„GAME ON”: HOW DO E-ATHLETES LIVE AND TRAIN? – DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES IN HEALTH BEHAVIORS BETWEEN AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL E-SPORTS PLAYERS

Abstract

Objective and aims: This research aimed to explore the health behaviors of e-athletes at different levels, focusing on physical activity, nutrition, sleep habits, and subjective health perception. By comparing the habits of hobby, amateur, and professional players, the study aimed to provide an overall picture of the lifestyle of Hungarian e-athletes, serving as a foundation for future research. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The target group consisted of e-athletes over the age of 18 who played regularly (weekly or daily) at hobby, amateur, or professional levels. A convenient sample of 340 respondents was collected between November 2024 and January 2025. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, while chi-square and two-sample t-tests were applied to examine relationships between variables such as weekly time spent on e-sports, BMI, physical activity, and sleep. Eating and fluid intake habits were compared to national averages and international recommendations. Results: The majority of respondents were male (238), and most played at a hobby level (144). Weekly time spent on e-sports showed a negative correlation with BMI (p=0.044), physical activity (p=0.037), and average sleep duration (p=0.0029). Among 18–34-year-olds, both men and women fell below the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables (women: 33.46%, men: 21.82%). Most participants also failed to meet EFSA’s recommended daily fluid intake (women: 43.61%, men: 41.26%). Conclusions: The study provided insight into the specific gaming habits and general health behaviors of e-athletes. Results highlighted the need for deeper investigation and suggested the importance of promoting health awareness within the e-sports community.