E-sports have become one of the fastest-growing sectors in recent years, increasingly recognized as a viable career path for young people. Much like in traditional sports, tournaments require not only players but also referees, commentators, and content creators. The significance of the industry is further underlined by the ongoing plans to hold the world’s first E-sports Olympics.

Today, it is rare to find a young person who has never tried video games. While many professional e-sports players started as hobbyists, competing at a high level requires regular practice, strong commitment, and the right support structure—qualities that mirror those required in other sports. Mental preparation and consistency are just as important as technical skill for those aiming for long-term success.

Hungary also boasts a significant e-sports community: around 3.5 million adults play video games regularly, and an estimated 800,000 to 1 million engage in e-sports titles such as League of Legends or Counter-Strike 2.

E-sports is about more than just players. A wide range of roles support the digital sports ecosystem, including commentators, referees, and content creators. Just as in traditional competitions, organized infrastructure is necessary to ensure smooth event management. Professionals in the field are responsible for upholding rules, addressing technical issues, and providing match coverage.

The sector is not exclusive to men. Vivien Pálfi, a HUNESZ referee, notes: “While standing behind players during matches may not seem too exciting at first glance, many don’t realize how vital the referee’s role is in e-sports. We need to ensure that players do not run unauthorized software during games and resolve any technical problems that arise. Just as in traditional sports, it’s my responsibility to handle verbal confrontations as well. In my experience, after some initial resistance, parents are showing more interest in the opportunities e-sports offers their children, though there’s still much work to do to ensure families are informed about the career options available.”

The growth of e-sports is evident: within two years, the world’s first E-sports Olympics is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia.