In recent years, the world of esports has exploded in popularity, attracting millions of viewers and generating billions in revenue. But what’s even more fascinating is the number of traditional athletes who have made the leap from physical sports to the digital arena.
These athletes have traded in their jerseys for gaming headsets, proving that the skills required for success in traditional sports can translate to the virtual world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the athletes who switched to esports, their journeys, and how they’re making waves in this rapidly growing industry.
The Rise of Esports and the Athlete Connection
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has become a global phenomenon. With games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite leading the charge, esports has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. But what’s even more intriguing is the crossover between traditional sports and esports. Many athletes have found a new passion in gaming, and some have even turned it into a second career.
The connection between traditional sports and esports isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. Both require intense focus, strategic thinking, and quick reflexes. Additionally, the competitive nature of sports translates well to the world of esports, where players are constantly striving to be the best. As a result, it’s no surprise that some athletes have found success in this new arena.
1. Gordon Hayward – From NBA to League of Legends
The NBA Star with a Passion for Gaming
Gordon Hayward, the NBA star known for his time with the Boston Celtics and now the Charlotte Hornets, is one of the most well-known athletes to make the switch to esports. Hayward has been an avid gamer for years, often streaming his gameplay on Twitch. His game of choice? League of Legends.
Hayward’s Journey into Esports
Hayward’s interest in gaming isn’t just a hobby; he’s taken it to the next level by investing in esports organizations and even participating in professional gaming events. In 2018, Hayward became a part-owner of the esports organization Gen.G, which competes in games like League of Legends and Overwatch. His involvement in the esports industry has helped bridge the gap between traditional sports and gaming, showing that the two worlds can coexist.
Rick Fox – From NBA to Esports Entrepreneur
The Three-Time NBA Champion Turned Esports Mogul
Rick Fox, a three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, is another athlete who has successfully transitioned into the world of esports. After retiring from basketball, Fox discovered a new passion in gaming and decided to invest in the industry.
Founding Echo Fox
In 2015, Fox founded Echo Fox, an esports organization that competes in games like League of Legends, Street Fighter, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Under Fox’s leadership, Echo Fox quickly became one of the most recognizable names in esports.Â
Although the organization faced some challenges and eventually disbanded, Fox’s impact on the industry is undeniable. He paved the way for other athletes to explore opportunities in esports and showed that the skills learned in traditional sports can be applied to the digital world.
3. Shaquille O’Neal – The NBA Legend Who Invested in Esports
Shaq’s Love for Gaming
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant players in NBA history, is also a big fan of gaming. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Shaq has embraced the world of esports with the same enthusiasm he brought to the basketball court.
Shaq’s Esports Investments
Shaq has invested in several esports organizations, including NRG Esports, which competes in games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rocket League. His involvement in the industry has helped bring more attention to esports, especially among traditional sports fans. Shaq’s presence in the esports world is a testament to the growing connection between sports and gaming.
4. Juju Smith-Schuster – NFL Wide Receiver Turned Gamer
The NFL Star Who Streams on Twitch
Juju Smith-Schuster, the talented NFL wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is another athlete who has found success in the world of esports. Known for his energetic personality and love of gaming, Smith-Schuster has become a popular figure in the gaming community.
Juju’s Twitch Career
Smith-Schuster is an active Twitch streamer, where he plays games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. His streams have attracted thousands of viewers, and he’s even participated in gaming tournaments. Smith-Schuster’s ability to balance his NFL career with his passion for gaming is impressive, and he’s become a role model for other athletes looking to explore esports.
5. David Beckham – The Soccer Icon Who Entered Esports
Beckham’s Foray into Gaming
David Beckham, the legendary soccer player known for his time with Manchester United and the LA Galaxy, has also dipped his toes into the world of esports. Beckham’s involvement in the industry is a clear indication of how mainstream esports has become.
Co-Owning Guild Esports
In 2020, Beckham became a co-owner of Guild Esports, a UK-based esports organization that competes in games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Valorant. Beckham’s investment in Guild Esports has helped elevate the organization’s profile and has brought more attention to the esports industry as a whole. His involvement shows that esports is no longer just a niche market but a legitimate career path for athletes.
6. Mesut Özil – The Soccer Star Who Founded His Own Esports Team
Özil’s Passion for Gaming
Mesut Özil, the German soccer star known for his time with Arsenal and Real Madrid, is another athlete who has embraced esports. Özil has been open about his love for gaming, particularly for the popular game Fortnite.
Founding M10 Esports
In 2018, Özil founded his own esports organization, M10 Esports, which competes in games like Fortnite and FIFA. Özil’s involvement in the industry has helped bring more attention to esports, especially in Europe. His passion for gaming and his willingness to invest in the industry have made him a key figure in the esports world.
7. Andre Igoudala – NBA Veteran and Esports Investor
Igoudala’s Interest in Esports
Andre Igoudala, the NBA veteran and four-time NBA champion, is another athlete who has shown a keen interest in esports. Igoudala has been vocal about his love for gaming and has even invested in the industry.
Investing in Players’ Lounge
Igoudala has invested in Players’ Lounge, a platform that allows gamers to compete for cash prizes. His involvement in the esports industry is a clear indication of his belief in the potential of gaming as a legitimate career path. Igoudala’s investment has helped bring more attention to the industry and has shown that esports is more than just a passing trend.
8. Chris Boucher – NBA Player and Twitch Streamer
Boucher’s Dual Career
Chris Boucher, the NBA player for the Toronto Raptors, is another athlete who has successfully balanced his basketball career with his passion for gaming. Boucher is an active Twitch streamer, where he plays games like Call of Duty and NBA 2K.
Boucher’s Twitch Success
Boucher’s Twitch streams have attracted a large following, and he’s even participated in gaming tournaments. His ability to balance his NBA career with his passion for gaming is impressive, and he’s become a role model for other athletes looking to explore esports. Boucher’s success in both worlds shows that it’s possible to excel in traditional sports and esports simultaneously.
9. Sergio Agüero – The Soccer Star Who Launched His Own Esports Organization
Agüero’s Love for Gaming
Sergio Agüero, the legendary soccer player known for his time with Manchester City, is another athlete who has embraced esports. Agüero has been open about his love for gaming, particularly for the popular game FIFA.
Founding KRÜ Esports
In 2020, Agüero launched his own esports organization, KRÜ Esports, which competes in games like FIFA, League of Legends, and Valorant. Agüero’s involvement in the industry has helped bring more attention to esports, especially in South America. His passion for gaming and his willingness to invest in the industry have made him a key figure in the esports world.
10. DeAndre Hopkins – NFL Star and Gamer
Hopkins’ Gaming Passion
DeAndre Hopkins, the NFL wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, is another athlete who has found success in the world of esports. Hopkins is an avid gamer and has even participated in gaming tournaments.
Hopkins’ Twitch Career
Hopkins is an active Twitch streamer, where he plays games like Call of Duty and Madden NFL. His streams have attracted thousands of viewers, and he’s become a popular figure in the gaming community. Hopkins’ ability to balance his NFL career with his passion for gaming is impressive, and he’s become a role model for other athletes looking to explore esports.
Conclusion
The crossover between traditional sports and esports is becoming more common as the gaming industry continues to grow. Athletes like Gordon Hayward, Rick Fox, and Shaquille O’Neal have shown that the skills required for success in traditional sports can translate to the virtual world. As esports continues to gain mainstream acceptance, we can expect to see more athletes making the switch and finding success in this exciting new arena.
Whether it’s through streaming, investing, or even competing, these athletes are proving that esports is more than just a hobby—it’s a legitimate career path. As the industry continues to evolve, the connection between traditional sports and esports will only grow stronger, creating new opportunities for athletes and gamers alike.
