Work

Jet lag and player wellbeing in esports: A call for research in the counter-strike scene

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article addresses growing concerns of jet lag and its potential impact on esports performance in the Counter-Strike scene. Pre-COVID, this esports scene experienced an oversaturation of tournaments, leading to frequent travel and sleep disruption for players. However, recent developments in 2025 may pave the way for a return of this oversaturation to affect player health and competition outcomes. Research in conventional sports has a long tradition of examining the impacts of transmeridian travel, yet data remains virtually non-existent in esports literature. Given the demand for unique cognitions in professional esports such as intense focus, rapid decision-making, and high mental acuity, players could be severely impacted by disrupted sleep. This article calls for research on how jet lag affects esports athletes and urges the industry to consider players’ mental and physical well-being as they navigate the pressures of international competition.

Source: Performance Enhancement & Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100368

Authors: Sidney V. Irwin, Anjum Naweed, Michele Lastella

Institution: Central Queensland University

Language: English

Topic: Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,480