eSports, once seen as a niche pastime, is rapidly gaining ground in South Africa. This rise is not just about gaming and entertainment, but about cultivating essential 21st-century skills in students.

Projected to be a $3 billion industry by 2027, with careers ranging from professional players to game developers, data analysts, and event organisers, it is imperative for schools to start introducing eSports as early as possible, to prepare students for a world where digital fluency and adaptability are non-negotiable, an education expert says.

Desiree Hugo, Academic Head of Schools at JSE-listed ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider, says the institution has embraced eSports to foster critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy among its students.

“Far from casual play, ADvTECH’s approach encourages students to strategise, collaborate, and compete at the highest levels, transforming virtual arenas into dynamic classrooms. By embedding these skills into an engaging and competitive framework, we are able to ensure that students are not just participants but active learners, honing abilities that are critical for success in an increasingly digital world.”

Central to this strategy is ADvTECH’s partnerships with industry leaders, which elevate the eSports experience beyond the school campus and into structured, competitive environments. These collaborations provide students with access to professional-grade platforms where they can test their mettle, refine their communication, and sharpen their leadership and decision-making skills.

The broader vision that should be driving eSports initiatives, is to prepare students for a future where technology and innovation dominate, says Hugo.

“By immersing them in a safe and managed gaming ecosystem, we are opening doors to careers in STEM, game design, coding, and beyond. Students who have a keen interest and learn to strategise in Minecraft today might code their own games tomorrow or analyse data to optimise performance in professional eSports leagues.

“This isn’t just about keeping pace with trends, it’s about anticipating the interests and needs of tomorrow’s workforce and giving students a headstart. Through this blend of competition and creativity, schools are able to support a generation equipped to thrive in fields that are redefining the global economy.”

Hugo says it’s not just about winning tournaments—it’s about experiencing life  in a tech-driven world.

“For a generation experiencing a digital economy, the skills honed in virtual design and collaboration may likely be their greatest asset in future.”