Guiding the next generation to learn valuable life skills through gaming
Esports is now recognised as a global industry that offers meaningful pathways into leadership, creativity, and future employment. At EStars, young players are supported through structured programmes that nurture confidence, communication skills and teamwork alongside their passion for gaming.
In this Q&A, Anthony Mouzon, Project Lead at EStars, shares how the organisation supports children to develop both character and capability through safe and purposeful play. Currently, he oversees a highly successful skill-development platform designed for children aged 7 to 13 across multiple continents at EStars. The platform introduces young players to a safe, structured gaming environment while also nurturing essential life skills that support academic achievement and future career development.
How Did Your Journey In Esports Begin?
I started playing video games at a very young age, with no specific favourite. I enjoyed a wide variety of titles across different consoles. But as a football fan, I naturally gravitated towards the FIFA series and spent countless hours competing with my friends and brothers.
The release of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 marked a turning point. These consoles made online gaming much more accessible, and I began playing FIFA competitively. That’s when I discovered GameBattles, part of the Major League Gaming (MLG) ecosystem. The platform allowed players to compete in ranked matches, earn points, win cash prizes and qualify for larger global tournaments. This was my first real introduction to the world of esports a world where gaming extended far beyond casual entertainment and into arenas, serious competition, sponsorship and global recognition.
How Did Early Exposure To Esports Impact You?
It had a very positive impact. Competing online significantly enhanced my social skills and confidence. Being part of online teams taught me about communication, collaboration and leadership similar to what traditional sports offer, but with the added benefit of inclusivity. Esports truly is a space for everyone.This experience fuelled my passion for running a skill-building esports platform for young children – which is what I do in my current role at EStars. There’s a long-standing stereotype of gamers as socially isolated, but that image is outdated. The best esports athletes live balanced, active lives, many are now even sponsored by health and fitness brands. We’re seeing a cultural shift, and I’m proud to be part of that change.
How Successful Were You As An Esports Competitor?
That depends on how you define success. As a player competing between the ages of 16 and 25, while also working full-time, I didn’t reach the top professional tier which, like in traditional sports, is an achievement attained by less than 2% of players.
I had some success in smaller qualifying tournaments, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted competitive FIFA events for nearly two years. By the time things resumed, I was past the typical peak performance window (usually considered to be ages 20-25 for esports athletes). That period led me to explore other roles within the esports industry. I began coaching and had the privilege of working with players who found success on their own journeys.
More importantly, later I found a fulfilling career in an industry I’ve always been passionate about an industry which, at the time I started out, wasn’t as globally recognised as it is today. Now, prize pools and viewership in esports rival traditional sports, and I’m proud to work in a company that helps young people build real career pathways in this space.
What Kinds Of Careers Exist In The Esports Industry?
There are hundreds and that’s not an exaggeration. While the professional player path gets the most attention, it represents only a small fraction of the opportunities available.
Esports careers span live event production, health and wellness, finance, law, business development, social media, marketing and much more. That’s why cities like Dubai are investing heavily in the industry with a vision to create 30,000 esports-related jobs by 2033.
As Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to grow as global esports hubs, the career opportunities for young people in the region will only expand.
What Advice Would You Give To Young People Considering A Career In Esports?
The opportunities are massive especially in the MENA region, which is quickly becoming one of the most exciting esports ecosystems in the world. Saudi Arabia hosts the biggest global tournaments, and the UAE is investing heavily in grassroots and professional esports infrastructure.
If you’re a competitive gamer, there are clear pathways from local teams in the UAE to professional teams in Asia, Europe, and North America. But even if you’re not looking to go pro, you can still thrive in esports. Whether your interests lie in creative media, event management, marketing or global business, there’s a role for you.
At EStars, our team includes individuals from diverse professional backgrounds from law and education to tech and media. Esports is more than just gaming, it’s a global industry with room for all kinds of talents.
Are You Still Competing Today?
Although I no longer compete at the highest level, I continue to play EA FC (formerly FIFA) at a strong competitive standard and occasionally qualify for tournaments. My focus, however, has shifted. Rather than pursuing top-level competition myself, I am committed to creating opportunities for the next generation, particularly in the UAE to access and thrive within the esports industry. I am delighted to be working with EStars, an organisation dedicated to providing clear pathways for young people to become actively involved in this growing sector.
Final Thoughts
I feel incredibly fortunate to be working in an industry I love. When I was younger, programmes like what we offer at EStars simply didn’t exist. If they had, they would have absolutely been part of my education and personal development.
Today, we’re helping to shape the future of esports in the UAE by offering qualifications (including self-paced online programmes) that give students real opportunities to develop skills, build careers and follow their passion. As someone who’s been involved in esports from a young age and plans to stay involved for many years to come. I’m proud to play a role in empowering the next generation of esports professionals.
Learn More About Esports Qualifications
Interested in our Esports Qualifications? Find out more here:
Further Reading:
- Dubai Student Earns Distinction in EStars BTEC in Esports – A Story of Passion and Perseverance
- The EStars BTEC Level 2 in Esports Is Transforming How Secondary Schools Prepare Students for the Careers of Tomorrow