Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) and the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Tourism Management have recently embarked on a research journey to better understand eSports within the South African context, with the idea of contributing to the country’s tourism economy.

MSSA is recognised as the national controlling body for mind sports in South Africa, and is also an affiliate of the International eSports Federation. The objective of mind sports is to test mental strength rather than physical strength.

eSports can be described as online gaming, with organised competitions that take place up to a professional level. These online gaming platforms have been identified as a relatively new form of sport participation that expanded vastly, due to COVID-19, which forced people into their homes.

“eSports has further been identified as a platform that can significantly contribute to the South African tourism industry, especially with opportunities of participants from the African market. The industry is therefore keen to better understand the concept of eSports, its participants, motivations and travel behaviour,” MSSA said in a statement.

“Understanding this form of sport will inform the industry of the potential opportunities that can be capitalised on as well as the needs of the participants. Some of the envisaged sub-research topics will include the motivation and needs of eSports players, the motivation and needs of eSports spectators and the travel behaviours and economic spending of eSports participants.”

“We are truly looking forward to the results of these unique studies as they can guide the tourism industry on what improvements can be made to hopefully capture this market and reap the economic benefits,” TUT’s Dr Rosa Naudé-Potgieter stated.

The initiative is also part of the TUT Department of Tourism Management’s drive to have a footprint in gaming research in South Africa, in preparation for the introduction of the new Diploma Casino Resort Management qualification, which involves an element of gaming.

MSSA President, Colin Webster, is enthusiastic about the results of this study and stated: "The results will further clarify the eSports landscape which will benefit all involved whether they be sponsors, spectators, and/or athletes.”