More to the Story with Staley: Pro Gamers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Nothing compares to the NFL, especially the Super Bowl, as far as TV ratings and public interest. But there is another form of competition that is really gaining steam. Not only here in our area, but virtually all over America.

The Chiefs and the Eagles: Super Bowl 57! The biggest single day sporting event in the USA.

The NFL is now our national pastime, and nobody would question that football is a sport.

But are video games a sport? A controversial subject indeed. To some, it is more of a “mind sport.”

However, know this: those involved in esports, especially the serious professional gamers making big money, believe they are just as talented.

Jonathan Shroyer is a former pro gamer, who is now in administration and consulting. He works for Arise Virtual Solutions.

He said, “It’s similar to becoming a professional athlete. It is not easy. How fast is your eye coordination? You have to have amazing coordination. And only the best will rise to the top.”

Here in our area, esports, as well as professional gaming, is growing rapidly. It has been for the last decade or so. An arena was built outside of Nashville last year, specifically for esports.

Up in Johnson City, ETSU is even offering scholarships for esports.

If you make it as a pro gamer and you hook up with a team, you can make millions of bucks.

Shroyer says you might be surprised by all of these facts and figures. He’s not.

“I’m not surprised at all. But I think people outside of gaming are going ‘what’s this? You mean video games aren’t going to ruin my kids?’ All in all, it can help make them to be a better human being,” Shroyer said.

Shroyer says to become a pro gamer and make a living out of it, you need to start low and aim high. Get with a team, get noticed and practice.

Just like the guys on the gridiron do.