Is a professional gamer in South Africa entitled to a salary?

A former South African Protea team competing in IESF's championship in South Korea.

Only if a professional gamer in South Africa is legally classified as an employee is a professional gamer in South Africa entitled to a salary. Professional gamers in South Africa are not automatically entitled to a salary merely because they are “professional gamers”.

Here is the precise legal position under South African law.

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1. Salary entitlement depends on employment status

Under South African labour law, a right to a salary arises only if a person is an “employee” as defined in the:

• Labour Relations Act (LRA)

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)

If a professional gamer is not an employee, there is no statutory right to a salary.

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2. When a professional gamer is entitled to a salary

A gamer is entitled to a salary if the relationship with the esports organisation/team meets the legal tests for employment, regardless of what the contract is called.

Key indicators of employee status include (Section 200A LRA):

• The organisation controls training schedules, match participation, conduct, or availability

• The gamer is economically dependent on the organisation

• The gamer is integrated into the organisation (branding, mandatory appearances, exclusivity)

• The gamer must personally render services

• The organisation supplies equipment, facilities, or infrastructure

• The gamer works set hours or under direction

If these factors are present, the gamer is legally an employee, and then:

✔ The organisation must pay remuneration (salary/wages)
✔ The BCEA applies (leave, notice, working hours, etc.)
✔ Minimum wage laws may apply, depending on circumstances

Calling the contract a “player agreement” or “independent contractor agreement” does not override reality.

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3. When a professional gamer is not entitled to a salary

A gamer is not entitled to a salary if they are genuinely an independent contractor, for example:

• They operate as a self-employed individual

• They invoice the organisation for services

• They can compete for or work with other teams

• They control their own training time

• They bear their own business risk

• Payment is per event, prize share, sponsorship split, or appearance fee

In this case:

✖ No BCEA protection
✖ No statutory salary requirement
✔ Payment is governed only by the contract

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4. Important distinction: salary vs prize money

• Prize money is not a salary

• Sponsorship revenue sharing is not a salary

• Appearance fees are not a salary

Only remuneration paid in an employment relationship qualifies as a salary under labour law.

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5. Practical conclusion

Professional gamers in South Africa are entitled to a salary only if:

• They are legally employees under the LRA/BCEA

They are not entitled to a salary if:

• They are independent contractors or competitors earning prize-based or commercial income

Misclassification carries serious risk:

• CCMA disputes

• Back-pay claims

• PAYE and SARS penalties

Additional reading:

• 2026 Calendar of events
• AEC24 - Champions of all of Africa - Protea Female Counter Strike 2 Esports Team wins AEC24
• AEC24 - Forged in battle - a Counter Strike story...
• AEC24 - Thato Maredi outperforms Bafana Bafana!
• Affiliation: Private Clubs
• Affiliation - Procedure to be followed by school clubs affiliating for the 2026 season.
• ACES - Avenging Bafana
• ACES - Thato advances to the knock-out stages!
• Events - Northern Cape Online Esports Provincial Championships - 24 January 2026.
• GEF - Clash Royale esports athletes may win a trip to Mumbai....
  
• National Team Trials - Who qualifies for MSSA National Team Trials?
  
• Results - Northern Cape Online Esports Provincial Championships - 24 January 2026.
• Sportsmanship Award - Sportsmanship Award - Northern Cape Online Esports Provincial Championships
• Streaming - Streaming of MSSA's Northern Cape Online Championships for the MLBB esports title.

Athlete's rights:

• Is a professional gamer in South Africa entitled to a salary?

Saudah takes SA Nationals for the third time in a row.

 

With South Africa held in the pestilential grip of COVID-19, Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) agreed to host the SA National Championships for Morabaraba on 12 December 2020 at a venue that could accommodate all entries and all the state's regulations.

Thus the venue for the MSSA's South African National Board Games Championships was held at Old Edwardian Society, 11 Ninth Avenue, Lower Houghton.

At such South African National Board Games Championships Saudah Bhaimia (Curro Klerksdorp) totally dominated the field for the third time in a row. Having won the 2018 and 2019 South African National Championships, Saudah went on to win her third consecutive national title, making her the first female gamer in South Africa to do so in the Morabaraba game.

Amanda Pakade (MSSA President) stated, "It is wonderful that MSSA has a player of the calibre of Saudah. Her dedication and determination put her in good stead for the rest of her life. It is a pleasure to have her in MSSA's ranks."

Also read:

• MSSA elections allow change and growth.
• MSSA remains a dynamic institution.
• Preventing dominance by any one club.
• Advantages of affiliation
• Calendar of  Events: 2020
• Upcoming events: South African National Board Games Championships - 12 December 2020.
• Affiliation: Schools
• Affiliation: Private clubs
• Esports titles selected: MSSA's School Championships.
• Esports titles selected: MSSA's Premier Championships.
• Results of MSSA's 10th Annual Online Championships for High Schools
• Results of MSSA's Western Cape Online Provincial Championships.
• Results: MSSA's 11th Provincial Online Championships
• Results: Gauteng Online Provincial Championships.
• Results: Winners of MSSA's 34th S A National Championships.
• Results: Saudah takes SA Nationals for the third time in a row.
• Test Match results: South African Protea DotA 2 team rises triumphant.
• Test Match results: DOTA2: South Africa vs Azerbaijan
• New National Team Selection Criteria
• Selecting the national Protea teams for Mind Sports South Africa.

Not just a gamer...

Amanda Pakade, president of MSSA, is also a semi-finalist in the "Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa" for 2019.

Amanda Pakade, who is currently Mind Sports South Africa’s president has been announced as a Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa Semi-Finalist for 2019, out of a record number of entries received by the organisation.

Her journey began on the 1st of March, where she was invited, along with the other beautiful, sophisticated and married women from all over South Africa, for 2nd National Casting and Empowerment workshop, held at Emperors Palace. Once selected, the semi-finalists then attended weekend long workshops to help them prepare for the journey ahead.

Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa is a journey that has gained the reputation of a Women Empowerment Program, that prides itself on producing the very best in real, relatable and modern South African women. The program celebrates marriage and the essence of being a real woman.

The program was created for married women who would ordinarily not have such a platform to compete and be ambassadors for South Africa, on a global scale. The opportunities and platform that have been created for Mrs South Africa entrants are significant in every way and truly creates a ripple effect across our beautiful country. Through the journey of Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa, women find themselves again and learn that they are never too old to follow their dreams and become voices of change. 

“I am so excited about this wonderful opportunity as this platform, thanks to all the sponsors, will allow me to reach other women and be a voice for women who are not able to represent themselves. This competition further enables me to achieve my full potential in all spheres of life which will hopefully encourage other women to also be taken seriously in all their endeavours.”

Only 25 lucky women will be selected to continue the journey, as finalists, for Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa and they will be announced at the Annual Charity Ball, on 28th June at Centre Court, Emperors Palace.

All proceeds of this event will go to the pageant’s official Charity, Women4Women South Africa.

Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa is proudly sponsored by: Tammy Taylor Nails South Africa, Emperors Palace, City of Ekurhuleni, SABC 3, Suzuki SA, Lamelle Research Laboratories, Renewal Institute, CATRICE Cosmetics, Collagen Lift, Contempo, Nomination, Brentoni, Thandar Inc, Body20 and Mpact Recycling.

To vote for Amanda, SMS Amanda Kwaza Pakade to 35959.

For further PRESS information please contact

Lisa Madibe

Media Executive

Marketing@mrssouthafrica.co.za

Mobile: 073 189 7932

Office: 011 673 7567

About Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa

Tammy Taylor Mrs SA is the number one pageant and female empowerment program for married women in South Africa. It is not a beauty pageant in the traditional sense of the word.

Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa is not the typical beauty pageant. It offers South Africa women who has real life careers, families and hobbies a platform to make a difference.

The women we work with all have those real relatable stories we are looking for and this movement is about giving South Africa’s unsung superwomen a chance to get support and give input, and an opportunity to reach a new level of success and visibility on a global stage.

Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa has evolved from being a pageant to so much more. The brand showcases the virtues of South Africa, the spirit of Ubuntu, and the real relatable women that we work with.

Gone are the stereotypes that do not match the individual, bearing the burden of a crown of ideals being placed upon their head diminishing the power of their womanhood to the stigma of unattainable beauty.

Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa does away with the ideals that do not match real women, but instead showcase true beauty that shines from within and celebrate every woman in her unique femininity.

Also read:

• Amanda Pakade is elected in for a 3 year term as MSSA President.

• MSSA's Elected Office-Bearers for 2019.

• Ensuring gender equity in esports.

The Edge in Everything : Upgrading your hardware and software

So you are a gamer. You are skilled, dedicated and committed to making it big. You want to make a career out of it? What is your strategy to achieve that goal? What specifically do you need to do to get to that ultimate version of yourself?  How could you personalise strategies that other successful people have used, in your life?

I am a firm believer that we are the masters of our own destinies and that every success and failure is of our own making… but this is not an “instaspiration” post.

Who am I? My name is Emile De Bruin and I am an ex-athlete, high performance coach and student of success. I have had the privilege of coaching Olympic and World Champions, Business people, Mind athletes, Teams, Teens, Parents and more. Finding the most effective way to achieve a goal is what drives me and I am passionate about giving people the tools to succeed in ANYTHING that they do. By combining science and experience I believe that I can help anyone take their lives to the next level….

SO WHAT? HOW?

Well, by looking at a person holistically (mentally, physically, socially/emotionally and spiritually). Then finding out what is the starting point (where are you REALLY right now?) and where do you want to get to. Finally, we put an individualised actionable plan in place where we continuously analyse and adapt and learn to operate with GRIT.

Think of it this way, every few years you get a new cell phone or pc and in that time you have to continuously update the apps and software right?  YOU are no different. Obviously you can`t get a new body every few years (at least not yet) but you can upgrade it! Your body and mind have performance requirements and YOU need to ensure that you diligently UPDATE.

 Your output (in life) depends on your input.

Most people are not even aware of this. Others don`t place any value on their own personal natural resources. Then you get people that think there are short cuts.

There aren`t short cuts.

So what do successful people put into place in their lives?  Whether its sport stars, performers, CEO`S , entrepreneurs or anyone else that wins at life, there are 4 pillars that are fundamental.

1. PHYSICALLY

There are 2 essentials :

• Exercise  that builds: strength , endurance, recovery, focus , reactive ability and general capacity and longevity Get a free strength and conditioning gym program here!
• Nutrition that promotes the above and minimizes fatigue Here are some great tips for diet and supplementation strategies

2. MENTALLY

We need to:

• Be challenged and stimulated in order to stay motivated
•  Be able to express ourselves and be creative
•  Learn by changing the way we perceive life and events in our lives
• Learn that I am in control and responsible
• Get more insight and tips here!

3. SOCIALLY/EMOTIONALLY

Regardless of whether we are introverted or extroverted we need to understand that from an evolutionary perspective we require human interaction to live well. If we can discover in what situations we are either energised or drained by people, then we can implement strategies to boost our output.

Read why you can blame your ancestors for this!

4. SPIRITUALLY

What separates us from animals is our soul. Figuring out what nourishes your soul is fundamental to any form of success in living the mission and vision you have for your life.

Think of the the 4 aspects listed above (physical, mental, social/emotional, spiritual) as 4 legs of a chair that you are sitting on. If any one or more of the legs are neglected  for the growth or advancement of another leg the chair will be off balance right? You would agree with me that it makes sense to implement a strategy where all 4 legs are developed equally right?

Check this out if you want to know more

This is the absolute best way to not only succeed in life but to also make your success sustainable… and enjoy the ride at the same time!

If this article made sense to YOU, I would be honoured to COACH you on the 4 pillars to help you find the best ways to take your life and what you do in life to the ultimate level.

Set up a FREE coaching session with me now via SKYPE or come see me at my office in Pretoria.

Contact me on info@meta4mance.co.za or on http://meta4mance.co.za/contact/#x-section-10

Let the future you thank you for what you decide to do today.

Sincerely, Emile De Bruin

'Tis the season to ... transfer!

It is only through being a  member of an affiliated club, that a player may earn a spot in the National Protea Team.

In order to transfer from one club to another, a Registered Player needs to settle all of his debts with his current club, and apply to such club to leave.

MSSA, only allows this, unless in exceptional circumstances, to happen in the period 1 November to 28 February.

The reasons for only having one transfer period is to:

• Create stability in in both clubs and teams
  
  In the past, gamers were known to 'clan hop'. While this at the time may have rewarded certain players with immediate gratification (in sponsorships, prize-money, etc.) it did  nothing to allow a club to fully develop the gamer. If a club is not sure about the length of time that a gamer will be a member of the club, the club is more likely to abuse the gamer's skills and not further develop the gamer. So it has been in the past where MSSA has seen some gamers move from one club to another as soon as the club offered the gamer that little bit more.
  
  Teams that also stick together, learn how to deal with each other as a group, deal with problems, and work better as a team.
  
• Rationalise membership
  
  In terms of  MSSA's Constitution and Regulations, a Registered Player may only represent one club. The club that the Registered Player may represent is the first club that the Registered Player joined in the season. Such club is  then known as the 'first claim' club and only such club  may enter  the person into championships or count his/her membership for voting rights.
  
  Thus, MSSA's records apropos membership do not  show 'double-dipping' as a Registered Player may only be shown as a member of only one club and are  quite accurate.
  
• Ensure sustainability of clubs
  
  The strength of any  association remains  its members. Since it is the clubs that are the members of MSSA, it is vital that MSSA protects and  develops the clubs themselves. By regulating the movement of players, clubs are better able to budget and plan for how they want to develop themselves.

Thus the transfer 'window' is now open. If you as a player want to transfer your allegiance from one club to another, do it before 28 February 2018...

eSports could save South Africa.

Gamers doing what comes naturally!

South Africa seems to stagger from one crises to another. 

The government certainly does not seem to help, and in the opinion of many South Africans help precipitate many of such crises through their actions.

Now South Africa is witnessing well established companies withdrawing from the country (DA wants answers from Davies on #GeneralMotors exit) leading to fears of even greater unemployment and a continued winding-down of the economy in general.

But it is not all doom and gloom, as long as there is esports.

Esports should not be seen as a distraction, but as a way to get the south African economy moving.

Just look at South Korea.

When people started playing games in South Korea there were many people who did not understand the phenomenon that is esports. 

Gaming has spawned at least one TV channel in South Korea as well as a multi trillion industry on producing games.

It is said that last year the sale of games earned South Korea 3 trillion Won.

That is enough to provide a benefit to any economy.

The trick is to get the various South African government departments to 'buy-in' and promote all aspects of the esports industry so that South Africa could also become an exporter of games and be able to provide a more employment.

The bonds that bind.

MSSA like IeSF is a non profit association run by its members for its members.

Since 2008, IeSF has grown exponentially and the standard and size of its annual world championships has grown in stature and reputation from year-to-year.

MSSA has participated in IeSF's world championships since the first one held  in Taebaek in South Korea in 2009.

Since the 2009 World Championships, MSSA has been at each and every IeSF world championships.

However, MSSA's affiliation is much more than just attending the annual world championships.

It has everything to do with a common ideal, a common vision, and the desire to provide for esports gamers in a way that no other organisation can, or is prepared to do.

MSSA does not equate its gamers to mere rands and cents. If it did, MSSA would not run the many events that  it does in order to further promote the gamer. To MSSA, as to IeSF, the gamer is paramount.

The bond between IeSF and MSSA is exactly the same as between MSSA and its own member clubs.

As such an opinion expressed at club level may find itself being expressed at IeSF's Annual General Meeting. Likewise, the opportunities exist for  hardworking and dedicated individuals to represent their club, the national federation, and even IeSF itself.

MSSA's 2016 elections are proof of such. Eight people who had only before represented their clubs, were elected onto the Management Board. When you consider that there are 15 positions, you will realise that a  great deal of new energy will be infused into the committee to  make MSSA a better organisation.

Through MSSA's affiliation with IeSF, gamers are given the ability to advance to even greater heights.

The courses offered by IeSF's Academy for coaching and refereeing saw Thomas Brown sent off to China to complete such course, and  then saw Thomas Brown umpire at WCA's event in Beijing.

Then in July, Jason Batzofin was elected onto IeSF's fledgling Athletes' Commission. IeSF is the only body to have such a body where the gamers can  express their views to the highest authority in esports.

None of the above opportunities are offered by any other organisation in esports in the world!

MSSA's affiliation to IeSF thus offers gamers an upward ladder that you will find nowhere else.

Brazil has the fundamentals right

Unlike other interest groups that 'pop' up overnight and then do nothing, whither and die, national federations go the distance.

National Federations are largely driven by volunteers who selflessly put in hours of their time to grow eSports at every level.

That is exactly what the Confederação Brasileira do Desporto Eletrônico (CBDEL) is doing.
The dedicated administrators of all 27 federations that make up the Confederação Brasileira do Desporto Eletrônico (CBDEL) seem yo be doing all the right things.
From developing esports at school, university and other grass-root levels, the CBDEL also has its affiliation with IeSF in order to fully benefit from a truly international family that cares more about the welfare of the gamer than personal aggrandisement and profit.

CBDEL too enjoys full recognition from the Brazilian Ministry of Sport, which allowed CBDEL to utilise Casa Brazil in the Olympic Village for not only a month long exhibition, and celebration of, esports, but also for CBDEL's National Championships at which they are selecting Brazil's first official eSports Team.

Then there are the sponsors (Connect Rio, Eletrobras, and RedZero).

Every sponsor is onboard as such realise  the value of investing in such a federation.

The sponsors see that CBDEL is a legacy. The federation will continue long after the original founders have moved on as no-one owns the federation.

CBDEL too, is careful to nuture ongoing relationships with sponsors. Since federations are not interested in profit, and more interested in delivery, sponsors can invest knowing that every last sent is going into the programme - and not into someones back pocket!

Federations too exist to allow the athletes take ownership of the sports that they love - perhaps that is why there is such a clash between commercially driven entities and federations?

Is there a difference between a gamer and an eSports athlete?

I believe that there is indeed a difference between a gamer and an eSports athlete.

I can already hear the howls of indignation and  protest.

Let  us examine  the differences:

Gamer		eSports athlete
Purchases the latest games		Concentrates primarily on the title  he/she plays in competition.
Addicted to reviews on the latest games		Tends  only to read  up on the games  that  interest him/her
When finishes the one game, moves onto the next.		Will play the title that he/she plays competitively for a number of years
Although never having played in a formal competition, considers him/herself to be highly competitive and expert at playing the game		Is more interested in competitive play, and competes religiously in order to improve his/her standard of play as well as his/her official rankings.
Does not control his/her playing time		Has specific times for training and competitive play.
Does not try to become 'technically' correct at the game		Makes every  effort to learn the nuances of the game as well as the 'technicalities' behind the game.
Does not practice at the game		Practices for long hours in order to improve general standard of play.
Does not belong to a club		Belongs to a club  in order to play in competition and thus take  advantage of all the benefits of competitive play

Thus, as you can  see there is a widening chasm growing between the 'gamer' and the eSports athlete.

That  is  not to say that there will not be the  rare individuals that cross the divide, but the two are very different.

'We are all equal"

Jaun-Luc Krylo Cronje recently wrote, "...race and gender has no bounds. We are all equal, we are all gamers and lastly ANYONE can join a clan and play competitively as long as the person can do one thing....."

If only...

The problem with many middle-class South Africans is that they do not really understand the problems facing South Africa.

Currently, there are 8,500,000 South Africans unemployed with another 16,000,000 who receive social grants, and that is out of a population of 55,000,000 where half the population is below the age of 18.

Thus, if these figures are correct South Africa has an unemployment rate in excess of 80%.

Just driving from  Cape Town International Airport and passing rows and rows of low-cost housing and squatter camps, only a person blind to the inequities of South African society would think that we all equal.

While many middle-class gamers are moaning that they do not yet have FFTH supplied to their homes, there are many people going to sleep hungry. I also state going 'to sleep' as opposed ti going 'to bed' as many South Africans do not even have a bed, a pillow, or a mattress.

How can a person who begins life in such poverty then compete equally against a person who has never known want, malnutrition, safety, or the lack of all modern technology?

Imagine you are standing at the bottom of a well in a large estate. Your thoughts are not about the mansion on the property or the abundance of food that  the estate produces. Instead your thoughts are almost entirely focused on getting out of the well. However, without an external force, it is impossible to get out of the well.

The owner of the estate can say, "We are all equal", but clearly we are not!

With the high  levels of unemployment, the low levels of education, and the poor services rendered to  so many South Africans, it is going to take herculean efforts to raise the  levels of the majority of  South Africans to ensure that all South Africans are  equal.

When you watch the privately owned tournaments the disparity becomes even more pronounced.

It is quite clear that  only Mind Sports South Africa is the only body in eSports that is really concerned with transformation and development.

The private companies involved in eSports in South Africa seem to  be  quite content with keeping the status quo by saying that  every  gamer  has the same chance. 

However, as seen in the above, we can  see that the vast majority of South Africans will never have a chance unless someone lends a helping hand and goes the extra mile.

It could too be argued that any organisation that does not participate in transformation and development is a dinosaur as their bodies will become less-and-less popular, and will, eventually disappear.

Kyle Turnbull wins!

Kyle Turnbull having received his Protea Colours

We are all aware that Kyle Turnbull, from HTS Witbank, is without doubt the best FIFA eSports gamer in South Africa as he has been crowned the SA National Champion twice in as many years.

However, with his impending international test match as the newest member of the MWEB Protea eSports Team, a certain degree of nervousness flickered among all gamers as they saw the list of impressive credentials exhibited by his Zimbabwean opponent.

Rowen Phiri was a veteran international player, and a professional to boot!

Nevertheless, Kyle remained upbeat about the test match and showed remarkable focus.

After the customary award ceremony whereat Kyle Turnbull was awarded his Protea Colours, the games began.

The seamless internet connection at the The Mana Pool 41 Duncan Street, corner of Mandela and Duncan Street, Witbank, Mpumalanga ensured that the on-line test match was without fault.

The first game started slowly with each gamer testing every aspect of each other's play. At half-time the score was thus only 0 – 0. However, after half time Kyle swung into action and dominated possession. Seven shots were made on goal before Kyle scored. The assembled audience rose as won in delight!

Kyle maintained the pressure, but was able to score.

Thus the first game was a victory to Kyle and South Africa.

Kyle between games

In the second game, a more confident Kyle showed no quarter.

Kyle shot out like a stampeding bull and, in quick succession, slammed four goals in before Rowen had time to retaliate with a goal of his own.

Kyle the slammed in yet another goal to win the second game of the test match by 5 goals to 1.

Thus South Africa proudly won the first eSports Test Match ever against Zimbabwe.

Nevertheless, the sportsmanship shown by Rowen Phiri was exemplorary. Rowen too has vowed to reverse the score in the next test match.

Kyle Turnbull has thus made his mark not only in gaming in South Africa, but is slowly climbing the ladder in international gaming.

It will now be interesting to see who his next opponent will be….

Prize money in SA gaming is premature!

A number of local organisations give prize money to local competitions.

Most notably of these is the DGL.

However, does this really help gaming?

Let's unpack the issue shall we.

First, the giving of prize money differs from the award of a medal or such as it ceases to be an award, but instead becomes a reward.

While everybody agrees that people should be rewarded for their efforts, the reward should be:

• In line with international standards,
  
• In line with effort given,
  
• if the game is being played at international championships, and
  
• In line with the professionalism of the recipients.
  

If the reward is in excess of the categories mentioned above, then the reward ceases to be a reward, and instead becomes merely an 'entitlement'.

And it certainly seems as though that the way in which prize money is awarded in South African eSports at the moment seems to be that. A very closed affair with the money going to those that 'deserve' it.

And then there is the matter of development.

How does prize money help development of the new gamers, of the elite gamers, and in getting new gamers into the competitive scene?

Getting in new gamers: There is no doubt that large sums of money offered as prizes carry sensationalist headlines. But after the initial hype, it is all an empty promise in my opinion. The prize money may well attract the attention of the reader and the non committed gamer, but it does nothing to enable anybody to actually start gaming. In other words it is purs marketing.... all words and no substance. It does not take the average person more than a few nanoseconds to realise that the prize money is reserved for the few. Thus, the prize money offering is incapable of helping new clans to start, to maintain the sustainability of clans, or indeed, provide for the very basics that a growing sport needs.

Development of new gamers: eSports is like a garden, in order to see real growth, the garden has to be tended, mulch and compost has to be dug in, and the weeds pulled. In other words, development of new gamers is year-long and requires continual attention. Gamers require coaching, training and events in order to improve. But before that, gamers need venues, equipment and support. Prize mney given top the few instead of having at least three times the amount spent on development is thus meaningless. The prize money given never gets distributed down the pyramid to deliver any real sustainability and growth to support the growth of eSports as a true sport.

Development of elite gamers: Of course it is the elite gamers who are the ones in line for the prize money, but does it help them?

The answer is NO!

Often the prize money offered by an organiser is split up among a number of titles and a number of positions, so, by the time the monies are actually given, the amounts are not enough to help elite gamers achieve their objectives of competing in international competition. In fact, at times, there is sometimes only enough for the team or gamers to cover their own costs to pay for their costs to get to and from the event.

The amounts given, are also nearly nowhere the amounts required for any gamer to become a true professional. It is through being a true professional that gaming in South Africa will truly improve and become on par with gaming overseas.

In conclusion:

Instead of companies pouring monies into prize money, more good will be done if the companies take one step back and look at the needs of the gamers.

By not paying prize money, companies could identify to gamers and put them on a payroll and turn them into top professionals.

This is what gaming really needs.

This is what South Africa needs!


Think about it!