eSports —professional video game competitions—are on the rise in the global educational landscape. Countries such as South Korea, the United States, and France, as well as schools and universities, have already incorporated video games into their curricula, recognizing their potential as a learning tool. In Brazil, however, this trend is advancing more slowly, facing structural challenges, issues with teacher training, and resistance from part of the school community.

According to experts, the integration of esports into education goes beyond entertainment and can help students develop essential skills, such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and resilience.

In addition to their recreational aspect, competitive games significantly contribute to student engagement, especially among those who struggle with traditional teaching methods. “eSports create an interactive and engaging environment, positively impacting self-esteem and socialization. Many students feel more motivated and valued when participating in these activities,” notes Grace Gonçalves, CEO of TE & TI Partners .

According to her, eSports are gaining ground in Brazilian schools, but adoption remains limited. “Educators are not yet fully familiar with this practice, but it is essential to understand that video games can be much more than just entertainment. They reflect young people’s interests and have enormous educational potential,” she says.

Rodrigo Selback, host and writer for the “Games and Careers” program on Ubisoft TV, agrees that the advancement of esports in Brazilian education is happening very slowly. “The international scene has already proven that this practice can be a powerful teaching tool, but in Brazil, we still face significant challenges. The lack of technological infrastructure and internet access in schools, along with the limited training of teachers, are obstacles that need to be overcome,” he explains.

The Role of eSports in Education

According to Selback, esports can be an ally in the development of cognitive and socio-emotional skills. “Games teach students to cope with challenges and defeats and to solve problems under pressure. For many students who don’t identify with traditional sports or conventional education, this can be a gateway to a more dynamic and accessible form of learning,” he points out.

Grace also points out that educational institutions are beginning to recognize the potential of eSports to develop valuable skills. “Teamwork, quick decision-making, and strategic thinking are essential qualities in today’s job market, and video games help strengthen these skills,” she adds.

See also:

• Artificial Intelligence and Schools: Should We Ban It, or Learn to Use It to Enjoy and Teach the Right Way?
• Leaders at the Heart of Transformation: How Education Will Tackle Crises and Build Regenerative Futures
• Media literacy is an essential tool for fostering critical-thinking citizens in the digital age

How can we structure eSports programs in schools?

The key to establishing esports as a legitimate educational resource lies in integrating it into the school curriculum. Selback shares a practical example: “At the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), we were able to implement esports as a course. In elementary and middle school, this can be done by linking games to educational content, such as math—using statistics and probability—physics—exploring game dynamics—and even writing—by encouraging students to create content about eSports.”

In addition, organizing internal and external tournaments, providing suitable spaces for playing, and promoting values such as discipline and fair play are essential steps toward transforming video games into an effective educational tool.

Despite the benefits, there are still obstacles to overcome. Resistance from some members of the school community—who view video games solely as entertainment—and the need for infrastructure investments are among the main challenges. “It is essential to train teachers who are capable of facilitating this practice in an educational manner and harnessing its full potential,” argues Selback.

With the growth of the video game industry and a greater understanding of its benefits, experts believe that the incorporation of eSports into Brazilian education is only a matter of time. “The future of education lies in innovative approaches, and eSports will certainly be part of that movement,” concludes Grace.

eSports at Bett Brasil

eSports in education is one of the topics that will be discussed at the Bett Brasil Administrators’ Forum. Grace Gonçalves and Rodrigo Selback are the guest speakers for the panel “What Are eSports and Why Do They Matter in Education?”, scheduled for May 1 at 11:30 a.m. Register for Bett Brasil here.

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