The Growing World of Esports Careers

The global esports market was valued at $560.6M in 2024. It’s expected to grow to $649.4M in 2025 and reach $2.07B by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 18%. This growth creates career options in many areas, from creative fields to technical and business roles.

Students often begin with an interest in gaming, but the real opportunities appear when they see how esports connects to technology, media, and production work. These are the same skills used in digital industries across the country.

Career Options in Esports and Related Fields

Esports encompasses various domains, from traditional roles such as marketing, HR, and finance to industry-specific positions like shoutcasters, coaches, event coordinators, and, you guessed it, professional players. It also includes surprising career options like beauticians and physical therapists, catering to the unique needs of professional players and teams. Think of it this way: a football team isn't solely composed of players, and a pharmaceutical company doesn't exclusively collaborate with chemical engineers and pharmacists. The esports industry presents a multitude of opportunities.

• Finance and Accounting: These experts manage the finances to support the organization's growth.

• Sales and Partnerships: Work on acquiring sponsorships, partnerships, and sales opportunities, contributing to the financial growth of esports organizations and events.

• Product Manager: Oversee the development and lifecycle of esports-related products, ensuring that they meet the needs of the market and audience.

• Agent: Represent professional players or teams, handling contracts, sponsorships, and other business-related aspects.

• Legal Services: They handle contracts, intellectual property, and other legal aspects of esports.

• Graphic Designer: Create visual content such as logos, banners, and promotional materials for esports teams, events, and organizations.

• Marketing and Public Relations: Esports organizations require skilled marketers to promote their brand and engage with fans.

• Human Resources: HR professionals are crucial in team dynamics and ensuring player well-being.

• Game Designers and Developers: They create and develop the games that are at the core of the esports industry. Behind every popular esports game, there is a team of talented developers and designers who work tirelessly to create immersive and competitive gaming experiences.

• Physical Therapists and Trainers: These individuals help players maintain peak physical condition.

• Nutritionists: They ensure players follow a healthy diet to perform their best.

• Psychologists: Mental health professionals help players cope with the pressures of competitive gaming.

• Lawyers and Legal Advisors: These experts manage contracts and legal matters for players and organizations.

• Esports Management: The esports industry requires skilled professionals to manage teams, organizations, and events. Esports managers oversee operations, handle contracts, and ensure the success of their teams or organizations.

• Community Managers: Community managers play a critical role in bridging the gap between players, teams, and organizations. They engage with fans, answer questions, and create a welcoming and inclusive community for all esports enthusiasts.

These jobs exist because teams function like sports programs or small companies.

Alongside these roles are the broader technology and creative careers linked to gaming and interactive media.

New Career Pathways in Esports: Game Design, Cybersecurity & Tech Careers

Districts across the country are expanding CTE programs in digital and technical fields. Scholastic Esports connects naturally to these areas.

Game Design and 3D Development

Students learn how games work and build basic prototypes. The global 3D market is projected to reach about 703.4 billion dollars by 2030. This makes 3D literacy a high value skill for students. These skills lead toward careers such as

• Game designers

• Technical artists

• Level designers

• Gameplay programmers

• 3D environment artists

• Virtual production staff

• Digital asset creators

• Simulation and training developers

Cybersecurity and IT

Esports depends on networks, security, and technology infrastructure. Students who enjoy the technical side often move into fields such as

• Cybersecurity analysts

• Network technicians

• IT support

• System administrators

Aligned courses, such as Cybersecurity Fundamentals, prepare students for certifications like ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity and compTIA Security+

Media Production and Broadcasting

Esports events need

• Camera operators

• Replay operators

• Editors

• Producers

• Shoutcasters

• Stage tech

• Sound and lighting

Students gain experience that links directly to AV and media production pathways.

How Esports Overlaps with CTE Pathways

That’s right! Esports overlaps with many CTE pathways, particularly the Arts, Entertainment, & Design Career Cluster and Digital Technology Cluster, thanks to the content and skills emphasized in related esports curriculums. A comprehensive esports curriculum prepares students for high-demand careers by integrating several clusters:

1. Design and Digital Arts
   Careers in this cluster focus on creating visually engaging digital content such as animation, graphic design, augmented reality, and web design. Students develop artistic and technical skills for careers in:

   • Digital Animation

   • Game Design

   • Graphic Arts

   • Fashion & Interior Design

     
     

2. Lighting and Sound Technology
   This cluster focuses on sound engineering and lighting design, critical for projects in film, music, and immersive experiences. Professionals in this field craft engaging atmospheres that elevate artistic projects, including:

   • Audio & Visual Technology

   • Lighting Design

   • Sound Engineering

     
     

3. Media Production and Broadcasting
   This pathway introduces students to careers in broadcasting, filmmaking, and journalism, helping them master skills like storytelling and technical production. Examples include:

   • Broadcasting Technology

   • Video Production

   • Journalism

     
     

4. Performing Arts
   Esports also integrates performing arts with stage design and management, enabling students to explore creative and technical roles like:

   • Performing Arts

   • Stage Design & Management

     
     

5. IT and Cybersecurity
   Falling under the Digital Technology Cluster, this pathway equips students with critical IT and cybersecurity skills, such as network administration and ethical hacking. Careers include:

   • Cybersecurity Analysts

   • Network Administrators

   • IT Support Specialists

How Schools Can Support Esports Careers

1. Start with an Esports Club: Clubs provide a low-barrier entry point, fostering interest and teamwork.

2. Implement Esports Curriculums: Use esports curriculum in CTE, electives, or exploratory rotations. Courses such as Careers in Gaming, Media Production Fundamentals, Game Design Fundamentals, and Cybersecurity Fundamentals give students hands on experience.

3. Leverage Grants and Funds: Esports programs often qualify for CTE, digital learning, or attendance related funds.

4. Provide Clear Expectations: Link participation to attendance and grades. Schools using this model see stronger engagement and a positive school culture.

5. Give Teachers Support: Explore professional development options to learn more about utilizing esports and video games in classroom.

Esports Industry Offers Many Career Opportunities Beyond Professional Gaming

The esports industry offers far more than competitive play. It introduces students to design, media, technology, leadership, and problem solving. When schools align esports with CTE pathways, students gain a clear view of real careers they can pursue in the future. If you are curious about jobs in the esports sector, you can browse hitmarker to get an idea about what each position entails.

If you want to support students as they explore digital careers, Gameplan can help you structure your program, align it with CTE needs, and provide ready to teach curriculum. Schedule a meeting with us here.