By Richard Pearson: Esports has grown from a hobby into a global industry with pro leagues, big tournaments, and huge crowds. It’s competitive video gaming, from shooters like Call of Duty to MOBAs like League of Legends and sports games like FIFA. Players compete solo or in teams, often with coaches and sponsors – just like in real sports. In this article, we’ll look at how esports helps with reflexes, thinking skills, social life, school, and careers. Whether you’re a player or just curious, esports is changing lives far beyond the game.

What Is Esports and Why It’s More Than Just Gaming

Esports has grown from simple games into a global, competitive scene full of skill and strategy. Like traditional sports, it’s well-organized and has a huge, active fan base. In fact, many platforms now even intersect esports with features like games betting, making it an all-encompassing experience for players and fans.

The Evolution of Competitive Gaming

Esports began in small LAN parties and cafés, but now features huge global tournaments. Games like StarCraft, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2 helped build the scene. Today, events like The International and LoL Worlds draw millions of viewers and pack stadiums, showing how big esports has become.

Esports as a Legitimate Sport

Esports is more than just fun – it’s now officially recognized in many areas. Schools give scholarships, countries have national teams, and even the Olympics sees its value. With real training, strategy, and competition, esports is a true modern sport.

Mental and Cognitive Benefits of Esports

Esports is more than winning – it’s a workout for the brain. Playing helps sharpen thinking and can boost everyday skills.

Enhanced Strategic Thinking and Reflexes

Esports players solve tough problems fast, often under pressure. In games like League of Legends or Call of Duty, they build quick reflexes, sharp thinking, and multitasking skills – similar to those used in pro sports or military training. Gaming can boost strategy and mental speed.

Stress Relief and Mental Engagement

Esports can help reduce stress by offering a fun escape that keeps your mind active. Many find gaming both calming and exciting, helping them focus and relax. It also boosts learning and mental sharpness.

Social and Teamwork Advantages

Esports is more than just competition – it brings players together to connect, team up, and grow. Playing and chatting on global platforms helps build real friendships beyond the game.
Building Communication and Leadership Skills

In games like Valorant, Overwatch, and Dota 2, winning takes teamwork. Players learn to talk clearly, work together, and adapt quickly. Many take on leadership roles, gaining skills like planning, decision-making, and motivating others – just like in real life.

Global Friendships and Community Engagement

Esports connects people worldwide through games, chats, and tournaments. Players share strategies and learn from each other, building friendships and respect. From guilds to Discord, these communities become welcoming spaces for everyone.

Educational and Career Opportunities

Esports is moving beyond basements into schools and career fairs. Competitive gaming now offers real chances for learning and jobs.

Scholarships and Academic Esports Programs

More schools and colleges now treat esports like regular sports. They offer scholarships to skilled players who show teamwork and leadership. Students get to practice, use gaming labs, and study topics like digital skills and game theory. This helps esports become a real part of education.

Career Paths in Gaming and Beyond

Esports offers many career options, from pro player and streamer to coach and event planner. Skills from esports also help in jobs like marketing, media, and business. Whether playing or creating, esports prepares you for real-world work.

Physical Benefits and Healthy Gaming Habits

Esports may not look physical, but competitive gaming can improve health and encourage players to live healthier lives.

Reaction Time and Motor Skills

Skilled gaming needs quick reflexes and precise moves, improving hand-eye coordination. Studies show gamers have better focus and faster reactions than others. Playing fast games helps train your brain and body to respond quickly and accurately.

Encouraging Balance and Fitness

Esports has become more professional, with teams adding fitness, stretching, and mental care to training. Players focus on posture and exercise to boost endurance and avoid injuries. This change helps casual gamers too, showing that good health is key for better gaming.

Esports and Personal Development

Esports teaches important life skills that help players grow and succeed, both in games and in real life.

Goal Setting and Resilience

Esports players set goals like ranking up, learning characters, or winning tournaments. It takes practice, discipline, and adapting to challenges. Losing teaches them to be strong and keep trying, a mindset useful in school, work, and life.

Time Management Skills

Esports athletes balancing school, work, or other tasks need good time management. They create routines to stay focused and productive, helping them meet deadlines and handle pressure well.

Misconceptions and Responsible Gaming

Even though esports is growing, it still faces old-fashioned criticism. It’s important for players and fans to know the difference between healthy play and misuse.

Dispelling the “Addiction” Myth

A common myth is that all esports players get addicted. While too much gaming can be a problem, most players enjoy esports without issues. Healthy gaming means having balance and purpose. It’s key to tell the difference between serious practice and harmful, escape-driven play.

Promoting Responsible Play

Esports groups now promote responsible gaming with break reminders, parental controls, and screen-time tracking. Balancing gaming with exercise, social time, and offline hobbies helps mental health. Healthy habits like resting, drinking water, and good setups boost performance and keep gaming fun.

Conclusion

Esports is more than just gaming – it helps improve thinking, reflexes, and builds community. It can open up education and career chances. Whether you play casually or aim to go pro, esports offers growth if done with balance and purpose.

Present at one of the main events in the European gaming and betting calendar, Cactus Gaming will present to the international public its innovations in technology, security and usability, focused on the performance of sports betting and online gaming platforms.

The company will also use the fair as a space for networking and business prospecting, in an environment that brings together the main players in the segment.

“iGB L!VE London represents a strategic opportunity to position the Cactus Gaming brand in an increasingly globalized market. Our operations are already recognized in Brazil, and now we seek to take this credibility to new frontiers, offering robust technology that is adaptable to international requirements,” says Tiago Silva, Business Director at Cactus Gaming.

Participation in the 2025 edition reinforces the company’s presence at major international events, strengthening its image as a reliable, innovative developer aligned with global trends in the sector.

The expectation is that the presence in London will also pave the way for new business models, especially in countries with markets undergoing regulation.

About the event

– iGB L!VE London 2025

– Date: July 2 and 3, 2025

– Location: ExCel London – London, United Kingdom

– More information: https://www.igblive.com/ 

Source: GMB

For years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed athletes to be the best version of themselves, both on and off the field, with their stylish performance wear. Now, the iconic brand has joined the starting lineup for Sloclap’s Rematch, the online action video game for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation consoles.

Partnerships play a key role in how Rematch delivers content and experiences. The game doesn’t aim to just convey the feeling & joy of “playing” football — it wants to capture the full cultural spectrum around it, where fashion, competition, and self-expression meet. That’s where brands like PUMA come in, helping to anchor the game’s identity and offering players authentic customization opportunities.

“At Sloclap, we’ve always wanted Rematch to reflect the full energy, the style, the competition and self-expression. PUMA is a perfect partner for that: their strong presence in both gaming and football made them an obvious choice. Most importantly, we share a creative vision and a player-first approach that made this collaboration feel like a perfect match,” says Félix Garczynski, Head of Marketing & Publishing at Sloclap.

Puma and Rematch – A Match Made in Heaven

The choice of PUMA is no accident. As a footwear and streetwear brand with strong ties to professional football and a growing footprint in gaming — from collaborations with PlayStation, Minecraft and Rocket League, to sports franchises like EA FC — PUMA brings credibility and creative value to the project.

“Football is part of PUMA’s DNA, so joining Rematch—a game already generating serious buzz—is a natural fit,” says Ivan Dashkov, PUMA Director of Emerging Marketing Technology. “We’re excited to show up in a space where we’re both culturally and competitively at home.

Our Digital Goods team is proud to partner with Sloclap and Kepler Interactive, especially following their breakout hit Expedition 33. Their commitment to high-quality gaming makes this collaboration even more meaningful. Rematch brings a fresh perspective and thrilling gameplay that fans of both football and gaming will love.”

What is available now from this collaboration?

The partnership debuts in-game with the release of an exclusive outfit, with additional content planned for Season 1, including outfits and accessories inspired by both footwear and streetwear. This is just the start of a broader collaboration that will evolve over time, keeping players engaged and visually distinct as they take the field. The in-game Rematch outfit consists of popular in-real-life collections mixed and matched to create a stylish outfit that lets you look as good as you play.

With Rematch, Sloclap has distilled the world’s most popular sport down to its most basic tenets: Teamwork, strategy and skill. The third-person perspective puts you right onto the pitch for nonstop competitive play – there are no fouls, offsides or VAR. Control one player on the field for an intense showdown of 5v5, or choose from a variety of quickplay modes, evolving tactics and decisions to fit the moment-to-moment needs of the match.

Since the game’s launch on June 19, Rematch has taken the video game world by storm with more than 3 million players in its first week of availability and more than 13 matches played. Take part in Rematch, available now with versions starting at $29.99. Play now on Xbox, PlayStation and Steam.

REMATCH x PUMA

REMATCH x PUMA We are delighted to be teaming up with @PUMA, one of the most iconic brands in football and streetwear, for the launch of REMATCH. From the training ground to the Rematch arena, now you can rep the cat, head to toe.

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Whether you’re a serious or casual gamer, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for early deals ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2025.

The site currently features major sales on everything from headsets to charging docks, all compatible with major labels such sa PlayStation, Nintendo and Meta. To game like a pro, you have to have pro equipment. From monitors to keyboards, we’ve compiled a list of games and gaming equipment you can shop on sale now for up to 50% off. This’ll have you prepped and ready to play and stream upcoming releases such as Resident Evil 9, GTA 6, Silent Hill and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

Remember: You can access these deals only if you have an Amazon Prime membership. Using the link above, you can sign up for a free trial ahead of your membership purchase to test it out for 30 days. Much like a new car, you’ve got to test it out to see if you vibe with it. With a membership secured, you’ll be gaming like a pro in no time.

To play a video game properly, good visuals are a must. Retailing for $139.99, the Samsung 27-inch S39C Series FHD Curved Gaming Monitor is made for the gamers, fixed with a curved display that fits the human field of view so you have less less eye strain while breezing through dungeons or taking down zombies. You’ve also got flicker-free tech that continuously removes irritating screen flicker as well as a built-in eye-saver mode that minimizes emitted blue light.

It’s all about protecting your precious eyesight so you can play for longer with less strain on your peepers. The visuals on this monitor are crystal clear thanks to a 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync that work in tandem to eliminate lagging and glitching for a more responsive gaming experience. The price point for this monitor is also extremely hard to beat, given that comparable monitors can run you thousands of dollars.

If you’re playing duos on Fortnite or co-op with multiple people on Lethal Company, you’ll want a quality mic and headset to get you through the game unscathed. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Xbox Gaming Headset is a great option that’s compatible with most consoles including Xbox, PS5 and Switch along with PC and Mobile.

The detachable mic fixed to the headset covers a wider frequency range of sound for crisp calls with your friends on Discord. You’ve also got a nifty audio dial that allows you to switch between overall volume or game/chat volume so you can create the perfect balance between both. The headset is also equipped with a 2.4GHz wireless connection for smooth and clear connectivity to your game’s audio. Fitted comfortably, these headphones also include padded earcups that fit your ears, eliminating discomfort during long game sessions.

The Meta Quest 3 was released back in 2023, and yet its popularity has only grown over the years. We’d like to attribute it to its groundbreaking immersion. The two to three-hour battery life on the headset is a bummer, however. With this compatible charging dock, you won’t be leaving the virtual world for long. The PRISMXR tech is a fast-charging dock currently retailing for $62.99, 18% off its original price.

The dock features a unique magnetic and flexible pin charging solution that allows for reliable charging without precise alignment. With this dock, the headset can be charged in up to 1 hour and 50 minutes, while the controller takes a little more than 2.5 hours. To use, nestle the headset into the basket-like charging dock, lining the headset up with the magnetic pins to lock the tech in place for a secure charge every time.

There’s nothing worse than your Joycons dying out on you while you’re in the middle of an intense multiplayer game of Mario Party or while dodging an E.M.M.I. in Metroid Dread. Take control of your charge with help from this Joycon charging dock available for $11.49 on Amazon. Like the other charging dock on this list, this Joycon-specific dock is easy to use and fast charging. Simply connect the charging dock to the original console dock to get power input and plug your switch joycons into the charging station. No extra cords needed. This dock can charge up to four controllers at once so you’ll never be without your Joycons for long.

The Doom universe has never been so accessible. Retailing for $44.99, this Doom anthology is available for a multitude of consoles from PS4 and PS5 to Xbox. You’ve got the famous 1993 OG Doom all the way up to 2020’s Doom Eternal Deluxe Edition all in one place for an affordable price. You’re practically getting six games for the price of one. That’s three decades of demon slaying all in one place. What a steal. The deal also includes a SteelBook game case and a 5-inch replica of the BFG or Big F–king Gun with LED lights and a stand. Once you purchase, you can play all six games in the anthology box by redeeming a code that comes in the box.

This entry is for our casual gamers. If you want to enhance gameplay for titles on your iPad such as Stardew Valley or Minecraft, we suggest you purchase this Gnanlen 2nd Generation iPad Pencil. Retailing for $22.09, this stylus is compatible with a wide variety of iPad models including iPad mini 6th gen, iPad Air 4th/5th gen, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd/4th/5th/6th gen and iPad Pro 11-inch 1st/2nd/3rd/4th gen.

You can easily check your iPad’s compatibility with this product by confirming what model you have in the settings menu. This stylus is extremely hands-off, equipped with Bluetooth compatibility and magnetic charging that attaches it to the side of the iPad. You can also add a widget to your iPad to check your pencil’s battery life in real-time. This product only takes 1.5 hours to charge fully and can last you up to 9 hours. That’s like 100 rounds of Among Us.

If you’ve got a Switch or Steam Deck, you’re probably well aware of how annoying it can be to charge your console on the go without the proper equipment. This mini docking station is a three-in-one situation that takes the hassle out of charging your consoles while out and about. The mini dock is compatible with Nintendo Switch Steam deck ROG Ally and Switch OLED. Unfortunately for Switch Lite users, this dock isn’t compatible with that console. The three ports included are USB 3.0, HDMI and USB Type-C, giving users a wide range of compatibility. The design is also extremely lightweight and tiny, meaning it can easily be packed away in a suitcase or handbag for charging on flights or on the bus.

If you’re a PC gamer, you’ll know that a good keyboard is a must. You want functionality and aesthetics all wrapped in one. AULA WIN68 HE MAX – Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard marries the best of both worlds, incorporating endless style with performance boasting an 8x faster response time than a traditional mechanical keyboard. The keyboard features an ultra-low latency, around (0.2ms). In layman’s terms, this means that there’s a very short delay between pressing a key and the computer registering the input. This feature ensures your commands take effect instantly, making for extremely smooth gameplay. For aesthetic purposes, the keys are backlit.

• Limited-edition Orion ChocoPie packs unlock exclusive in-game rewards, including a CookieRun pet, crystals, and a chance to win smartphones.
• Campaign blends collectible packaging, in-game bonuses, and QR-powered access to connect with India’s mobile-first consumers

​CookieRun India, the popular mobile game developed by Devsisters and published by KRAFTON India, has announced its first-ever brand collaboration, teaming up with the iconic FMCG brand Orion to roll out a nationwide campaign that merges the nostalgic delight of Orion ChocoPie with the vibrant, whimsical world of CookieRun. This strategic collaboration is designed to blend the charm of a timeless treat with the thrill of mobile gameplay, creating an immersive, cross-platform experience for Indian consumers of all ages.

At the heart of this strategic partnership are limited-edition Orion ChocoPie packs, featuring exclusive CookieRun India-themed designs. Created to be collectible and visually vibrant, these packs aim to stand out on shelves and evoke both a sense of childhood nostalgia and modern-day gaming culture.

Starting June 24th in-game, players can participate in a special ChocoPie Pet event, collecting ‘ChocoPie Jelly’ and exchanging it for an exclusive, limited-edition pet. Each special pack also contains a unique redemption code that unlocks free in-game crystals, encouraging consumers to engage across both retail and digital platforms. Adding a competitive twist, CookieRun India is also hosting a smartphone giveaway contest: players who score 15 lakh points or more during the campaign period stand a chance to win one of 35 smartphones, blending fun, skill, and real-world rewards in one high-stakes gaming experience.

Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, KRAFTON India, said, “This collaboration goes beyond co-branding—it’s about merging cultural nostalgia with today’s mobile-first lifestyle. ChocoPie is an iconic part of growing up for many in India, and CookieRun India brings that emotional memory into an interactive, digital format. These limited-edition packs are aimed at engaging both loyal Orion ChocoPie fans and a new generation of mobile gamers, offering something nostalgic and fresh in one irresistible package. We’re excited to create a playful and rewarding ecosystem where real-world treats unlock virtual adventures.”

Mr. Minwoo Kim, CEO, Orion Nutritionals India, added, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with CookieRun India, an exciting step that brings Orion ChocoPie into the imaginative world of mobile gaming. Through this partnership, we’re reimagining how fans experience that joy, blending the comforting taste of Orion ChocoPie with the exciting adventure of CookieRun India! It’s exciting to witness ChocoPie as a digital treat in a game loved by millions. We truly hope that this partnership becomes a memorable part of every player’s journey.”

Bringing it all together is a QR code printed on the special-edition Orion ChocoPie packs, enabling direct download or login access to CookieRun India—making it easier than ever for curious snackers to jump into the action. This seamless integration of physical packaging with digital rewards is part of KRAFTON India’s broader effort to create engaging phygital experiences. By turning everyday consumer touchpoints into portals for play, and linking them to a snack that holds deep emotional value, the collaboration taps into both sentiment and curiosity, reshaping how players interact with their favorite titles both online and offline.

By combining collectible packaging, gamified rewards, and QR-powered engagement, the CookieRun India x Orion ChocoPie collaboration stands as a leading example of how brands can connect with India’s digital-first generation, merging sweet nostalgia with the thrill of gameplay in a way that’s fresh, fun, and unforgettable.

Gaming aligns naturally with this strategy because it offers a uniquely immersive, player-first environment. It integrates seamlessly into daily routines across platforms, reaches an influential audience with strong purchasing power and offers curated, brand-safe environments built for strategic partnerships.

When done right — in a brand-safe, contextually relevant environment — gaming isn’t just an add-on. It’s a core driver of attention, interaction and meaningful brand outcomes.

How gaming influences household purchasing decisions

An often-overlooked strength of the gaming audience is the significant role gamers play in making household purchasing decisions. 

Players are not passive consumers but active decision makers, frequently influencing or deciding purchases across categories such as technology, beauty, groceries and financial services, according to research from Activision Blizzard Media. Specifically, 68% of players lead decisions on beauty and personal care purchases, while 65% oversee technology and electronics choices, according to the research. 

That influence indicates that gaming should be a central pillar of any marketer’s omnichannel strategy to connect brands with decision-makers across multiple product categories, amplifying the effectiveness of cross-platform advertising efforts.

Strategic gaming partnerships offer brand-safe advertising opportunities

To employ an effective omnichannel strategy, a brand’s message needs to appear in a trusted, controlled, secure environment. 

When entering the gaming space, it’s essential to work with partners who are thoughtful about the content they create and committed to brand safety. Partners such as King, Xbox and Microsoft Casual Games bring this approach to mobile, desktop and console experiences, supporting sustained, high-quality consumer engagement. The inherently moderated and professionally curated nature of these gaming environments ensures that brands can engage with their audiences without the risk of encountering user-curated content, thus maintaining high standards of contextual appropriateness and brand integrity. 

By capitalizing on gaming’s ability to command sustained player attention and to provide tailored user interactions, brands can increase their audience engagement and reach an influential decision-making audience with their messaging.

Players’ daily gaming routines give brands cross-platform ad engagement

Seventy-three percent of players actively engage across more than one gaming platform, according to Activision Blizzard Media’s Gaming’s Next Level: The Power of Platforms report. Players engage with gaming throughout their day, weaving gameplay into their everyday routines and thus creating multiple touchpoints for brands, according to the report. Players’ habitual gaming behavior makes gaming environments an optimal advertising setting that spans screens, aligns with natural user rhythms and keeps players deeply engaged. 

In particular, players’ morning routines typically feature short, stimulating mobile sessions — especially popular among puzzle, card and casino gamers. By midday, players often seek cognitive breaks, continuing their mobile gaming. Afternoons find users engaging across all types of platforms as they seek more immersive moments of play. During the evenings and late nights, players’ sessions lengthen significantly as console and PC use peaks. 

Importantly, gaming does not occur in isolation. Seventy-five percent of players regularly game while consuming other media, such as TV or streaming video. This second-screen behavior presents a powerful opportunity for advertisers to build a cross-media strategy that reinforces brand messages across channels and extends their reach beyond single-screen strategies.

Whether in short bursts or extended sessions, gaming is an always-on channel in which marketers can deliver contextually relevant brand experiences at a time when user attention is high and interruptions are low. This underscores the critical role of gaming in a comprehensive, omnichannel marketing approach.

Platform-specific ad formats allow marketers to reach players where they’re most immersed

Once marketers choose to include gaming as a core pillar of their omnichannel strategy, they must learn how to effectively activate campaigns across gaming’s major platforms — each of which offers a distinct opportunity to connect with players in an immersive environment. Here is how those platforms stack up:

• On mobile, brands can tap into frequent, bite-sized gaming sessions by using ad formats designed to enhance the player experience. Fifty-four percent of players favor opt-in ad formats, which include rewarded video and interactive formats like Playables. These types of ads deliver high viewability and drive incremental spend by generating genuine user engagement without disrupting gameplay. They are also ideal for mobile’s casual, high-frequency context and align with players’ preferences for opt-in ad formats.
• On console, the environment is built for cinematic storytelling. Platforms like Xbox offer immersive landing experiences and click-to-engage formats that make the most of leaned-in, evening play sessions. Averaging 1.66 hours per session, console gameplay provides space for brands to deliver premium creative that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.
• On PC, players often seek deeper cognitive engagement, with many dedicating extended time to strategic or immersive experiences. PCs attract a high-value audience with long average weekly play times — around 17.7 hours — offering brands the opportunity to deliver more involved, interactive formats. Opt-in rewarded video and branded experiences, such as those available on Microsoft Casual Games, support thoughtful brand storytelling and sustained attention in a context players trust.

Whether reaching players in short mobile bursts or through longer-form PC and console sessions, effective brand activation in gaming means respecting the player-first nature of the medium. Done right, advertising becomes additive, earning engagement through relevance, reward and respect. With informed partnerships and player-first advertising formats, brands can unlock the substantial potential that gaming holds for driving meaningful omnichannel marketing outcomes.

For brands looking to level up their omnichannel strategies, gaming is ready to deliver. 

Sponsored by Activision Blizzard Media