Esports under sports mega-event conventions: associational values, inclusivity, and national representation at the Commonwealth Games

Abstract

This case study explores the complexities involved when esports are produced under major sports event frameworks alongside of national esports associational stewardship. The qualitative study observes the inaugural entrance of esports at the 2022 Commonwealth Games from the standpoint of Oceanic region representatives as they manoeuvre from community to elite level tournaments, through developmental channels, and across various forms of esports governance. While esports is at the margins of the Commonwealth Games as a non-medal event, the emerging processes and dynamics concerning individuals, ­community-group interactions, and institutions presents a historic look at the state of esports outside of commercial organisation and entwined with traditional sports. Several themes were produced through reflexive thematic analysis drawing on observations, secondary document ­analysis, and interviews with participants who attended or organised the event throughout 2022. The central themes of gender equity, ­associational values, national representation, recruitment, and elite-­development pipelines are discussed.