Expertise, Talent Identification, and Personal Traits in Esports

This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of expertise development in esports, examining the complex interplay between technical skills, cognitive abilities, and psychological attributes that define elite performance. The research reveals how esports expertise requires integration of motor precision, perceptual-cognitive skill, strategic awareness, and psychological resilience, while highlighting the evolution from traditional manual scouting to AI-driven talent identification systems. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of personality traits such as emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience in predicting long-term success, while addressing significant challenges in balancing gaming performance with mental and physical health. Through comprehensive analysis of deliberate practice, emerging technologies, and holistic development approaches, this work provides a roadmap for sustainable talent development that benefits individual players, teams, and the broader esports industry.