The relationship between gaming and athletic performance
Whether you’ve made it to International level or are still on your way to turning pro, as an athlete, you dedicate countless hours to training your body for peak performance. But what about your mind? Physical strength and endurance will only take you so far…your ability to make quick decisions, read the game, and stay mentally sharp under pressure is just as crucial.
This is where playing digital games comes in. Seriously! Whether it’s the strategic depth of a digital card game like blackjack or the teamwork cultivated through multiplayer video games, different genres can fine-tune the skills that set elite athletes apart. More than just an entertaining way to pass the time, gaming is emerging as a valuable tool for mental conditioning, decision-making, and even recovery.
The Benefits of Gaming for Athletes
Whether you prefer playing on a console, PC, or mobile device, gaming has never been more accessible. It can also be incorporated into your schedule to support your existing training regime.
Unlike physical workouts that put strain on your body, gaming allows you to sharpen your mind while recovering from intense sessions. It’s no surprise that many professional athletes, from NBA stars to UFC fighters, are vocal about their love for playing games.
The rise of eSports - the professional competitive arm of the gaming industry - has also contributed to the sector’s credibility as a high-performance activity. Studies show that top eSports players possess exceptional reaction times, mental endurance, and problem-solving skills - qualities that you, as a traditional athlete, rely on too.
So, what are the benefits of playing different digital games? Let’s find out!
Think about the last time you had to make a split-second decision during a competitive event. Did you trust your instincts? Could you successfully analyse the limited information you had to hand? Strategic thinking is one of the most important skills in professional sports and athletics, and gaming can provide a really simple way to train it.
Going back to the example of blackjack, for instance. This is more than just a game of chance, it forces you to calculate probabilities, weigh risks, and make the best possible decision with incomplete information. The cognitive process behind this mirrors what happens in high-pressure sporting and athletics scenarios.
Academic research over the years suggests that competitive card players develop superior strategic reasoning and heightened decision-making skills, indicating the efficacy of blackjack as mental training. Even if you’re completely new to the game you can still benefit, plus given how readily available it is to play in different formats via online platforms, it’s never been easier to learn. Or, simply pick up a deck of cards and practice in the locker room for a fun way to potentially develop a competitive edge.
2. Enhancing Focus and Concentration
How long can you stay locked in during an event? Do you find yourself losing focus under pressure? The best athletes in the world have an uncanny ability to stay mentally engaged, even in the most high-stakes situations. Gaming, particularly games that demand sustained attention, can help strengthen this skill.
Chess is a perfect example. It forces you to anticipate moves and develop adaptable long-term strategies. There’s a reason why many elite athletes, from boxing champion Lennox Lewis to basketball icon Kobe Bryant, have been avid chess players. The mental discipline it builds translates directly into sports performance.
Additionally, first-person shooter (FPS) games, such as the Call of Duty series and CS:GO, take focus training to another level. These titles demand lightning-fast reactions, as you track multiple moving targets and enemies at once.
3. Stress Relief and Recovery
High-performance athletes don’t just train hard, they recover smart! Mental fatigue is just as real as physical exhaustion, so finding ways to decompress is essential if you want to sustain peak performance.
So far, we’ve focused on gaming genres that encourage skills development, but this is as much an activity that can provide an escape from the relentless pressures of competition. Forget the console or gaming rig, a smartphone is the best tool of choice here, as so-called cosy mobile games allow athletes to unwind without overloading their minds.
Titles like Spiritfarer and Strange Horticulture are lightweight, engaging and generally quite morale-boosting, so they’re a useful tool if you’re looking to mentally recharge. It’s no coincidence that many professional teams and leagues now incorporate gaming lounges into their training set-ups, as it’s becoming a truly effective way to reset and refocus during a gruelling season.
