Transformation of sports: Evaluation of the current and future of the esports ecosystem by the actors in the system

SUMMARY The purpose of this study is to determine the expert and athlete views on the concept of Electronic Sports and to examine the future of electronic sports with regulatory recommendations based on the current situation. Considering the possible development of E-sports, it involves interdisciplinary fields of study in a scientific context. Sports, technology, sociology, psychology, environmental psychology, anthropology, and similar fields need to work together in a common structure and the developmental processes of electronic athletes need to be monitored. On the other hand, recreational value needs to be emphasized, and preventive measures and practices need to be identified for its individual and societal impact. In this study, phenomenology and case study designs, two qualitative research methods, were utilized. The universe of the research consists of athletes participating in Turkish E-sports competitions, academics working in sports education institutions in Turkey, and experts and managers in the esports ecosystem. The sample of the research, selected through purposive sampling, consisted of academics with experience in teaching and working professionals in the management channel who have publications and studies on E-sports and players in various game genres competing internationally. Semi-structured questions were asked to the participants for the KGI evaluation. As a result of the study, 6 themes (field orientation, interest in Esports, ecosystem assessment, developmental stages and reasons, the future of esports, and expectations) and 23 sub-codes were formed. Considering the development of the electronic sports sector, awareness studies are needed to not fall behind in this field and to scientifically reveal the definitions related to this field. Especially, the opinions and orientations of sports scientists are important in terms of being accepted. In addition, it will be effective in identifying the problems of individuals who are electronic athletes in national and international contexts, taking preventive measures, and developing solutions. Keywords: Esports, Digital, Technology, Electronic Sports