Expertise, Talent Identification, and Personal Traits in Esports

Mark J. Campbell; Fazilat Hojaji; Sarah C. Cregan; Adam J. Toth

doi:10.4324/9781003663676-5

Expertise, Talent Identification, and Personal Traits in Esports

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of expertise development in esports, examining the complex interplay between technical skills, cognitive abilities, and psychological attributes that define elite performance. The research reveals how esports expertise requires integration of motor precision, perceptual-cognitive skill, strategic awareness, and psychological resilience, while highlighting the evolution from traditional manual scouting to AI-driven talent identification systems. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of personality traits such as emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience in predicting long-term success, while addressing significant challenges in balancing gaming performance with mental and physical health. Through comprehensive analysis of deliberate practice, emerging technologies, and holistic development approaches, this work provides a roadmap for sustainable talent development that benefits individual players, teams, and the broader esports industry.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Coresource 4
Publisher	TAYLOR and FRANCIS LTD
Pages	51-71
Number of pages	21
ISBN (Electronic)	9781003663676
ISBN (Print)	9781041122067, 9781041122210
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003663676-5
Publication status	Published - 2026

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

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10.4324/9781003663676-5

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title = "Expertise, Talent Identification, and Personal Traits in Esports",

abstract = "This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of expertise development in esports, examining the complex interplay between technical skills, cognitive abilities, and psychological attributes that define elite performance. The research reveals how esports expertise requires integration of motor precision, perceptual-cognitive skill, strategic awareness, and psychological resilience, while highlighting the evolution from traditional manual scouting to AI-driven talent identification systems. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of personality traits such as emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience in predicting long-term success, while addressing significant challenges in balancing gaming performance with mental and physical health. Through comprehensive analysis of deliberate practice, emerging technologies, and holistic development approaches, this work provides a roadmap for sustainable talent development that benefits individual players, teams, and the broader esports industry.",

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AU - Cregan, Sarah C.

AU - Toth, Adam J.

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AB - This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of expertise development in esports, examining the complex interplay between technical skills, cognitive abilities, and psychological attributes that define elite performance. The research reveals how esports expertise requires integration of motor precision, perceptual-cognitive skill, strategic awareness, and psychological resilience, while highlighting the evolution from traditional manual scouting to AI-driven talent identification systems. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of personality traits such as emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience in predicting long-term success, while addressing significant challenges in balancing gaming performance with mental and physical health. Through comprehensive analysis of deliberate practice, emerging technologies, and holistic development approaches, this work provides a roadmap for sustainable talent development that benefits individual players, teams, and the broader esports industry.

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PB - TAYLOR and FRANCIS LTD

ER -

Expertise, Talent Identification, and Personal Traits in Esports

Abstract

UN SDGs

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