Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
In recent years, eSports has emerged as a rapidly growing industry and a popular professional avenue, attracting millions of fans and players worldwide. Despite its increasing appeal, eSports athletes face numerous challenges and obstacles that threaten their career longevity and overall well-being. The rapid growth of eSports necessitates the establishment of a robust and well-structured ecosystem to support sustainable development and align academic research with industry needs. However, the field currently lacks a unified and clear framework, with varying definitions and understandings of what constitutes eSports, which complicates efforts to address its challenges comprehensively.
Given the dynamic nature of eSports and the unique challenges faced by its stakeholders, particularly in developing countries like Iran, it is crucial to investigate the barriers to the development of eSports and identify areas where growth can be fostered. This study aims to explore the challenges confronting the development of eSports in Iran, providing insights that can inform policy, management, and future research.
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Methods
This research is applied in nature and employs a qualitative, exploratory, and analytical approach. The study population comprises experts and experienced individuals involved in various facets of eSports, including professional players, club managers, coaches, and academics specializing in eSports management.
A purposive sampling technique was used to select 27 participants, ensuring that data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were conducted using both face-to-face and remote methods, including audio and video calls via social media platforms. The duration of interviews ranged from 20 to 60 minutes, with an average length of approximately 35 minutes.
To ensure the rigor and trustworthiness of the qualitative data, the study employed established criteria for qualitative research validity, including acceptability, transferability, and confirmability. Participant validation was used to enhance acceptability, wherein interviewees reviewed and confirmed the accuracy of the coded data and emerging themes.
Data analysis followed the six-step thematic analysis model proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). The steps included familiarization with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the final report. Open coding was applied to the interview transcripts to identify main and subcategories related to the challenges of eSports development in Iran.
 
Results
The demographic profile of the participants revealed a diverse group: 4% were aged 25-30 years, 22% were 31-35 years, 30% were 36-40 years, and the majority (44%) were over 40 years old. Males comprised 63% of the sample, while females accounted for 37%. Educationally, 7.5% held undergraduate degrees, 18.5% had master’s degrees, and a significant majority of 74% possessed doctoral qualifications. Occupationally, 30% were eSports players, 22% were coaches, 18% managed eSports clubs, and 30% were university professors.
The thematic analysis identified six main categories of challenges impeding the development of eSports in Iran:
1.       Infrastructure Challenges: These include limited physical infrastructure such as dedicated eSports arenas, inadequate online infrastructure, and restricted access to advanced technology necessary for competitive play.
2.       Economic Challenges: Financial constraints are prominent, with a lack of funding, insufficient financial support, and limited sponsorship opportunities hindering growth and sustainability.
3.       Structural Challenges: The eSports industry in Iran suffers from informality and inadequate organizational frameworks, lacking a cohesive governing body to regulate and promote the sector effectively.
4.       Socio-Cultural Challenges: Cultural barriers, stereotypes, and social stigmas, including issues related to gender and racial discrimination, pose significant obstacles, particularly for female players.
5.       Educational Challenges: There is a deficiency in proper education and awareness about eSports, with many participants entering the field without adequate training or understanding of its professional demands.
6.       Health and Wellness Challenges: Concerns about physical strain, mental health, and social well-being are prevalent, necessitating strategies to mitigate adverse effects associated with prolonged gaming and competitive pressure.
 Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive qualitative exploration of the multifaceted challenges facing the development of eSports in Iran. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to build robust infrastructure, secure sustainable financial support, establish formal organizational structures, and foster inclusive socio-cultural environments. Educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing professional training are essential to prepare participants for the demands of competitive eSports. Moreover, health and wellness programs must be integrated into the ecosystem to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of players. By confronting these challenges proactively, stakeholders can cultivate a thriving eSports industry in Iran that aligns with global trends and maximizes the potential of this burgeoning sector.
Article message
This research, using a qualitative and exploratory approach, identified the challenges of developing e-sports and showed that this field faces six main categories of challenges (infrastructural, economic, structural, socio-cultural, educational, and health) and sixteen sub-challenges. The results indicate the need to develop appropriate management plans to remove obstacles to the development of this sport.
Ethical Considerations
All ethical considerations were observed in this research; participants participated in the interviews with informed consent, and the purpose and method of using the data were explained to them before the study began. Also, the confidentiality of information and the anonymity of individuals were guaranteed, and the data collected were used solely for scientific and research purposes.
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Ahmad Mahmoudi
Data Collection: Khaled Badr Dahdouh
Data Analysis: Mohammad Hosein Ghorbani
Manuscript Writing: Khaled Badr Dahdouh
Review and Editing: Mohammad Hosein Ghorbani
Literature Review: Khaled Badr Dahdouh
Project Manager: Ahmad Mahmoudi
Conflict of Interest
According to the authors, this article has no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
This study is indebted to the cooperation of e-sports experts who provided significant assistance in completing the interviews. The researchers sincerely appreciate their cooperation.