The Blurred Line Between Work and Play : An exploratory study of how professional esports players perceive their employment

Abstract: The esports industry is a topic that has only recently become of interest to the researchers. In general, there is limited literature about the esports industry and its employment, and when it comes to professional players, it is even more scarce. However, esports is a growing phenomenon, and the professional players involved in that phenomenon require attention. This qualitative study analysed and explained the perceptions of professional esports players about their employment, which was done with the help of the serious leisure concept as well as its characteristics. The interpretive phenomenological approach was used, together with 10 semistructured interviews. In total, 6 individuals including 4 professional esports players and 2 commentators were interviewed. It was found that the line that separates serious leisure from a career for professional esports players is blurred, with many characteristics of serious leisure remaining a part of the players’ employment. These findings add to the literature by opening a window to the understanding of the complexity of careers that develop from hobby and serious leisure pursuits. Furthermore, the findings contribute to the understanding of the employment of professional esports players and the industry as a whole, which can be used to further research the financial stability of esports careers.