\n<\/p>\n
Esports athlete Sha Mohtar, better known by his gamer tag ZesBeeW, turned professional at just 14 years old.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Over the past decade, he has travelled the world competing against top players from other countries.<\/p>\n
While the lifestyle may seem glamorous, Sha told CNA that the reality is far from easy \u2013 marked by long hours, financial strain and limited opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot a lot of people can actually fund it, because it’s very expensive. You actually need to pay for, for example, a minimum of like five players and then you need a coach,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, I feel like our local Singapore scene, there’s a lot of raw talent. But there’s not a lot of opportunities out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
These challenges, including a lack of funding and developmental pathways, are common concerns among local gamers hoping to turn their passion into a career.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But as Singapore welcomed fans from around the world for BLAST Slam IV \u2013 one of the most anticipated esports tournaments of the year \u2013 over the past weekend, optimism has grown among those in the industry.<\/p>\n
This is fuelled in part by proposed laws that could formally recognise esports as a sport.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill was tabled in parliament by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo last Tuesday (Nov 4), reflecting the growing diversity and aspirations of Singaporeans in the sporting landscape.<\/p>\n
Ng Chong Geng, president of the Singapore Esports Association, said the move would give government agencies a clearer framework to work within.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore that, they had to use custom structures or special ways to be able to deal with us, because we’re not technically or officially a sport,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The local esports scene has also faced challenges, including cheating scandals that saw professional players jailed and banned for match-fixing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Attendance at gaming events has also declined since 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n