These 10 Athletes Have Embraced the Future With Their Foray Into the ESports Arena

These professional athletes transcended the traditional arenas and forayed into e-sports

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports and entertainment, a new breed of athlete is emerging, one that seamlessly bridges the gap between physical and digital worlds. These future-ready athletes are not only dominating the fields and arenas but also conquering the virtual battlegrounds of esports. From basketball legends to soccer superstars, and even NFL guards, these sportpersons are rewriting the rules of the game by investing in and venturing into competitive gaming. Here we explore the fascinating stories of athletes who have made their mark in both traditional sports and esports.

1. Michael Jordan

Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan has explored celebrity branding as well as Hollywood and has ventured into esports by investing in aXiomatic, the firm behind Team Liquid known for its impact in games like League of Legends, DOTA 2, and CS:GO. He is joined by Peter Guber, co-owner of the Golden State Warriors, Ted Leonsis of the Washington Capitals, Jeff Vinik of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and fellow NBA legend Magic Johnson. With a net worth of $1.6 billion and a history of successful endorsement deals, Jordan's foray into esports reflects his ability to embrace change.

2. Shaquille O'Neal

Back in 1994, during the early stages of his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, 7-1 giant Shaquille O'Neal ventured into the world of video games, with Electronic Arts' (EA) fighting game featuring him as the central character. Inspired by the success of titles like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, EA had high hopes for "Shaq Fu" to become a hit. Unfortunately, the game turned out to be a colossal flop, ranked among the worst titles ever made. Despite this setback, Shaq returned to the virtual arena in the 2010s with a visit to an Esports event at LA's Staples Center with his children.

3. Rick Fox

Rick Fox, renowned for his role as a defensive specialist alongside Shaq in the NBA, made an early foray into esports by co-founding Echo Fox in 2015 with business partners Amit Raizada and Khalid Jones. His involvement in esports was primarily influenced by his son's passion for League of Legends. But Echo Fox faced a setback when conflicts emerged between Rick Fox and Amit Raizada, ultimately leading to the disbandment of the team in November 2019.

4. David Beckham

Soccer superstar David Beckham's investment in Guild Esports marked a significant milestone for the virtual sporting landscape. This investment led to the organization becoming publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange in October 2020. Reports suggest that Beckham's recent venture could potentially deliver $20 million in returns over the next five years. His influence extends not only from his appearances in Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series but also from his active involvement in the business aspects of the industry. Beckham's backing can propel the team's growth beyond its usual boundaries, encompassing games like Valorant, Rocket League, and FIFA 21.

5. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho, known for his charismatic personality and magical skills on the field, was one of the most marketable soccer stars in the 2000s. Now, he has put the power of his appeal behind esports as the official brand ambassador of SCUF Gaming, a Brazil-based gaming organization. The firm has assisted Ronaldinho in launching his esports team named R10, inspired by his initials and jersey number. Ronaldinho's goal is to elevate the FIFA and PES gaming scene in Brazil.

6. Mike Tyson

One-punch wonder Mike Tyson has already made his presence felt outside the boxing ring with appearances in movies and has now forayed into esports. In 2019, the Boxing Hall of Famer announced his investment in Fade 2 Karma, an esports team renowned for nurturing Hearthstone players. Tyson's involvement has brought significant changes, including the establishment of a new streaming facility near his Los Angeles-based marijuana company. This state-of-the-art facility includes private live-streaming rooms, a performance stage for tournaments, and a rooftop party area.

7. Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 champion, has taken a pitstop in the world of esports. In 2019, he teamed up with Formula 3 driver Jamie Chadwick to launch an esports team, after the disbandment of G2's simulation racing team, which he was a part of. His involvement could pave the way for simulation racing to become a valuable tool for Formula 1 and NASCAR drivers looking to enhance their driving skills.

8. Demetrious Johnson

UFC fighter Demetrious Johnson has shown his support and respect for the esports industry, acknowledging its growing popularity compared to MMA. Despite his dominance in the octagon, Johnson joined Singapore-based martial arts organization One Championship as Chief Brad Ambassador to launch their esports brand. With this collaboration, he aims to bridge the gap between MMA and the virtual realm which is quickly gaining relevance across sports.

9. Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero's heart problems may have forced him off the soccer field due to physical limitations, but he has continued his pursuit in the virtual realm with a career in Esports. Aguero, a longtime gaming enthusiast, decided to explore Esports during the COVID-19 pandemic and began live-streaming his online showdowns on Twitch under the username SLAKUN10. His channel gained rapid popularity, particularly within the Hispanic community, and made him the fastest-growing streamer in May 2020.

10. Rodger Saffold

Rodger Saffold stands out among athletes in gaming as a player still active on the field as a guard for the Tennessee Titans. He even started in all 17 regular-season games during the 2021-22 NFL season. Despite his busy schedule, Saffold has been a dedicated gamer with over 30 years of experience, dating back to when he first picked up a controller at the age of three. As an adult, his gaming preferences lean towards first-person shooters, particularly Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Saffold discovered turned his hobby into a source of income by live-streaming his gaming sessions on Twitch. This motivated him to invest in the creation of his own Esports team "Rise" in 2014, to compete in tournaments for games including Apex Legends, Overwatch, and Rainbow Six.