Overview

This is the first book to focus on the psychology of esports and competitive gaming, bridging the gap between traditional sports psychology and the unique demands of digital competition. In doing so, it provides comprehensive insights into cognitive processes, motivation, personality traits, performance enhancement techniques, and the challenges faced by professional esports players. The book is structured into three distinct sections, addressing the Foundations of Esports Psychology; Mental Optimization and Strategic Excellence; and Mental Health and Practical Applications. Featuring contributions from over 25 international experts, each chapter provides research insights and evidence-based strategies for competitive gaming environments. Topics include rapid decision-making in FPS/MOBA games, managing “always-on” training schedules, virtual team coordination, coping with online toxicity, and ethical considerations for young professionals. The book also emphasizes that esports requires distinct theoretical frameworks, rather than simply adapting traditional sports psychology. Written accessibly whilst maintaining academic rigour, this is essential reading for sports psychologists, esports coaches, competitive gamers, researchers, students in sports psychology and esports management programmes, and organizations building sustainable gaming ecosystems that prioritize excellence and player well-being.

Full Product Details

Author:   Benjamin T. Sharpe ,  Dylan R. Poulus
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Weight:   0.730kg
ISBN:  

9781041122067

ISBN 10:   1041122063
Pages:   294
Publication Date:   29 April 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available  
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Table of Contents

Section 1: Foundations of Esports Psychology 1.Introduction to Esports Psychology 2.Cognitive Processes in Esports 3.Motivation and Goal Setting in Esports 4.Expertise, Talent Identification, and Personal Traits in Esports Section 2: Mental Optimization and Strategic Excellence in Esports 5.Decision-Making and Strategic Thinking in Esports 6.Mental Skills Training in Esports 7.Performance Anxiety and Performing Under Pressure in Esports 8.Stress Management in Esports 9.Team Dynamics and Communication in Esports Section 3: Mental Health, Behavioural Dynamics, and Practical Applications in Esports 10.Addiction, Burnout, and Depression in Esports 11.Psychological Impacts of Toxicity in Esports 12.Bridging the Gap: Applying Esports Psychology Research in Practice 13.Technology and Ethical Considerations in Esports 14.Future Considerations in Esports Psychology Practice and Research 15.Closing Remarks

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Author Information

Benjamin T. Sharpe is a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology, and Director of the Human Attention Laboratory, within the Institute of Psychology, Business, and Human Sciences at the University of Chichester, UK. Dylan R. Poulus is a Senior Research Fellow at Movember, and a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Southern Cross University, Australia.

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