A global study commissioned by Logitech G and released today reveals that nearly two-thirds of people worldwide (65%) support more formal education pathways in esports and gaming for aspiring professionals, though stark generational and regional divides remain. The Logitech G PRO Series Survey, conducted by Censuswide from January 20 to 27, 2026, with 18,000 respondents across 12 markets, uncovers a growing acceptance of esports and professional gaming as a calling.
Over half (54%) of respondents globally believe professional gaming is a legitimate career path. However, attitudes of older generations differ greatly: while two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials agree professional gaming is a legitimate career path, just 37% of Baby Boomers do. Some nations are racing ahead; in Germany, only one in five (20%) of Baby Boomers consider professional gaming legitimate, compared to nearly three-quarters (74%) of Baby Boomers in China.
Derek Perez, Global Communications Gaming lead at Logitech G, commented: “This research shows how far esports and gaming have come – not only as entertainment, but as a genuine path to personal and professional success. However, more can be done to support younger generations in pursuing careers in professional gaming. The more companies like Logitech support athletes and the industry overall, the more opportunities there will be for people around the world to pursue roles in esports.”
Overall opinions in the survey are favorable, particularly with younger generations, but professional gaming still has ground to cover to be seen as a mainstream career. Healthcare professionals (55%), lawyers (33%), teachers or lecturers (30%), and engineers (28%) top the list of respectable careers worldwide. Professional gaming (8%) is on par with musicians, actors, or entertainers (9%), professional racers (8%), and politicians (7%). Just 1% of Boomers and 3% of Gen X would choose for their children to become a professional gamer, while 15% would encourage a career as a doctor or healthcare professional.
Despite this, mainstream esports careers are gaining appeal: while 44% believe politics and 25% believe teaching are less desirable now than a decade ago, two-fifths (40%) say professional gaming is more aspirational in 2026 than it was in 2016. The biggest barriers to pursuing professional gaming include perceived financial risk (42%), competitiveness (34%), and lack of parental and societal support (31%). A third of respondents think professional gaming doesn’t offer job security, and 42% say people don’t see it as a real job because it’s still seen as a hobby.
The survey also highlights recognition of the physical and mental demands of competitive gaming. More than a third (37%) globally support adding esports to the Olympic Games, rising to nearly half (49%) of Gen Z. People increasingly see professional gaming as mentally demanding (84%), while more than half (55%) agree it is physically demanding. More than a quarter (27%) think gamers spend 10–12 hours per day training, far exceeding the traditional “9 to 5” working day.
One in five respondents believe a lack of formal qualifications is a key reason people don’t see professional gaming as a real career. However, almost half (47%) think schools should include esports classes in the curriculum alongside traditional sports. This prospect is especially popular in Switzerland (73%), China (77%), and the USA (46%), while nations like the UK (32%), France (36%), and Germany (29%) remain more cautious. Worldwide, 65% think there should be formal education pathways from universities, colleges, and specialist courses. Respondents say more media coverage on mainstream channels and professional training facilities (33%), more transparency around earnings (32%), and inclusion in major global sporting events (30%) would make people take professional gaming more seriously.
Derek Perez concluded: “Ensuring access to training, facilities, and technology is essential in ensuring the continued growth of careers in professional gaming. As a leader in gaming technology, Logitech G is committed to empowering everyone – from aspiring esports stars to everyday gamers – with gear designed for precision and reliability.” For more information, visit www.logitechg.com.
