and fans worldwide. But what drives the top performers to excel at their games and dominate the tournaments? In this article, we will explore some of the factors that motivate the best esports players and how they use them to achieve their goals.
One of the most obvious and essential motivations for any esports player is passion and enjoyment. Playing video games is fun, challenging, and stimulating, and many players develop a strong attachment and interest in their chosen genres and titles. Passion and enjoyment fuel the intrinsic motivation of esports players, which means they play for their own satisfaction and fulfillment, not for external rewards or pressures. Passionate players are more likely to persist, improve, and overcome obstacles in their games, as well as enjoy the learning and growth process.
An esports player is someone who managed to turn their passion into a profession. What we might overlook here is that the journey to professional esports is incredibly competitive, and not everyone who plays games at a competitive level can reach the pro scene. It's a challenging path where only a few get to the top. This rarity makes their achievement even more impressive. This noteworthy achievement is an incredible motivation booster, highlighting their immense dedication, talent, and hard work.
Another key motivation for esports players is mastery and improvement. Esports players are constantly seeking to improve their skills, strategies, and performance in their games, and to measure their progress against their own standards and those of their peers and rivals. Mastery and improvement are related to the concept of flow, which is a state of optimal concentration and engagement that occurs when a player faces a challenging but attainable task that matches their skill level. Esports players who experience flow are more likely to feel motivated, confident, and satisfied with their games, and to seek new challenges and opportunities to learn.
A third motivation for esports players is recognition and status. Esports players are often motivated by the desire to gain respect, admiration, and prestige from their peers, fans, and the wider gaming community. Recognition and status are related to the extrinsic motivation of esports players, which means they play for the rewards and outcomes that come from their performance, such as fame, money, or social approval. Recognition and status can boost the self-esteem, reputation, and influence of esports players, as well as provide them with feedback, validation, and support for their efforts.
A fourth motivation for esports players is competition and achievement. Esports players are often motivated by the thrill and challenge of competing against other players, teams, or organizations, and by the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from winning or performing well. Competition and achievement are related to the goal-oriented motivation of esports players, which means they play for the specific and measurable objectives that they set for themselves or that are imposed by the game or the tournament. Competition and achievement can enhance the motivation, focus, and resilience of esports players, as well as provide them with excitement, variety, and fun.
A fifth motivation for esports players is teamwork and socialization. Esports players are often motivated by the opportunity to collaborate, communicate, and bond with other players, whether they are teammates, friends, or mentors. Teamwork and socialization are related to the relational motivation of esports players, which means they play for the interpersonal and emotional benefits that they derive from their games, such as belonging, friendship, or support. Teamwork and socialization can improve the motivation, performance, and well-being of esports players, as well as provide them with a sense of community, identity, and purpose.
A sixth motivation for esports players is personal and professional growth. Esports players are often motivated by the potential to develop and enhance their personal and professional skills, abilities, and attributes through their games, such as creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, or communication. Personal and professional growth are related to the self-actualization motivation of esports players, which means they play for the fulfillment and realization of their potential and aspirations, not for the satisfaction of their basic or external needs. Personal and professional growth can increase the motivation, competence, and autonomy of esports players, as well as provide them with a sense of meaning, direction, and value.
The understanding that eSports is merely the most accessible avenue for gaining leadership skills cannot be underestimated. The competency of managing teams of 10 to 100 is a rare opportunity only provided to a few. Putting yourself out there and confronting daily will differentiate you from the rest beyond your eSports career.