eSports

How esports can enable the disadvantaged Youth

Published

4 months ago

August 21, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has long held the view that esports can play a significant role in enabling disadvantaged youth. Such is done in several ways:

Equal Access to Opportunities: Esports provides an opportunity for young people, regardless of their socio-economic background, to engage in a competitive and rapidly growing industry. Unlike traditional sports, esports doesn’t require access to expensive equipment or facilities, making it more accessible to disadvantaged youth.
Skill Development: Engaging in esports can help youth develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. These skills are not only useful in the gaming world but also in education and the job market.
Mentorship and Coaching: Esports often involves coaching and mentorship programs, where experienced players or coaches guide younger players. This can provide disadvantaged youth with positive role models and valuable guidance.
Scholarships and Education: Many universities and educational institutions now offer esports scholarships. Disadvantaged youth who excel in esports can use these scholarships to access higher education and pursue careers in the gaming industry or related fields.
Community and Belonging: Esports communities can be inclusive and welcoming, providing a sense of belonging for youth who may feel isolated in other aspects of their lives. This can help boost their self-esteem and mental well-being.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Esports isn’t just about playing games; it also encompasses various aspects like event management, content creation, and team management. Disadvantaged youth with an entrepreneurial spirit can explore opportunities within the esports ecosystem to start their own businesses.
Digital Literacy: Engagement in esports often involves using technology and digital platforms extensively. This can enhance digital literacy among disadvantaged youth, a skill that is increasingly essential in today’s job market.
Income Generation: Talented esports players, content creators, and streamers can earn income through sponsorships, advertisements, and merchandise sales. For disadvantaged youth, this can be a source of income and financial independence.
Safe Environment: Esports provides a safe and controlled environment for young people to socialize and compete. This can be especially valuable in areas where there are limited safe recreational opportunities.
Inclusivity and Diversity: The esports community is increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity. Efforts to reduce toxicity and promote respect can create a more welcoming environment for disadvantaged youth.
Inspiration and Aspiration: Successful esports players and personalities often serve as sources of inspiration for young people. They can demonstrate that with dedication and effort, it’s possible to achieve success even when facing adversity.
Networking and Social Skills: Esports events and tournaments offer opportunities for networking and socializing. Disadvantaged youth can build important social skills and connect with peers and potential mentors.

However, it’s important to ensure that the benefits of esports are maximized for disadvantaged youth while also addressing potential downsides, such as excessive screen time or addiction. Providing guidance, supervision, and educational resources can help strike a balance between esports engagement and overall personal development for these individuals. Additionally, programs that bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology and high-speed internet are crucial to ensuring equal opportunities in the world of esports for disadvantaged youth.

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UNITED KINGDOM TO HOST 2024 PUBG MOBILE GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2023

George Miller

UNITED KINGDOM TO HOST 2024 PUBG MOBILE GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Reading Time: < 1 minute

PUBG MOBILE Esports is thrilled to announce that the 2024 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC) will be held in the UK, taking place live next December with a $3 million prize pool. The first time a major PUBG MOBILE event has been hosted in the UK, this tournament will bring local fans a unique opportunity to see the very best skill that the world has to offer. This news comes ahead of this year’s 2023 PUBG MOBILE Grand Finals in Istanbul.

James Yang, Senior Director of PUBG MOBILE Global Esports, announced the news during the opening ceremony of the 2023 PMGC Grand Finals, with the exact UK location to be revealed at a later date. This is the first time a major PUBG MOBILE event has been held in the country and the first in Western Europe since 2018.

The highlight of the PUBG MOBILE Esports calendar, the PMGC brings together dozens of teams from around the world to compete in the ultimate showcase of talent. This year’s Grand Finals are taking place this weekend in Istanbul, Türkiye, where the final sixteen teams remaining in the competition will battle it out to become PUBG MOBILE World Champion.

Joining next year’s PMGC in the top tier of PUBG MOBILE Esports events, as well as next year’s midseason tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is the PUBG MOBILE Global Open (PMGO), which will take place in Brazil throughout March and April 2024 and feature a $500,000 prize pool.

eSports

Global Esports Federation joins UNESCO Chair on Governance & Social Responsibility

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2023

George Miller

Global Esports Federation joins UNESCO Chair on Governance & Social Responsibility

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Global Esports Federation is honored by the appointment of Thanos Karagrounas, GEF’s Executive Director, Strategy & Impact, as a member of the Advisory Committee of the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport.

The UNESCO Chair was established in June 2023 with the long-term aim of fostering an integrated system of research, education, and training to enhance the quality of governance practices within the sport industry and advocate socially responsible program designs that prioritize sport as a core component.

As a global leader in the realm of sustainable development and social impact, Thanos Karagrounas has been appointed to play a pivotal role in the Advisory Committee, co-coordinating one of the six strategic pillars on esports.

“It is a distinct honor to be a member of this esteemed group of internationally renowned experts. The opportunity to combine our diverse experiences and perspectives will contribute to the Chair’s objectives. The inclusion of esports as one of the UNESCO Chair’s six strategic pillars, underscores the important role GEF is playing in the governance and social responsibility realm and our commitment towards making an impact on a global scale.” ~ Thanos Karagrounas, GEF Executive Director, Strategy & Impact

The GEF convenes its #worldconnected esports community, harnessing the energy to drive meaningful progress. As a member of the Advisory Committee, the GEF looks forward to contributing its expertise to accelerate its overall contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

eSports

Stryda VALORANT Nordic Clash partners with talents for the Grand Finals

Published

4 days ago

December 6, 2023

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The upcoming Stryda VALORANT Nordic Clash Grand Finals promise an unforgettable experience thanks to their talented hosts. Nonno “Nymy” Rydgren, a well-know esports player and content creator for Fnatic Network, will team up with Melanie “Yuna” Hecht, the Captain & Flex IGL for Heat Esports, to guide viewers through the thrilling event.

Stryda VALORANT Nordic Clash is part of the VALORANT Championship Tour OFF//SEASON in partnership with Riot Games, and it’s open to all skill levels with a prize pool of $20,000. The Qualifiers are now over, and the Grand Finals are set for December 9th and 10th, with a live stream on Sunday, December 10th.

In an exclusive interview, Nymy and Yuna shared their journeys, memorable moments, team predictions, and advice for aspiring gamers. They also emphasized the importance of women in gaming and the potential for mixed-gender teams in esports.

Nymy encouraged female players: “Keep grinding, keep your mental up, keep pushing, and don’t give up. There are so many talented GC players out there and hopefully, in the future, we get to see mixed teams competing together. The GC scene is so wholesome and supportive which is lovely to see and experience.”

Yuna added, “Riot is doing a great job in supporting the game-changer scene. In the future, I can definitely see mixed teams too on VCT stages. For the lovely ladies, don’t give up, keep improving, go for your goals, get an aim routine, watch VODs and you will be able to play on stages with some practice.”

The Grand Finals promise exciting matches, featuring standout contenders like OnlyFins and Wintermint. Watch the action live on December 10, 2023, on the tournament’s Twitch channel. For highlights, visit their YouTube channel. Stay connected with the hosts here:

Nymy on Twitch and X (Ex Twitter)
Yuna on X (Ex Twitter)
About Stryda VALORANT Nordic Clash:
Esports powerhouse Stryda has again joined forces with RIOT Games to announce the Stryda VALORANT Nordic Clash championship. This much-anticipated tournament calls on gamers of all levels to showcase their skills against one another across the Nordic region.