The phrase "Study instead of playing" has long been heard in Lebanese households, but the scene seems to be changing drastically. Despite challenges with electricity and the internet, Lebanese youth refuse to "give up," turning their passion for gaming from mere entertainment into professionalism and participation in international forums.

With an official federation and Lebanese talents proving their prowess in games like Dota 2 and PUBG Mobile, esports is no longer just a hobby but a promising sector, knocking on the doors of professionalism and future careers.

Currently, Lebanon ranks far behind other Arab countries in terms of investment size and infrastructure, especially when compared to the Gulf countries, but it possesses real talent and a competitive and institutional presence.

Challenges facing Esports in Lebanon

Elie Honain, Vice President of the Lebanese Electronic Sports Federation, confirms that the reality of esports in Lebanon is promising but still in its building and growth phase.

He adds in an interview with "Annahar": "There is an officially recognized federation, the Lebanese Federation for Electronic Sports and Robotics since 2021, as well as national tournaments qualifying for international events, but the scene is still in its founding and expanding stage."

He continues: "We are currently undergoing a phase of rapid growth and development, especially since we faced exceptional circumstances from the foundation period such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and the economic crisis. Despite that, the sector has continued to develop gradually and steadily."

As with most sports, esports faces several challenges, most notably "weak local funding, limited sponsorship, unstable infrastructure, difficulty turning talent into a sustainable professional path, and even the federation relying on self-efforts and individuals from the community."

He continues: "We are currently undergoing a phase of rapid growth and development, especially since we faced exceptional circumstances from the foundation period such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and the economic crisis. Despite that, the sector has continued to develop gradually and steadily."

Honain stresses that issues such as electricity outages and weak internet in Lebanon are obstacles for esports players, "but these challenges have not hindered its development or continuity. On the contrary, they have created a more flexible and adaptive environment for players and teams. The Lebanese player is accustomed to working under non-ideal conditions and has managed to develop alternative methods for training, competition, and continuity.

Despite these challenges, some teams and the Lebanese national team have achieved remarkable results and excelled over many international teams in online tournaments, reflecting a high competitive level and a clear insistence on progression."

This reality has also reinforced a culture of self-reliance and increased the value of local achievement driven by passion and perseverance, rather than an ideal environment.