Esports as an Olympic Sport

The question

How to approach this opinion essay question

An opinion (agree or disagree) essay needs a clear position from the introduction to the conclusion.

1. Paraphrase the statement and state your opinion in the introduction.
2. Give two main reasons, one per body paragraph, each with an example.
3. Consider the opposite view briefly, then explain why you still hold yours.
4. Conclude by restating your position in different words.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the growth of esports and the proposal to include it in the Olympics, then state your position, including how far you agree.
2. Body 1: the first reason for your position, such as the role of physical effort or the Olympic definition of sport, with a specific example.
3. Body 2: the second reason, such as the control of game rules by private companies, or the case for youth engagement, with a concrete example.
4. Body 3: acknowledge the strongest counter-argument (skill, dedication and a large audience), then explain why it does not settle the question.
5. Conclusion: restate your position and state what would have to change for your view to shift.

Idea bank

• Definition: the Olympic Games have traditionally rewarded measurable physical performance, so whether esports qualifies depends on how sport is defined.
• Control: most competitive games are owned by private developers, who can change rules, balance and updates without an independent sporting federation.
• Youth audience: esports attracts large numbers of younger viewers, which some sports bodies see as a reason to modernise the Games.
• Sponsorship concerns: esports events attract sponsors from the gambling and betting industries, raising questions about match-fixing and integrity.
• Counter-argument: esports players train for many hours and need teamwork and quick decisions, which some argue is as demanding as other competitive activities.
• Prize money: some tournaments offer prize pools running into millions of dollars, showing the scale of the industry but not settling whether it is a sport.

Useful vocabulary

• to recognise as a sport: The question is whether esports should be recognised as a sport.
• a governing body: A recognised governing body sets rules and oversees competition.
• a level playing field: Publisher-controlled rules may not create a level playing field.
• to be owned by: Most popular titles are owned by private companies rather than federations.
• to attract a young audience: Esports can attract a young audience that traditional sport struggles to reach.
• to cut against: This argument cuts against the Games' emphasis on physical effort.
• match-fixing: Gambling sponsorship raises concerns about match-fixing.
• a prize pool: Some tournaments have prize pools worth millions of dollars.
• to set a precedent: Adding esports could set a precedent for other video games.
• to be inclusive: Including esports could make the Games more inclusive for young viewers.

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'to what extent' with a simple yes or no, so the answer never gives a degree of agreement.
• Taking a position in the introduction and then supplying reasons that actually support the opposing view.
• Making the counter-argument paragraph longer than the rebuttal.
• Stating that esports is not a sport as a bare assertion, without first defining sport.
• Ignoring the Olympic framing, such as the role of international federations and the Olympic programme.

Examiner tip: Define sport early in the essay, since the whole argument depends on it, and then apply that definition consistently to esports and to your counter-argument.