Esports — where they teach. Development of esports education.

Esports is rapidly growing, transforming from a hobby into a multimillion-dollar industry with global tournaments and high prize pools. Alongside this growth, there is an increasing demand for training young players and preparing professional esports athletes. In response to this demand, various educational institutions have started to emerge, offering courses and programs for esports education. In this article, we will discuss where and how one can learn esports, detailing the academies, schools, and universities that provide training for future professionals in this field.

**Esports Schools and Academies**
One of the initial steps towards a professional esports career can be education in specialized esports schools and academies. These institutions offer programs that cover not only practical gaming skills but also strategic thinking, team development, physical and psychological training. Here, future players learn not only how to win games but also how to handle pressure, work in a team, and enhance their tactical abilities.

**Examples of Esports Academies**
1. **Fnatic Academy**: One of the most well-known academies founded by the esports organization Fnatic. The academy offers professional training in various gaming disciplines such as CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2, providing students access to cutting-edge methodologies and coaches.
2. **Na’Vi Academy**: The organization Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) opened its academy to train young players who may eventually join the main team roster. The academy programs include intensive training, strategic sessions, and participation in tournaments.
3. **Gamer Sensei**: This online platform offers lessons and individual training with professional coaches. Players can choose their gaming disciplines and receive mentorship from experienced esports athletes.

**Esports in Universities**
With the increasing popularity of esports, traditional educational institutions like universities and colleges have begun offering programs and courses related to this industry. Many universities view esports as part of modern education, providing training in areas such as managing esports teams, game development, analytics, and streaming.

**Examples of Universities with Esports Programs**
1. **Staffordshire University (UK)**: The university offers one of the world’s first esports programs. Students can study aspects of managing esports projects, marketing in esports, and participate in esports tournaments as part of their curriculum.
2. **University of California Irvine (USA)**: This university provides a comprehensive program including courses on esports, computer science, and game design. The institution actively supports the development of student teams and participation in professional tournaments.
3. **Full Sail University**: An American university specializing in digital arts and media, offering a dedicated esports program covering content creation, marketing, team management, and tournament organization.

**Online Courses and Training**
In the age of digital technology, esports education has become accessible online. There are various platforms and courses available that allow both novice and experienced players to develop their skills under the guidance of professionals. These courses offer flexible schedules and access to lessons from top coaches.

**Popular Online Platforms**
1. **Udemy**: On this platform, one can find courses on esports covering individual gameplay as well as team interactions. The courses encompass different games, strategies, and tournament preparation methods.
2. **MasterClass**: The platform offers courses from renowned professional players and coaches who share their knowledge and experience. It is a great opportunity for those seeking to learn the secrets of successful gameplay and professional growth.
3. **Twitch and YouTube**: Many professional players and coaches provide training through streaming platforms. In these educational videos, tactics, strategies, and mistakes made by novice players are analyzed.

**Benefits of Esports Education**
Education in specialized schools and academies, participation in university programs, and online courses offer numerous advantages for those seriously considering a career in esports. Here are some key aspects:

1. **Professional Growth**: Education in specialized schools and academies helps players develop all the necessary skills for a successful career, including technical gaming skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
2. **Access to Professional Coaches**: Educational institutions and online platforms provide opportunities to receive mentorship from experienced esports athletes and coaches who know how to prepare players for high-level competitions.
3. **Opportunities for Tournament Participation**: Many academies and universities allow their students to participate in tournaments and championships, enabling them to practically apply their acquired knowledge and skills, as well as gain experience in competitive play.
4. **Networking and Support**: Educational institutions and courses enable students to establish contacts with professionals in the industry, which can help players in the future to find teams, sponsors, or secure contracts with major esports organizations.

**Conclusion**
Esports today is a dynamically growing industry that requires professional skills and a serious approach to training. Esports schools, academies, university programs, and online courses open up new opportunities for those who want to become professional players or find their place within this industry. Regardless of where and how you choose to learn, esports offers vast prospects for those willing to dedicate themselves to this exciting field.