ESports for the gifted and talented: a case study of a high-performance university programme

Abstract

ESports are emerging as relevant cultural and economic phenomena, especially among young audiences. This trend is associated with the promotion of several skills among players, including teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. However, the potential of eSports as a means to identify and develop gifted and talented students remains relatively unexplored. To this end, this study examines the relationship between eSports and the identification and development of gifted and talented students in a specific higher education context. Following a case study methodology, the activities, performance metrics and selection criteria of an eSports programme on a university campus in Mexico were analysed. Initial results suggest that eS-ports not only enhance cognitive skills and social interactions, but also provide a supportive environment conducive to the development of gifted learners. Yet, there are opportunities in the process of recruiting potential gifted and talented students. The ideas presented in this paper aim to provide educators and policy makers with innovative approaches on talent development, and serve as a fundamental step towards integrating eSports into educational strategies to identify and support gifted and talented students in higher education.