E-Sports have become an increasingly popular activity for gamers of all ages. From organized tournaments to virtual gaming communities, joining an E-Sports team can bring great rewards both on and off the screen. This blog post will explore the life-changing personal benefits of being part of an E-Sports team. So, if you’re looking to get more out of your gaming experience, join an E-Sports team and let the fun and rewards begin! 

 What is an E-Sports Team? 

E-Sports, short for electronic sports, is organized competitive video gaming. Teams compete against each other in tournaments for a cash prize, and the top-level athletes are constantly vying for the top spots in their sport or game of choice. Functionally, it’s the same as traditional sports, with its own set of rules and regulations. 

 Why Joining an E-Sports Team Can Be Beneficial 

Joining an e-sports team can bring many benefits, including personal growth and development, improved communication and teamwork skills, opportunities for professional development, and socializing & meeting new people.  

 Personal Benefits of Joining an E-Sports Team 

Joining an e-sports team goes beyond just playing video games competitively. It can foster collaboration, creativity, and inclusion among its participants. Through playing on a team, individuals can build strengths in problem solving, teamwork, and communication. E-sports also offer opportunities to explore skills such as video and sound editing, graphic design, broadcasting, and event planning, which all fall under the STEAM category. Joining a team allows individuals to enhance their personal and professional skills, while socializing and meeting new people who share their passion for gaming. 

 Improved Communication and Teamwork Skills 

In today’s job market, employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates with excellent teamwork and communication skills. In fact, these soft skills are often considered more important than technical skills. So, how can you develop these skills while having fun at the same time? Well, a Los Angeles secondary school has come up with an innovative solution – using e-sports to teach students essential workforce skills. In this program, students meet with their advisor and play League of Legends in teams of five, where they need to work together to accomplish a common goal. Throughout the program, students rate themselves and each other on how well they applied the 15 discrete skills the program emphasizes. E-sports is the perfect vehicle for learning essential workforce skills, as it allows students to develop teamwork and communication skills in a fun and engaging way. 

 Enhancing Cognitive Abilities and Problem-Solving Skills 

Playing e-sports games isn’t just about having fun or winning matches. It can also improve cognitive abilities such as perception, attentional control, and decision-making. When playing online skill-based games, an individual can develop the ability to deal better with unexpected consequences. These games can help enhance skills like complex problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, skills of observation, and intuitive abilities. By playing on an e-sports team, individuals can further hone these skills and build confidence in their decision-making abilities. In a team setting, players also learn how to coordinate with others and make quick decisions under pressure. Overall, joining an e-sports team can greatly enhance an individual’s cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. 

 Opportunities for Professional Development 

E-Sports competitions can provide individuals with a platform to demonstrate new skills and develop existing ones in a controlled and competitive setting. Being part of an e-sports team helps professionals improve their interpersonal communication skills as they must interact and coordinate with their team members during intense game play. E-Sports can also help individuals develop their creativity and improvisational skills, as they are required to constantly come up with innovative strategies to outplay their opponents. By participating in e-sports competitions, individuals can become more comfortable and efficient when analyzing and making decisions under pressure, further honing their problem-solving abilities. Finally, e-sports can also help individuals build confidence by allowing them to accomplish objectives and earn recognition from teammates, helping them to stand out in their professional careers. 

 Socializing and Meeting New People 

While traditional sports can certainly be great for meeting new people, joining an e-sports team can offer a unique experience that cannot be replicated on a field or court. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, many individuals turned to video games and e-sports to relieve stress and connect with others in a safe, socially distanced way. 

In fact, research has shown that participating in e-sports can have positive effects on mental health, including reducing feelings of isolation and depression. Joining a team can also provide a sense of community and belonging, as players work together towards a common goal. 

Unfortunately, negative stereotypes about e-sports and video games persist in some circles. But as with any community, education is key to dispelling these myths and promoting understanding. By joining an e-sports team, not only can you meet new people and forge meaningful connections, but you can also help combat these negative perceptions and advocate for the benefits of e-sports.