The Houston Outlaws during a May 18 Overwatch League competition. (Credit: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment)
The physical demands on esports athletes don’t resemble the rigors of mainstream sports, except in one key area: travel. Here, American gamers might actually face a more grueling regimen. Though esports is growing rapidly in the U.S., many major tournaments are in Asia or Europe, requiring long transoceanic flights.
When Taylor Johnson, the director of player development and performance for Infinite Esports & Entertainment, considered the best recovery treatment for his gamers, he drew on his past experience as a San Francisco 49ers strength and conditioning assistant.