E-tennis, XP x PHG Academy schools defend e-sports at Roland Garros eSeries

E-tennis is democratizing in the same way ase-sports. When it comes to e-sports, the notion is still very abstract for many. E-sports is a sport associated with electronic gaming. Instead of playing with a ball, or a racket, the e-sports uses controllers. In addition, the game is played on game consoles or computers. Games like League Of Legend have propelled the phenomenon all over the world. Today, contrary to what one might think, e-sports is not reserved for “geeks”. It brings together people from all walks of life in a large community.

These people gather at huge tournaments that take on the appearance of ever-growing shows. E-sports today reveals different talents but also develops in different aspects. Thus, this phenomenon encourages e-sports practice at all levels. The French Tennis Federation seizes the turning point of e-sports and organizes an international e-tennis tournament (1). By understanding the new challenges of eSports, she reveals talents. They come from schools or universities such as the XP school or the PHG Academy training centre.

E-sport, a new challenge for sport

The subject of e-sports divides. For some, it is not a real sport while for others it is the case. The phenomenon that has come to the fore in recent years is not new. Indeed, we see the emergence of e-sports competitions since the 90s in the United States or China. These two countries are the forerunners in the community. After years of development, the practice of E-sports is still misunderstood even if the sector tends to become professional. The comparison between e-sports and sport is raging. E-sports is often accused of not being legitimate in the face of sport. However, the two practices share many common values. The recognition of e-tennis within the French Tennis Federation illustrates this idea.

Sport is also defined as physical activity. The latter is exercised in the direction of play and effort. Its practice involves training and respecting rules. However, if you look more closely at certain sports, it is not necessarily appropriate to sweat to certify that it is a sport. For example, chess is a sport. Yet the player shows mental reflection performances rather than physical performance.

So for E-sport it’s a bit of the same. While some will say that just sitting behind a screen, others will say that E-sport should be recognized as a sport in the same way as chess. It could then fall into the category of “Mind Games”. Anyway, if the practice of e-sports is controversial because may still be too recent. However, it still brings together huge communities around the world.

It generates $950 million in revenue in 2019 (2). Thus, today, the practice is becoming more professional. It also sees e-sports schools opening up to train the talents of tomorrow. In this context and in the face of the rise of e-sports, the world of sport is considering new challenges in the field. This is the case of the tennis federation which organizes an e-tennis tournament. This is the Roland-Garros eSeries by BNP Paribas.

E-tennis e-sports players French Tennis Federation
E-sports players are often compared to athletes

E-tennis highlighted at Roland Garros eSeries by BNP Paribas

Thus, the practice of e-sports as well as that of e-tennis gain a little more legitimacy in the world of sport thanks to the Roland-Garros eSeries. Indeed, this event accompanies the promotion of the game. On the other hand, it also aims to enhance new talent. They also come from schools or universities specializing in e-sports. Thus, for the 4th edition of the Roland Garros eSeries, the French Tennis Federation is calling on two schools.

The XP school and the PHG Academy training centre have been chosen to help organise this event which takes place on the Strasbourg campus. Thus for a sector that is struggling to gain a place rightly, students will be able to participate in the implementation of the qualification stages and the provision of players in training. For the French Tennis Federation and Roland Garros, it is a question of offering students an experience on the field.

There is a real desire to have the e-sports sector recognized as a new opportunity for the tennis world. Thus, the French Tennis Federation is out of its comfort zone. She is moving towards a new adventure that seems to have a bright future ahead of her. Thus, for students of the XP school, reference in the e-sports and gaming professions, it is an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge of events and communication. On the other hand, for PHG students who own a campus in Bordeaux, this is an opportunity to take a concrete step in the world of e-sports as a future cyber-athlete.

Thus, with the organization of Roland Garros eSeries by PNB Paribas and sharing with sports schools, there is a real desire to make sport and e-sports coexist together. Indeed, these are two activities that are more similar than some people want to think. In particular, they share common values such as competition, performance and education. It may take a little more time for e-sports to rightly carve out a place in the world of sport. However, it seems to have started quite well with the e-tennis that invites itself to the French Tennis Federation.

Sources:

(1) “Schools XP x PHG Academy are committed to promoting eTennis at Roland Garros eSeries by BNP Paribas 2021: valuing practice and field experience” XP School and PHG Academy, press release of 15 April 2021
(2)”Key figures for esports in 2020″Moderator’s blog, article from 3 December 2020

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