A new global study commissioned by Logitech reveals that nearly two-thirds of people worldwide (65%) support more formal education pathways in esports and gaming for aspiring professionals. The Logitech G PRO Series Survey, conducted by Censuswide with 18,000 respondents across 12 markets, highlights a growing acceptance of professional gaming as a legitimate career, though significant generational and regional divides persist.
Over half of respondents (54%) globally believe professional gaming is a legitimate career path. However, while two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials agree, only 37% of Baby Boomers share that view. The gap is even wider in some countries: in Germany, just 20% of Baby Boomers consider professional gaming legitimate, compared to 74% in China.
Derek Perez, Global Communications Gaming lead at Logitech G, commented: "This research shows how far esports and gaming have come – not only as entertainment, but as a genuine path to personal and professional success. However, more can be done to support younger generations in pursuing careers in professional gaming."
The survey also reveals that professional gaming (8%) is on par with musicians or actors (9%) and professional racers (8%) in terms of respectability, but far behind healthcare professionals (55%), lawyers (33%), and teachers (30%). Only 1% of Boomers and 3% of Gen X would encourage a young person to become a professional gamer, while 15% would recommend a career as a doctor.
Despite this, the appeal of esports careers is growing: 40% of respondents say professional gaming is more aspirational in 2026 than it was in 2016. The biggest barriers include perceived financial risk (42%), industry competitiveness (34%), and lack of parental and societal support (31%). A third of respondents think professional gaming lacks job security, and 42% say it is still seen as a hobby rather than a valid career.
There is recognition of the demands of competitive gaming: 84% see it as mentally demanding, and 55% as physically demanding. More than a third (37%) globally support adding esports to the Olympic Games, rising to 49% among Gen Z. Additionally, 27% of respondents believe gamers train 10–12 hours per day, exceeding the traditional 9-to-5 workday.
Almost half (47%) of respondents think schools should include esports classes in the curriculum, with strong support in Switzerland (73%), China (77%), and the USA (46%), but caution in the UK (32%), France (36%), and Germany (29%). Globally, 65% believe there should be formal education pathways from universities, colleges, and specialist courses for esports careers.
Respondents say more media coverage and professional training facilities (33%), transparency around earnings (32%), and inclusion in major global sporting events (30%) would increase the seriousness of professional gaming as a career.
Perez concluded: "Ensuring access to training, facilities, and technology is essential in ensuring the continued growth of careers in professional gaming. As a leader in gaming technology, Logitech G is committed to empowering everyone – from aspiring esports stars to everyday gamers – with gear designed for precision and reliability."
