Chinese esports player Jian “Uzi” Zi-hao earned over $500,000 in tournament prize money before retiring at 25 due to chronic wrist and arm injuries, highlighting a growing physical toll in professional gaming. His team had built strategies around him and teammate Shi “Ming” Sen-Ming, underscoring his importance before injuries cut his career short, according to fortune.com.
Esports players face intense physical and mental demands, with grinding schedules that include regular practice, scrimmages, and official matches. A 2021 study of Portuguese esports players found 37% experienced anxiety and depression, and 45% had sleep disturbances. Physical injuries often involve eye strain and musculoskeletal issues caused by prolonged screen time, which also contributes to vision problems, fortune.com reported.
The esports industry is increasingly recognizing the need for sports-medicine professionals to address these health challenges. Teams are now building sports-medicine staffs to manage players’ physical and mental well-being, a shift from the stereotype of gaming as a sedentary activity. This move reflects broader concerns about player longevity and performance in a highly competitive environment, according to fortune.com.
Jian’s retirement in 2020 due to injury remains a cautionary example within esports, prompting teams to invest in medical support to prevent similar career-ending conditions. The industry’s response includes hiring physical therapists and specialists to mitigate injury risks and support player health.