Like most Gen Zs, my teen years were shaped by the tidal wave of online content that defined the 2010s. Before vertical videos and influencers took over, Minecraft Let's Plays, GTA V heists, and Call of Duty montages ruled YouTube. Gaming felt raw and personal, and watching creators like CaptainSparklez and PewDiePie wasn’t just entertainment – it was my daily ritual. Now, what started as a niche corner of the internet is a multi-billion-dollar industry with corporate sponsors and million-dollar prize pools.
Disappointingly, the adults around me never seemed to get it. “Why not just play the game yourself?” they’d ask. And yet, no one questions a Manchester United fan for cheering on their team instead of being on the pitch. Esports, like football, demand no less – from the lightning-fast reflexes of a Valorant player to the strategic depth of a League of Legends team, pro gamers are pushed to their physical and mental limits.
To explore the rise of esports, Masala spoke with gamers across the spectrum – competitive players and fans – to hear their thoughts on how gaming has evolved and why it continues to mean so much to them.
Jaspal Ratta, Twitch Streamer / Talon Esports Team Thailand
How would you describe your relationship with games? Is it more casual or competitive?
I’ve been in the esports industry for three years and started streaming during that time. Initially, I began streaming to archive my gameplay videos, but as my channel grew organically, I recognized the potential in streaming. Shroud was a significant inspiration for me back in the day, and I’ve always admired his journey.
Do you still play games for fun outside of streaming?
Yes, I still play video games for fun outside of streaming. Gaming has always been an integral part of my life. I started with console games as a child and eventually transitioned to PC gaming. My favorite game to play off-stream is Valorant.
What are some recent esports events you’ve attended, and how did they impact you?
The most recent esports event I attended was VCT Pacific Stage 2 in Korea. I was absolutely amazed by the scale of the event. It reaffirmed my confidence in the esports industry and its promising trajectory.
Pavani Kaur, Women’s League QUT Esports Championships
How would you describe your relationship with games? Is it more casual or competitive?
I play both casual and used to play competitively representing the University of Melbourne in Australia. Currently, I’m playing with my university friends and we’re trying to be the best in Oceania, so we play ranked a lot (laughs).
Do you play the same games you enjoy watching in esports?
Yes, I watch some LCO (League of Legends Circuit Oceania), but mostly world championships for League. It encourages me to be better, and I enjoy watching and chatting with friends. One of the main reasons I play League is the amazing music. I also play FPS games like Valorant. It’s more collaborative and I love this game a lot more than League (laughs). Mainly because players are less toxic and friendlier. I also used to play a lot of Call of Duty and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, but these days I lean towards Valorant and League.
Bui Tung, Avid Gamer
How would you describe your relationship with games? Is it more casual or competitive?
I love video games. They have been an important aspect of my day-to-day life for a very long time, helping me get through tough times, and bringing in some much needed positivity. I used to be a big fan of playing competitively. I grinded a lot of Dota 2 and Valorant in the past reaching to around the mid ranks of Dota and Ascendant 1 in Valorant. Nowadays, I mainly play games to hang out with friends.
Do you play the same games you enjoy watching in esports?
Yes, I do. During lockdown, I followed the Dota and Valorant pro scenes extensively, inspiring incorporating strategies I learned from the pros with my friends. These days, however, I watch esports purely for entertainment. As for gaming preferences, I’m an FPS fan. Multiplayer games have been such a staple for me that single-player games, feel slow and less engaging in comparison. For instance, I enjoyed Hogwarts Legacy for a few hours but quickly lost interest. My current game rotation includes Marvel Rivals, Delta Force Extraction, and some Dota here and there.
Navaporn "Nava" Sirichantaropas, Avid Gamer
How would you describe your relationship with games? Is it more casual or competitive?
Gaming feels like a childhood best friend—full of comfort and playfulness, always evolving but never fading. In my teens, gaming was often seen as something for “nerds” or “losers,” and I juggled that perception with being an outgoing teenager. Now, as gaming becomes more widely accepted, I’m proud it’s always been a part of me—and that I never stopped doing what I love.
Do you play the same games you enjoy watching in esports?
Generally, I like to watch any kind of game, whether it’s competitive or a one-off storyline game. I don’t categorize myself by genre—I love FPS, MOBA, indie games, or whatever else comes my way. But the games that have stuck with me most are competitive ones like League of Legends and relaxing ones like The Sims series. I also find storyline games to be entertaining, competitive, sociable, and inspiring.