In the rapidly evolving world of competitive gaming or esports, mental agility is as vital as physical prowess. This article delves into the psychological intricacies of esports, revealing how a player’s mindset can influence performance. It explores the significance of mental resilience and unwavering focus in the high-pressure scenarios commonly encountered in competitive gaming.
Throughout the article, we will explore five different practices related to mental health used by professional esports teams, ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to group therapy. We will further delve into the effectiveness of these treatments and the professionals who have been instrumental in implementing them.
Accompanied by real-life examples from the esports industry, this comprehensive review highlights the importance of mental health in esports and sheds light on the treatment strategies adopted to maintain and enhance players’ psychological well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular treatment approach in the esports industry. It offers an effective way for players to navigate mental hurdles. Administered by mental health professionals, including therapists and psychologists, CBT operates on the premise of altering detrimental thought and behavior patterns. This method helps players unravel their anxieties, unpack fears, and build mental resilience, enhancing performance.
Esports organization Fnatic, among others, has been quite vocal in endorsing CBT for its players. This process typically entails one-on-one sessions where players openly express their fears, ranging from underperformance in a match to scrutiny from fans and the public.
One esports professional publicly acknowledged benefiting from CBT is Michael “Imaqtpie” Santana. He was a professional League of Legends player from 2011 to 2013, and during his time with Team Dignitas, he grappled with performance anxiety and stress. To mitigate these challenges, Santana collaborated with therapist John Gelling, utilizing CBT techniques to improve his psychological well-being.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is another popular tool among esports athletes. It is a self-guided practice that encourages individuals to focus on their present experiences moment by moment. This aids in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mental focus and resilience.
Weldon Green, a well-respected Sports Psychology Trainer and Mindfulness Coach, is instrumental in bringing mindfulness meditation to the forefront of esports. He has worked with numerous professional players and teams, teaching them to incorporate meditation techniques into their daily routines to enhance mental balance.
One well-known player who benefited from Green’s training is Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg. From 2015 to 2020, during his stint with Team SoloMid in the North American League of Legends Championship Series, Bjergsen routinely used mindfulness meditation. This practice gave him a mental equilibrium to balance the intense physical and strategic preparations required by competitive gaming.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a practice that teaches players to control physiological processes such as heart rate and muscle tension. It’s often utilized to maintain calm and focus during the high-pressure scenarios typical of competitive gaming.
Dr. Izzy Justice, a recognized name in the esports industry and the founder of EQSports, has been instrumental in implementing biofeedback practices. Dr. Justice’s methods have been incorporated into the training regimes of several prominent esports organizations.
Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson, a renowned Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player, notably advocates biofeedback techniques. Active for FaZe Clan from 2017 to 2020, Olof Meister managed his stress levels during major tournaments using these techniques. The team’s mental coach, Robert Yip, introduced and supervised these practices, helping the team maintain psychological stability during the most challenging times.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment initially created to ease distress associated with traumatic memories. Over time, it has been adapted to help esports players combat performance anxiety and stress. EMDR specialists such as Emma Bardwell have collaborated with various esports organizations to implement this treatment effectively.
Hai “Hai” Du Lam, a retired professional League of Legends player, has openly shared his experiences with EMDR. Active from 2013 to 2018 for Cloud9, Hai battled severe anxiety during his career. Through the implementation of EMDR, he could effectively navigate these mental challenges, highlighting the effectiveness of this treatment within the esports landscape.
Group Therapy
While not as commonly implemented as other techniques, group therapy fosters communication and conflict-resolution skills within esports teams. Led by a trained therapist or psychologist, group therapy sessions encourage team bonding and cohesiveness. Mia Stellberg, a well-known sports psychologist, has been instrumental in integrating group therapy within esports teams, including the successful Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team Astralis.
Peter “Dupreeh” Rasmussen, an Astralis player active from 2016 to 2022, vouched for the benefits of group therapy in enhancing team dynamics and managing intra-team conflicts. His testimony underlines the importance of group therapy in facilitating better team coordination and conflict resolution.
From mastering concentration and maintaining focus during intense matches to developing resilience and coping mechanisms, the mental skills of competitive gamers are at the forefront of esports. It is no secret that bettors take professional competitions seriously.
To conclude, it is clear that the psychological dimension of esports is deep and intricate. Mental resilience, focus, and an optimal mindset are critical for success. As the industry grows, the importance of these attributes will only become more pronounced, making mental health management a vital aspect of esports.
Applying CBT, mindfulness meditation, biofeedback, EMDR, and group therapy is essential for ensuring players’ well-being, which ultimately contributes to their performance in high-stakes competitions.
