CURRENT ISSUES OF ESPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT

Abstract

Introduction. Esports, or digital sport, is rapidly gaining popularity around the world, encompassing organised video game competitions where professional players and teams compete for titles, prize money, and recognition. Despite its rapid growth, esports faces a number of challenges that need to be addressed for its further development and integration into the sports movement. The main challenges include the lack of a unified definition of esports as a sport, a lack of infrastructure and funding, insufficient training and development of personnel, and health issues for players.In addition, the lack of uniform standards and international recognition creates barriers to the development of esports.The purpose of the study is to establish the preconditions for the development of esports as a separate sports discipline and determine its place in the Olympic movement.The research methods included an analysis of previous studies by various researchers, as well as data from specialised international websites and legal documents. The method of generalisation was also used.Results. Today, esports events are indirect sports spectacles. Competitive games (tournaments) that take place on digital platforms certainly represent a huge economic and marketing potential for promoting the digital industry in the economy. And the globalisation of esports has become possible due to the synergy of a spectacular game, professional athletes, the publicity of events involving a huge number of viewers around the world, marketing and business strategy. It is these processes inherent in traditional sporting events that form the main economic potential of the industry.Conclusions. The study analyses the socio-cultural, economic and legal aspects and professionalisation of players that form the basis for supporting the recognition of esports as a sport. The prerequisites and consequences of the development of the esports movement were also identified. Preliminary research and analysis of legal documents indicate significant prospects for the development of esports and its possible integration into the Olympic movement.