Exploring Improvements and Activation Strategies for the Esports Coaching License Education Program

This study explores experts’ perceptions of the necessity of the esports leader qualification certificate issued by the Korea e-Sports Association since 2023 and examines the suitability and improvement areas of its education program to suggest effective development strategies. In-depth interviews were conducted from June to September 2024 with 10 experts who had over seven years of field experience, including professional gamers, coaches, managers, and educators. Results indicated strong agreement on the need for the qualification and positive evaluation of the program’s structure. The identification of priority education components provided practical insights for future curriculum enhancement. Experts further emphasized building cooperation between the association and professional teams, fostering supportive environments, strengthening promotion, pursuing national certification, and continuously improving the education system. This study aims to enhance the credibility and applicability of the esports leader qualification within the industry.