MLSE says its pro gamers will be team ambassadors — and will be fighting fit
TORONTO — Forget the stereotype of video gamers hunched over a controller, munching on junk food in a dark basement.
Like their NBA and MLS athlete counterparts, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment’s pro gamers will strike a balance between physical training and health and wellness when they report daily to the training centre.
“There’s been a huge shift in esports towards that,” said Shane Talbot, MLSE’s esports manager. “Teams who have brought in sports psychologists, for instance, who are notorious for choking in the semifinals are now starting to win tournaments and they’re putting a lot on that on the fact that they’ve had this mental coaching.
“Physical health and wellness is also really important. I know for me personally I never play a better game of ‘Counter-Strike’ than when I’ve been to the gym and I’ve eaten well. You need to be mentally sharp to do this. The idea of just loading yourself up on chips and pop and playing video games is kind of dated, to be honest.”