Leaders of the Level Playing Field - Testing the applicability of a theoretical framework from sports management theory in an eSport context

Abstract: ESports, or the competitive play of video games, is a growing global phenomenon that has captured the interest of many scholars of different academic fields. Previous research suggests that there is a link between leadership in sport and eSport organizations. This thesis aims to study this link by using the Multilevel conceptual model of leadership in sport management by Peachy et al. The model outlines differentiating factors that have a unique influence on the leadership processes in sport organizations. Through a qualitative multi-case study, we seek empirical validation for the applicability of the model. A total of six people from four different eSport organizations took part in in-depth interviews. From the results we have analyzed the extent to which these factors and conditions are also present in the context of eSports. Largely we found that they are present and that the model is a good fit for studying leadership in eSport organizations. However, some revisions would have to be made. The most significant being the separate study of the developers that provide the game in which eSport is practiced. Ultimately this thesis recommends future research to further establish the link between eSport and sport.