Author Note
Oliver Leis, PhD, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4401-1417, oliver.leis@uni-leipzig.de
Benjamin T. Sharpe, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8539-9935, B.Sharpe@chi.ac.uk

Esports has rapidly evolved into a dynamic and widely popular field, engaging millions of players, coaches, and practitioners globally and opening new avenues for sport and exercise psychology research (e.g., Leis et al., 2021). As organized, multiplayer video game competitions involving professional teams or individuals, esports share notable similarities with traditional sports, requiring advanced cognitive functions, strategic thinking, and precise motor skills. Player success hinges on the ability to focus, adapt, and perform under intense pressure.

The field of esports has begun exploring stress, performance, well-being, and overall development, focusing on players, coaches, and support staff. For example, our early work provided critical insights into how esports athletes respond to stress (Leis & Lautenbach, 2020) and experience competitive environments (Leis et al., 2024a). We also highlighted strategies for improving stress management (e.g., Leis et al., 2023) and performance under pressure (e.g., Sharpe et al., 2024). This growing body of knowledge promises to enhance our understanding of the stress-performance link in esports and to support the development of targeted interventions that promote both well-being and competitive success.

Exploring the varied experiences of all esports stakeholders—players, coaches, and parents—will be key in establishing inclusive and supportive systems (e.g., Leis et al., 2021). These insights not only reveal the impact of stress on player psychophysiology and performance (e.g., Leis et al., 2024b), but also the broader development of individuals within the esports ecosystem.

Ultimately, we hope that this research will empower coaches, teams, and support staff to cultivate a healthier competitive environment, paving the way for long-term success. By integrating psychological principles into esports training and development, we can ensure that all individuals can thrive both on and off the screen.