Technology

Fitness Trackers: Improving Accuracy for Everyone

Published

6 months ago

June 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Many fitness trackers are designed without consideration for different body types. (AYO Production/Shutterstock)

In a nutshell

Most commercial fitness trackers provide inaccurate calorie burn estimates for people with obesity, due to differences in body shape, movement, and gait that these devices weren’t designed to account for.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new algorithm specifically for wrist-worn smartwatches that dramatically improves energy expenditure accuracy in people with obesity, outperforming nearly all existing methods.
The new model opens the door to more inclusive health tech, potentially enabling smartwatches to better monitor not just physical activity, but also eating and other health-related behaviors.

CHICAGO — Fitness trackers promise to monitor daily energy expenditure and help guide health decisions, but they’ve consistently failed to provide accurate readings for people carrying extra weight. Hip-worn devices get thrown off by different walking patterns, and wrist-worn trackers haven’t been properly tested for people with obesity. Until now, people with obesity have been making health decisions based on fundamentally flawed data.

Researchers at Northwestern University have created the first algorithm specifically designed to give people with obesity accurate energy expenditure readings from commercial smartwatches. Their work, published in Scientific Reports, could finally put reliable fitness tracking within reach for this underserved population.

The research was born from a deeply personal moment. Lead researcher Nabil Alshurafa got the inspiration for the algorithm after going to an exercise class with his mother-in-law, who has obesity.

“She worked harder than anyone else, yet when we glanced at the leaderboard, her numbers barely registered,” says Northwestern University researcher Alshurafa, in a statement. “That moment hit me: fitness shouldn’t feel like a trap for the people who need it most.”

Why Your Tracker Fails You

Person wearing Apple Watch fitness tracker — Wrist-worn fitness trackers have had limited accuracy testing for people with obesity. (Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash)

Fitness trackers were designed with “average” bodies in mind. For people with obesity, everything changes. Walking patterns shift, preferred speeds differ, and body composition affects how devices sit and function. Due to body composition differences, hip-worn devices can tilt at different angles, leading to inconsistent and unreliable measurements.

Wrist-worn devices seemed like the obvious solution. They’re more comfortable, people actually wear them consistently, and they’re less affected by body composition variations. But until this study, nobody had properly validated wrist-based energy expenditure algorithms specifically for people with obesity.

The researchers noted that existing commercial wrist-mounted device companies have developed algorithms to determine calorie expenditure, but these algorithms remain proprietary and lack transparency in their validation, leaving a critical gap for people with obesity.

Northwestern’s team recruited 52 participants, all with BMIs of 30 or higher. The average BMI was around 36, and participants ranged from their early 40s to mid-50s.

In the lab portion, 27 people wore both a commercial Fossil Sport smartwatch and a research-grade ActiGraph device while performing everything from computer work to vigorous aerobics. Researchers also hooked participants up to a metabolic cart, the ultimate truth detector for measuring actual energy expenditure through breath analysis.

Another 25 participants took the devices home for two days of real-world testing. Researchers used wearable cameras to visually confirm what people were actually doing, ensuring their algorithm matched reality rather than just other estimates.

A Smarter Two-Step Process

Most existing algorithms try to estimate energy expenditure directly from movement data. Northwestern’s team took a different approach, creating a two-step process specifically designed for wrist-worn devices.

First, the system determines whether someone is doing sedentary activities (sitting, reading, typing) or non-sedentary activities (walking, exercising, moving around). For sedentary activities, the algorithm assigns a standard resting value.

For non-sedentary activities, it applies a more sophisticated model that considers not just movement patterns from the smartwatch sensors, but also personal factors like age, sex, weight, height, and BMI.

Fitness tracker test — A mock study participant shows how the researchers measured calorie expenditure during the study. (Credit: Northwestern University)

When tested against the metabolic cart in the lab, the new algorithm achieved much better accuracy than existing methods. It outperformed six out of seven established algorithms, including several designed for hip-worn devices that supposedly provide more accurate readings.

In real-world testing, the algorithm’s estimates fell within acceptable ranges 95% of the time when compared to the best existing methods. Among algorithms tested at the same time window, Northwestern’s approach consistently delivered the lowest error rates.

Statistical analysis confirmed these represented significant improvements in accuracy compared to existing methods.

Algorithm Struggles

No system is perfect, and Northwestern’s algorithm is no exception. It tends to underestimate energy expenditure when the dominant hand stays relatively still compared to the rest of the body. This could happen, for example, when holding a phone against your ear while walking.

On the other hand, it overestimates when the dominant hand moves more than the rest of the body, like scrolling through social media while sitting still or gesturing during a phone conversation.

Walking while talking on the phone led to underestimation more often than overestimation. Sitting activities showed varied results depending on hand movement; passive activities like watching TV led to underestimation, while active phone use led to overestimation.

However, since the algorithm works with smartwatches worn on the dominant hand, it could potentially integrate with other health monitoring applications that track eating, drinking, or smoking behaviors—all activities primarily performed with the dominant hand.

A health monitoring system like this could track both calories consumed and calories burned using the same device. For people managing their weight or monitoring their overall health, having reliable data on both sides of the energy equation could be transformative.

Making Tech More Inclusive

This is a step toward making fitness technology actually useful for people across different body types. Currently, people with obesity may be making health decisions based on flawed data from their fitness trackers.

During the study, Alshurafa would challenge participants to do as many pushups as they could in five minutes. The experience opened his eyes to broader inequities in how we measure fitness and exercise success.

“Many couldn’t drop to the floor, but each one crushed wall push-ups, their arms shaking with effort,” says Alshurafa. “We celebrate ‘standard’ workouts as the ultimate test, but those standards leave out so many people. These experiences showed me we must rethink how gyms, trackers, and exercise programs measure success — so no one’s hard work goes unseen.”

If someone is trying to lose weight, increase activity levels, or simply understand their daily energy expenditure, inaccurate data leads to poor outcomes. When fitness trackers only work accurately for certain body types, they’re failing a significant portion of their users.

Paper Summary

Methodology

Researchers recruited 52 participants with obesity (BMI ≥30) for two separate studies. In the laboratory study, 27 participants wore a Fossil Sport smartwatch and ActiGraph device while performing 12 activities of varying intensities for 5 minutes each, with actual energy expenditure measured using a metabolic cart. A separate free-living study involved 25 participants wearing devices for 2 days during normal activities, with wearable cameras providing visual confirmation of behaviors. The team developed a machine learning algorithm using a two-step process: classifying activities as sedentary or non-sedentary, then applying regression models to estimate metabolic equivalent (MET) values based on smartwatch sensor data and demographic information.

Results

The algorithm achieved a root mean square error of 0.281 METs when tested against metabolic cart measurements, outperforming most existing algorithms designed for hip-worn devices. In real-world testing, estimates were within acceptable ranges for 95.03% of minutes compared to established actigraphy-based estimates. The algorithm performed optimally with a 60-second analysis window and showed consistent performance across different activity intensities. Statistical analysis confirmed significantly better performance compared to most existing research-grade algorithms, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large.

Limitations

The study focused exclusively on people with obesity, so performance in other populations remains unknown. Free-living validation relied on comparison to other algorithms rather than direct metabolic measurements. The algorithm struggles with activities where wrist movement doesn’t reflect overall body activity, such as holding phones steady while walking or scrolling while sitting. The study population was relatively small and conducted in controlled settings, which may not fully represent real-world diversity.

Funding and Disclosures

Research was supported by multiple National Institutes of Health grants, including awards from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. The authors declared no competing interests.

Publication Information

The paper “Developing and comparing a new BMI inclusive energy expenditure algorithm on wrist-worn wearables” is authored by Wei, B., Romano, C., Pedram, M., Nolan, B., Morelli, W.A. & Alshurafa, N. It was published in Scientific Reports (15, 20060) on June 19, 2025. The study was approved by Northwestern University’s Institutional Review Board and conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Xpoint secures new growth funding to supercharge geolocation innovation for real money gaming

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1 day ago

December 20, 2025

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Technology

HDMI Gaming Technology Lines : HDMI Licensing Administrator

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The licensing organization responsible for the HDMI standard, known as the HDMI Licensing Administrator, will present a series of technical demonstrations at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The demonstration will spotlight several HDMI gaming technologies that illustrate the performance characteristics of different certified cable categories within interactive gaming contexts.

At CES 2026, visitors to the HDMI Licensing Administrator’s booth can witness prototypes of the Ultra96 HDMI Cable, which was “introduced in the recently released HDMI 2.2 Specification,” alongside the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable and the Premium High Speed HDMI Cable. The organization will highlight the high-refresh performance rate of its products, as well as their compatibility with popular portable gaming consoles and retro-style gaming systems. Supportive features like variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode will be highlighted, as well.

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Technology

Expandable eSports Laptop Models : Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable laptop will be showcased by the tech brand at CES 2026 as an eSports-ready hardware option that’s engineered with advanced capabilities in mind to keep gamers feeling agile. The laptop appears at first as a normal piece of hardware with a 16-inch display, but can be transformed with additional eSports gaming modes that will expand the screen to 21.5-inches or even 24-inches. The expanding functionality is accessible via a button to offer ease of transition between the various video game-focused modes.

The Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable laptop will reportedly be based on the brand’s Legion Pro 7i platform with an Intel Core Ultra processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU. The additional tech specs for the laptop are yet to be announced.

Image Credit: Lenovo

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Technology

Driving Digital Innovation: Sultan Almasoud on the Top Trends in Technology and Esports in Saudi Arabia | Morgan Lewis – Tech & Sourcing

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dr. Sultan Almasoud, managing partner of Morgan Lewis’s Riyadh office, has been closely involved in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s rapid evolution into a global hub for innovation. His insights on the questions below shed light on the trends reshaping technology and esports—and the opportunities they unlock for investors and operators entering the market.

Q&A: SULTAN ALMASOUD

1. What are the most significant technology trends currently driving growth in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformation journeys in the world. The most significant trend is the rapid adoption of AI across government, financial services, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Vision 2030 has accelerated investment in AI-ready infrastructure, digital identity, automation, and data platforms that support new digital services at scale.

We also are seeing strong momentum in cloud migration, driven by hyperscaler expansions, data localization policies, and new solutions that make it easier for public and private entities to adopt cloud-native technologies. In parallel, fintech innovation, digital payments, and open banking are creating a dynamic ecosystem of startups, investors, and regulators working together to modernize the financial landscape.

In addition, Saudi Arabia’s giga projects are acting as large-scale accelerators for advanced technologies, while strong regulatory frameworks around data, cloud, and cybersecurity are providing international investors with clarity and confidence. Combined with significant investment in digital talent and localization, this is enabling sustainable, long-term technology-driven growth across the Kingdom.

2. How is Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global hub for esports?

Saudi Arabia has made esports a national priority, fundamentally reshaping the sector. The launch of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and the Esports World Cup, supported by major public investment commitments, has placed the Kingdom at the center of global competitive gaming.

But the strategy extends beyond events. The country is developing training academies, production studios, esports arenas, and digital platforms that sustain year-round player and audience engagement. This ecosystem-driven approach is drawing global publishers, teams, and content creators who now view Saudi Arabia as a foundational market for long-term esports growth.

3. What opportunities do you see emerging for investors and companies entering the Saudi tech and esports market?

There is tremendous opportunity at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and digital infrastructure. For technology companies, opportunities are especially strong in AI solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services, digital identity, and smart city platforms.

In esports, the most compelling opportunities lie in content creation, talent development, gaming studios, tournament production, and technologies supporting broadcasting, analytics, and community engagement. Investors who understand the regulatory environment and align with the Kingdom’s long-term vision will find a market eager for strategic partnerships.

4. What challenges should companies keep in mind when operating in these fast-evolving sectors?

These sectors are evolving quickly, which makes regulatory navigation an important challenge. Companies need to stay aligned with requirements around licensing, content regulation, data protection, and foreign investment—areas that are developing alongside the industry itself.

Another key challenge is specialized talent. Whether it’s game design, AI engineering, or esports event management, building local capability is essential. Companies that invest early in training programs, knowledge transfer, and local partnerships will be best positioned for sustainable growth.

Ultimately, success requires a long-term commitment to the market, strong local relationships, and an understanding of national priorities as the Kingdom advances its digital transformation goals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of global innovation, with technology and esports playing central roles in the nation’s economic transformation. As investment accelerates and new digital ecosystems emerge, companies that build strategic partnerships and engage deeply with local priorities will be poised to lead.

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Technology

Fast Switches, RGB Customization, and Next-Gen Gaming Precision

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Mechanical keyboard 2026models integrate ultra-fast switches that achieve 0.1ms actuation with under 1mm travel, allowing competitive gamers to press keys 20% faster in FPS and MOBA titles. RGB keyboards now feature 16.8 million per-key zones, enabling dynamic lighting that reacts to game events, killstreaks, or ability cooldowns. Hall-effect magnetic switches dominate the premium segment, offering adjustable actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm while lasting 100 million keypresses with no physical wear. Together, these innovations deliver both tactile precision and immersive customization, making mechanical keyboards a vital tool for high-level competitive play.

Mechanical keyboard 2026 designs also focus on durability, ergonomics, and modularity. Hot-swappable switches allow players to fine-tune the feel without soldering. Aluminum chassis and gasket-mounted plates reduce finger fatigue while maintaining solid stability for marathon gaming sessions. Modern firmware supports thousands of macros, rapid polling rates, and dual-PC setups, ensuring that esports players experience consistent input across multiple platforms.

Fast Switches and Key Feel

Fast switches like Gateron KS-20 reduce actuation force to 35g at just 0.2mm depth, while optical variants eliminate debounce delays, registering inputs at 8,000Hz natively. Mechanical keyboard 2026 boards include hot-swappable sockets, allowing players to swap magnetic, linear, or tactile stems without soldering. PBT double-shot keycaps resist shine after five years of heavy use, and gasket-mounted designs reduce bottom-out impact, lowering finger fatigue by up to 30% during marathon sessions. Combined, these features enhance responsiveness, durability, and ergonomic comfort for both competitive and casual gamers.

Other innovations include per-key actuation calibration via onboard OLED displays, letting players fine-tune each switch’s sensitivity individually. Fast switches allow remapping for advanced trigger modes, such as assigning jump or crouch to rapid keypresses, boosting movement efficiency in FPS titles. Firmware support like VIA and QMK provides up to 1,000 macro layers, ensuring fluid execution of complex combos. NKRO (N-Key Rollover) maintains accurate detection of 100 simultaneous inputs, preventing ghosting during intense gameplay.

RGB Keyboards and Lighting Customization

RGB Gaming keyboards in 2026 employ addressable LEDs beneath every key, responding instantly to in-game actions, music beats, or voice chat activity. Fast switches synchronize with lighting effects to create visual feedback for ability activation or kill confirmations. VIA and QMK support advanced lighting macros across 16.8 million colors, letting players design immersive themes and reactive effects. RGB keyboards also integrate USB passthrough hubs, enabling controller charging or peripheral connections without latency interruptions.

Premium gaming screens emphasize both aesthetic and functional benefits. Aluminum chassis with acoustic foam layers tune sound profiles from soft, creamy thocks to sharp, clicky clacks, complementing per-key lighting for sensory immersion. RGB keyboards combined with modular keycaps allow instant visual recognition of critical keys, enhancing reaction times in high-pressure matches. Firmware updates maintain compatibility with new software and games, ensuring that RGB functionality evolves alongside gaming trends.

Build Quality and Advanced Features

Mechanical keyboard 2026 models focus on robust materials and ergonomic design to support competitive play. Aluminum top plates weigh around 1.2kg, stabilizing 60% or full-size layouts, while foam and gasket mounting reduce vibration and noise. Fast switches with Hall-effect sensors allow precise calibration and onboard memory, storing personalized actuation and lighting settings.

Other features include multi-device support, 8,000Hz polling across dual-PC setups, and modular layouts for hybrid gaming and productivity. High-end models provide long-term durability, with switches rated for 100 million keypresses and chassis built to withstand sustained pressure. These designs ensure that both casual players and esports professionals can maintain peak performance over years of intense use.

Key Features:

Aluminum top plates provide stability and long-lasting structural integrity.
Foam and gasket-mounted designs reduce vibration, noise, and finger fatigue.
Hall-effect fast switches allow precise per-key calibration and storage.
Modular layouts and multi-device support enhance versatility for gaming and work.
8,000Hz polling ensures sub-ms latency across dual-PC or multi-system setups.
Switches rated for 100 million keypresses guarantee long-term durability.

Conclusion

Mechanical keyboard 2026 models with fast switches and RGB keyboards redefine both competitive precision and immersive gameplay experiences. Adjustable actuation, ultra-fast response times, and reactive per-key lighting provide measurable advantages in esports, allowing players to execute rapid combos and maintain visual awareness under intense pressure. Durable materials, modular layouts, and advanced firmware ensure 10+ years of relevance, keeping performance consistent even as switch technology evolves. Combined, these innovations set a new benchmark for gaming keyboards, making them an indispensable tool for casual enthusiasts and professional gamers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes mechanical keyboard 2026 switches faster than older models?

Mechanical keyboard 2026 switches achieve 0.1ms actuation with minimal travel, reducing input delay. Optical switches eliminate debounce entirely. Hot-swappable designs allow users to optimize each switch type. Together, they improve reaction times in competitive gaming.

2. How do RGB keyboards enhance gaming performance?

RGB keyboards provide per-key lighting for instant visual cues on ability cooldowns, killstreaks, or critical keys. Reactive effects improve reaction speed in high-pressure scenarios. Custom macros allow lighting to indicate complex input sequences. This combination merges aesthetics with functional gameplay advantages.

3. Are fast switches durable enough for long-term use?

Yes, Hall-effect and magnetic switches are rated for 100 million keypresses. Gasket-mounted designs reduce mechanical wear and finger fatigue. PBT double-shot keycaps resist shine and degradation. Long-term durability ensures consistent performance for years.

4. Can mechanical keyboard 2026 models support multi-device setups?

Many models integrate USB passthrough hubs for peripherals and dual-PC support. 8,000Hz polling ensures sub-ms latency across connected devices. Firmware allows separate profiles per device. This setup guarantees smooth operation for both gaming and productivity tasks.

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Technology

How Schools Are Powering the Future of Competitive Gaming Education

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The world of esports has rapidly shifted from a niche form of entertainment to a central component of competitive gaming education. As 2026 approaches, academic institutions across the globe are embracing the opportunities that digital competition presents.

From high school classrooms to university campuses, structured gaming programs in schools are transforming how students learn, collaborate, and prepare for the digital economy.

The Explosive Rise of Esports in Education

Esports, once dismissed as mere gaming, now attracts millions of players and spectators around the world. Educational institutions have taken notice. The steady growth in digital engagement, streaming culture, and student interest has pushed schools to formally integrate esports into their extracurricular and academic offerings.

By 2026, experts project that school-based esports participation will surpass that of traditional high school sports in some regions. The digitization of competitive gaming aligns with broader trends in modern education, where technology, inclusivity, and creativity intersect to form new learning pathways.

What Is Esports and Why Is It So Popular Among Students?

Esports refers to organized, competitive video gaming, often involving professional players and teams. Unlike casual gaming, esports involves structured tournaments, ranked leagues, and strategy-based team play across popular titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League.

For students, esports blends entertainment with purpose. It enables individuals who may not participate in traditional athletics to compete, build communities, and express creativity. The widespread availability of gaming hardware, streaming tools, and online platforms has lowered the entry barrier, making esports more accessible than ever.

Moreover, the social component is powerful. Online tournaments and school leagues foster connection across diverse backgrounds, helping students develop coordination, leadership, and interpersonal skills, traits that are increasingly valuable in both academic and corporate environments.

How Are Schools Launching Esports Programs?

Many schools have already launched formal esports programs, driven by student demand and institutional recognition of esports’ educational potential. Universities in the United States, South Korea, and the Philippines are establishing dedicated esports departments that oversee teams, manage scholarships, and organize intercollegiate competitions.

High schools are following suit. Some districts are converting computer labs into esports arenas equipped with high-performance PCs, ergonomic setups, and broadcast equipment. Others collaborate with gaming companies to create mentorship and training initiatives, blending classroom theory with real-world competition.

These gaming programs in schools go beyond playing. They involve curriculum design, technical training, and content creation workshops that align esports with the broader educational framework. Students learn not only how to compete but also how to analyze performance data, manage teams, and produce digital media.

What Do Students Learn from Competitive Gaming Education?

The rise of competitive gaming education is reshaping the skillsets associated with modern learning. Students gain more than just gaming proficiency, they develop critical thinking, multitasking, and collaboration abilities. These programs emphasize transferrable skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional regulation under pressure.

Esports also complements existing curricular areas. Game strategy mirrors elements of mathematics and physics, while coding and hardware management connect directly to STEM learning. Instructors use esports to teach topics such as network infrastructure, software development, and game design.

Beyond academics, competitive gaming encourages inclusivity. Students of all genders, backgrounds, and physical abilities can participate on equal footing, fostering school pride and teamwork in digital spaces.

How Big Will Esports Be by 2026?

Industry analysts predict that esports in 2026 will be valued at over $2 billion globally, with an audience exceeding 800 million. This rapid growth is fueled by live-streaming platforms, increasing sponsorship deals, and more educational integration.

Esports’ reach continues to expand beyond traditional entertainment. Virtual reality and augmented reality are enhancing gameplay engagement, while blockchain-based tournament systems are adding transparency to competition and prize distribution.

The integration of AI analytics is also reshaping coaching methods. Educators and team managers are using data-driven insights to assess player performance, optimize team composition, and develop customized training regimens. As schools adopt these same analytical tools, competitive gaming education enters a new era, where digital literacy and innovation drive progress.

What Challenges Do Schools Face in Running Esports Programs?

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding esports, schools still face practical and ethical challenges. One major concern is balancing academics with gaming commitments. Without structured supervision, students may risk excessive screen time or burnout.

Institutions are addressing this by introducing strict schedules, physical activity requirements, and mental health counseling. Another challenge involves funding. Setting up professional-grade arenas and securing reliable hardware demand significant investment. Public schools in particular rely on sponsors or partnerships with tech firms to maintain program sustainability.

Finally, schools must train or hire qualified esports coaches who understand both the educational context and the competitive scene. This dual expertise ensures that gaming remains an avenue for learning, not just recreation.

Success Stories: Schools Leading the Way in Esports Education

Several schools around the world have already demonstrated how esports can enhance education. In the United States, the High School Esports League (HSEL) connects thousands of students nationwide, fostering academic engagement and teamwork. Schools such as Miami University and the University of Utah became early adopters of varsity esports teams, setting benchmarks for collegiate competition.

In Asia, South Korea remains a trailblazer. Its government has integrated esports into youth programs, emphasizing both technical training and player well-being. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, some universities have begun offering esports courses as part of information technology programs, mirroring global trends toward curriculum innovation.

These examples prove that when implemented responsibly, esports programs can increase student enrollment, improve school visibility, and create bridges between education and industry.

The Future of Competitive Gaming Education Beyond 2026

Beyond esports 2026, the intersection of competitive gaming and education will likely deepen. Analysts foresee a future where esports becomes as normalized as traditional athletics, with intramurals, leagues, and international tournaments structured at school and university levels.

The global shift toward online learning has also paved the way for hybrid esports education models, combining remote play with in-person coaching. Additionally, certifications in health and psychology related to esports are expected to emerge, helping educators manage player wellness and team dynamics effectively.

Cross-border collaborations may soon unite students from different regions in global esports competitions, promoting cultural exchange and digital diplomacy through gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can esports help improve students’ academic performance?

Yes. Organized esports can boost focus, strategic thinking, and time management. Students in competitive gaming education often show stronger problem-solving and teamwork skills that support academic success.

2. What are the career opportunities for students who study esports?

Students can pursue careers in event management, broadcasting, analytics, marketing, and game design. Many esports 2026 programs also prepare graduates for tech and media-related fields.

3. How do schools choose which games to include in their esports programs?

Schools select games that promote teamwork, critical thinking, and inclusivity. Titles like Rocket League and League of Legends are common in gaming programs in schools due to their balance of strategy and accessibility.

4. Do esports programs promote diversity and inclusion in education?

Yes. Esports welcomes students from all backgrounds, offering equal opportunities regardless of physical ability or gender. Many schools use competitive gaming education to foster inclusivity and community.