The concept of grown men, spending their entire days locked inside their rooms playing video games until the end of time, was once laughed upon by athletes and sports personalities from around the world.

However those skeptics soon realized the potential that the industry offers. Gone are those days when esports events were held in small auditoriums and malls as they've likewise reached the grandeur stages, filling up stadiums as if the Beetles have made a return tour.

Given its rising popularity, esports is projected to be a billion dollar industry in the upcoming years which has garnered the attention of businessmen, celebrities, and athletes. Though there are still who would remain skeptical about the revenue earning patterns of the industry, some have already taken that leap of faith, ignoring the potential threats that the industry could offer.

Here are nine current and former professional athletes who are or were involved with the industry.

 

MICHAEL JORDAN

The greatest of all time in the world of basketball who suffers from a horrid display as an owner for the Charlotte Hornets decided to test his luck by investing on Team Liquid's parent company, aXiomatic back in 2018. Joining him is Golden State Warrior's co-owner Peter Guber, Bruce Karsh of Oaktree Capital Management, Washington Capitals' Ted Leonsis, Tampa Bay Lightning's Jeff Vinik, and most notably his former Olympic teammate, Magic Johnson. Jordan's obsession for winning is applicable with Team Liquid, who has been one of the most influential teams in esports as they made their mark in League of Legends, DOTA 2, and CS:GO.

This is considered to be Michael's first venture into esports and given his net worth which stands at $1.6 billion as well as his endorsement deals, it makes sense for him to take a risk on the industry.

 

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL

Shaq's dominance inside the paint not only translates on the court but has likewise been applicable in his life as seen with his multiple business ventures ranging from fitness, car washing, restaurants, etc. His decision to serve as an investor and advisor to NRG Esports has added another portfolio in his business empire. Shaq's doctorate degree from Barry University, where he discussed about, “The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles,” could aid him in establishing the organization's culture that could serve as a marketing tool to establish an esports community. This could also be used to further enhance the entertainment value in the content creation side of esports, as Shaq has his usual over the top, cringe-inducing persona which compliments the esports industry.

 

RICK FOX

Shaq couldn't have established a dynasty in the NBA if it weren't for the pieces surrounding him, which included defensive specialist Rick Fox. Like his teammate Shaq, Fox ventured into esports though he did it earlier than his teammate when he established Echo Fox in 2015 with his business partners Amit Raizada and Khalid Jones. Fox's decision to be involved in esports is caused by his relationship with his son who was an avid League of Legends fan.

Though Echo Fox remains to be one of the most prominent teams in esports due to how they were once perceived as a team to bridge esports to the mainstream media, the team experienced a digression which started with a conflict between Rick Fox and Amit Raizada. This led to the team's disbandment which occurred on November 2019, one of the darkest chapters in esports history as it raises questions regarding the industry's viability and future.

 

DAVID BECKHAM

When news broke that soccer superstar David Beckham invested heavily on Guild Esports, it was a landmark moment. It propelled the organization to be publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange back in October 2020. Reports circulate that Beckham's recent venture can earn him around $20 million over the next five years.

This makes Beckham not only an icon in the footballing community but also an influential figure in the gaming industry not only for his appearances in Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series but also for his involvement with the business side of the industry. His marketing appeal which has been a staple in his career could further enhance the growth of the team beyond its usual borders in Valorant, Rocket League, and FIFA 21.

 

RONALDINHO

If his flashy tricks and flamboyant personality makes him one of the most marketable soccer personalities in the 2000s, this could likewise be translated in esports as well. He became the official brand ambassador of SCUF Gaming, a Brazilian based gaming organization who have decided to help Ronaldinho in establishing his own esports team, R10, which he named after his initials and jersey number. Ronaldinho aims to enhance the FIFA and PES scene in Brazil, similar to what happened with soccer and futsal.

It remains a mystery if R10 has already finalized their player lineups for their respective games. Let's just hope that his partying antics which was criticized during his playing career doesn't affect the organization.

 

MIKE TYSON

Besides appearing in movies and in Wrestlemania XIV where he joined D'Generation X only for him to end up shifting sides by helping “Stone Cold” Steve Austin win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, the baddest man on the planet and boxing hall of famer has even made his mark in the esports scene.

“Iron” Mike Tyson announced that he investment on Fade 2 Karma back in 2019, an esports team known for producing Hearthstone players. Tyson's involvement has given the organization a new streaming facility near his marijuana company in Los Angeles. The facility features private livestreaming rooms, a performance stage for tournaments, and a rooftop party area, a knockout blow that could echo in the esports scene for ages.

 

FERNANDO ALONSO

Taking a detour and encountering a new pitstop along the way is the perfect metaphor for Fernando Alonso's decision to incorporate esports in his life. The two-time Formula 1 champion launched an esports team with Formula 3 driver, Jamie Chadwick back in 2019. He has also invested on Motorsport Games, stating his excitement for the scene's future.

Prior to his involvement with Jamie Chadwick, Alonso was part of G2's simulation racing team, though it dissolved in 2018. His involvement could open doors for simulation to serve as an avenue for Formula 1 and NASCAR racers to further improve their driving skills.

 

ALEX RODRIGUEZ

Other than Shaquille O'Neal, Major League Baseball star Alex Rodriguez has also invested on NRG Esports.

Though his ventures into esports has opened more doors to break barriers between gaming and physical sports, his statements in 2019 remains questionable. A-Rod took shots on esports, stating the this generation will die earlier than previous generations due to their gaming habits and that parents should encourage kids to go outside and perform physical activities.

This statement is misleading given that esports organizations have already incorporated nutrition and physical activities to improve the welfare of players. Even after his controversial statements, A-Rod is still part of NRG's leadership, an opportunity for him to redeem himself by scoring a home run for the industry.

 

DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON

UFC fighter Demetrious Johnson already raised the white flag when he mentioned that, “esports is way more popular than MMA,” signifying his support and respect for the industry. He may have been one of the most dominant fighters in the octagon, but his brute strength isn't enough for him to contradict the idea of esports as a rising industry. He is afterall a proud gamer to begin with and he would like to connect his passion for martial arts with his love for video games.

So when One Championship, a Singaporean based martial arts organization, wanted to establish their esports brand, they chose Demetrious Johnson as their Chief Brand Ambassador promoting their core concepts that are prominent in both martial arts and gaming which is none other than competition and community.


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