ABSTRACT
Esports is a product of culture and a reflection of society. As an emerging sport embroiled in the latest technological and digital innovations it has the opportunity to challenge gender inequalities seen in traditional sports. This has not happened (yet). Instead esports has reproduced many of the unfair, unjust and discriminatory practices that have troubled traditional sport for decades. This chapter explores why this is the case looking at the esports industry from a gendered perspective. The male-dominated and masculine esports subculture makes it a challenging space for marginalised and ‘othered’ groups to enter. The anonymous, online environment has facilitated toxicity in terms of online abuse, threats and discrimination causing problems for individual gamers and industry organisations alike. This chapter also emphasises the transformation and activism taking place in esports in a quest to make esports a fair and enjoyable space for all to thrive in and enjoy.
