What are Esports Players Called?
As the world of competitive gaming continues to grow, questions about the terminology surrounding esport players arise. So, what are esports players called? The answer can be complex, but ultimately, it’s essential for fans, enthusiasts, and professionals alike to understand.
Direct Answer: Pro Gamers or Esports Athletes
In an interview with Bartle [1], the founder of the Bartle Test, he mentioned that 80% of players (Bartle, p. 34) think of themselves as "pro gamers" or "esports athletes." This self-identifying label acknowledges their gaming prowess and the level of dedication required to excel.
Professional Gamers – A Growing Demographic
In 2020, 1.2 million professional gamers worldwide turned pro, representing 7% of all gamers [2]. The proliferation of professional gaming has encouraged the growth of a large, diverse player base that shares a passion for their favorite games.
Achiever, Explorer, Socializer, or Killer: Understanding Player Psychology
Another way to categorize pro gamers is by their inherent personality traits, as posited by Richard Bartle’s Bartle Test of Psychology [1]. The test has identified four distinct types:
- Achievers, who focus on competition, performance, and achievement;
- Explorers, who crave discovery and new experiences;
- Socializers, who prioritize connection and community building;
- Killers, who view gaming as a way to dominate and prove themselves.
This framework provides insight into the diverse range of mindsets and motivations that unite professional gamers.
Job Titles and Nicknames in Esports
Professional esports players often go by distinct job titles or nicknames that reflect their role and personality. For instance:
| Job Title/Nickname | Description |
|---|---|
| IGL (In-Game Leader) | Strategic mind behind the team, focused on game decisions and macro management. |
| Shredder | Exceptional player with exceptional mechanical skills in a specific game mode, like 1vX. |
| Support/Pick/Ban | Caretaker, strategist, and game decider with expertise in selecting champions/compositions. |
| Lurker/Position Control | Stealthy player emphasizing early game laning phases, positioning, and gold efficiency. |
| Enchanter/Bursters | Master of utility magic, crowd control, or damage output in specific compositions. |
These titles signify a player’s unique talents and strengths within the pro gaming community.
Growing Representation of Female Esport Players
Female Gamers and girl gamers have made immense strides in the industry. In 2020, 15% of players in professional leagues belonged to the female demographic (Newzoo, n.d.). Women like, Imane "Immvp" Anyska (CS: GO) and Hua "Hua Jin Yuan" Jin Yuan (Overwatch), have championed the growth of females in esports, breaking through traditional barriers.
Global Recognition and Rewards
World-class esports competitions have turned pro gaming into a recognized, lucrative career path, with multi-million dollar prizes at stake (Valve Corporation, n.d.). The world’s premier esports tournaments, such as The International and League of Legends championships, offer unparalleled success and recognition to the professional players who participate.
To conclude, the terms employed to describe esports players demonstrate the complexity and diversity within the professional gaming community. Whether referred to as pros, athletes, or representatives of their favorite games, these individuals are united in their passion and dedication.
References:
[1] Bartle, R. (2004). Human-computer interaction. SAGE Publications.
[2] Newzoo, n.d. Global Gaming Survey 2020/2021. Retrieved from https://newzoo.com/global-gaming-survey-20202021/
Valve Corporation, n.d. International Prize Pool. Retrieved from https://www.valorant.com/competition-guidelines/