| The Illusion of Athletic Identity in Professional Gamers: Consequences of Mislabeling Esports as Sport |
| Paper ID : 1500-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Hossein Faridniya * Department of Sport Management, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: The formal recognition of Esports as a "technological sport" has led to gamers being systematically labeled as "athletes." This study investigates a critical consequence of this labeling: whether it creates a false athletic identity that leads to the neglect of physical health. We examine how this perceived identity affects gamers' health behaviors and their understanding of what constitutes genuine athleticism. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 30 professional Iranian gamers selected via purposive sampling from national Esports leagues. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interview protocol explored key domains including: participants' perception of athletic identity, their definition of "sport" and "athlete", daily physical activity habits, and expectations regarding social recognition and privileges. All interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis via MAXQDA. To triangulate findings, BMI was measured as an objective health indicator for all participants, with weight and height measured using standardized instruments. The analysis followed a systematic process of open, axial, and selective coding to identify emergent themes. Results: Analysis revealed three core themes: 1) Strong belief in athletic identity based on the formal "esports" title and comparison with traditional athletes 2) Expectation of social privileges equivalent to athletes (financial support) 3) Justification of sedentary lifestyle using their "athlete" status, considering physical activity unnecessary. Objective data showed average BMI >30. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that labeling esports participants as "athletes" without simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of physical activity fosters a dangerous illusion. This misperception not only undermines the conceptual integrity of sport—traditionally rooted in physical exertion and health promotion—but also directly jeopardizes gamers' health, as evidenced by the alarming obesity rates among participants. There is an urgent need for institutional responsibility in redefining terminology and implementing mandatory health protocols that explicitly distinguish between cognitive competition and physical athletic requirements. |
| Keywords |
| Esports, Athletic Identity, Physical Health, Sport Authenticity. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
