Disability eSports refers to initiatives that allow individuals with disabilities to compete and interact on the same level as those without disabilities by utilizing assistive devices such as eye-tracking input and adaptive controllers.
In addition to participation as players, there are also examples of individuals connecting to jobs in tournament management and commentary. Furthermore, eSports is being utilized not only as a professional player but also in the context of disability welfare.
That said, many may feel, "I can't move my body as I wish, can I really participate?" or "I don't know where to start."
The 20th Asian Games (2026/Aichi, Nagoya), which will open on September 19, 2026, will feature eSports as an official competition for medals (the eSports events themselves will take place from September 23 to October 2). On the other hand, eSports is not included in the 18 sports of the Asian Para Games, which will open on October 18.
This article will clearly explain how to get started with disability eSports, the devices that can be used, tournaments and support organizations, and examples of employment for people with disabilities, based on the latest information as of September 2026.
1. What is eSports?
Photo by ELLA DON on Unsplash
eSports is an abbreviation for electronic sports, and in a broad sense, it refers to entertainment, competition, and sports conducted using electronic devices.
Additionally, when considering competitive play using computer games or video games as a sport, it is also referred to as eSports.
Terminology
Main Usage
Examples of Users
Disability eSports
The broadest term referring to all eSports that involve individuals with disabilities
Media and Government Documents
Para eSports
A term used in the context of parasports to refer to eSports for individuals with disabilities
Local Governments and Sports Promotion Departments (e.g., Tokyo's e-Para Sports Project)
Barrier-Free eSports
A concept that includes creating an environment where anyone can participate, regardless of disability
Private enterprises like ePARA
1-1. History of eSports
Tracing the history of eSports, it is said that the earliest tournament was held in 1972 for the game "Spacewar!".
In the 1990s, fighting games became a boom in Japan, led by Street Fighter II, while in the West, the professionalization of players began with organizations like PGL and CPL.
Additionally, the gradual spread of the internet in the 1990s accelerated the sportsification of gaming.
In 2000, the phrase "eSports" began to be used, and in October, the World Cyber Games Challenge (WCGC) was held.
In 2004, San Francisco was chosen as the first host city outside of Korea.
In October 2007, the OCA decided to adopt eSports as an official event at the 2nd Asian Indoor Games.
In Japan, understanding and responses to eSports have progressed, and the following events have been held:
Date
Content
June 2007
Establishment of the Japan eSports Association Preparatory Committee
November 2011
1st eSports JAPAN CUP held
April 2013
Japan Competitive Gaming (JCG) established
January 2014
Opening of "e-sports SQUARE AKIHABARA"
April 2015
General Incorporated Association Japan eSports Association (JeSPA) established
October 2015
General Incorporated Association eSports Promotion Organization established
March 2016
General Incorporated Association Japan Professional eSports Federation established (later renamed to General Incorporated Association Japan eSports Federation)
January 2018
General Incorporated Association Japan eSports Union established
From the above, it is clear that there has been a rapid change in the environment surrounding eSports since around 2014.
1-2. Is eSports a Game or a Sport?
When discussing eSports, there is often a debate about whether it is a game or a sport.
eSports refers to the name given when competitive play using computer games or video games is regarded as a sport.
Generally, when we think of sports, we imagine activities that involve the use of one's body.
On the other hand, in the case of eSports, since electronic devices are used, it is difficult to hold the image of a sport.
However, similar to how Go and chess are referred to as "mind sports," the definition of sports in a broad sense is expanding.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been working to expand the recognition of eSports as a sport, launching the "Olympic eSports Series" in 2023. The planned full-scale "Olympic eSports Games" (scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027) has been temporarily suspended due to the end of the partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia in October 2025.
Nonetheless, the IOC has indicated a willingness to explore new forms of partnership in the future, and the relationship between eSports and the Olympics is not over, and it is expected to continue to evolve.
1-3. Main Events
At the Olympic eSports Series held in Singapore in June 2023, the following events were conducted:
Event
Game
Archery
Tic Tac Bow
Cycling
Zwift
Sailing
Virtual Regatta
Dance
Just Dance
Chess
Chess.com
Taekwondo
Virtual Taekwondo
Tennis
Tennis Clash
Motorsports
Gran Turismo 7
Baseball
WBSC eBASEBALL Powerful Pro Baseball
Shooting
Fortnite
Additionally, an exhibition match for Street Fighter 6 was held.
Beyond the Olympic eSports Series, individual world championships using specific games are being held in various locations.
2. [Latest 2026] The eSports Market Size is 16.1 Billion Yen, with a Competitive Population of 4.19 Million
3. Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities through eSports
Photo by Stem List on Unsplash
eSports is gaining attention as a platform for people with disabilities to connect, as it allows for easy participation online at any time.
Moreover, because competitors can face off on equal footing regardless of disability, the chances for success increase.
In fact, the Japan Association of eSports for Persons with Disabilities was established with the aim of improving competitive ability and promoting sportsmanship.
Internationally, players like Brolylegs, who excelled in fighting game tournaments (who passed away at the age of 35 in March 2024), are well-known. Domestically, the NPO p「e-sports Barrier Break-Cu, based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, regularly holds eSports tournaments open to participants regardless of disability.
4. Three Companies Promoting Employment for People with Disabilities through eSports
4-1. eSports Tournament for Employment Support: "ePARA"
ePARA is a news site for barrier-free eSports that provides various information.
At the same time, it supports the social participation of people with disabilities through eSports, allowing them to engage in activities that are meaningful and true to themselves.
As part of this effort, they are responsible for planning and managing barrier-free eSports tournaments.
Barrier-free eSports does not only involve players with disabilities.
By entrusting various tasks in the barrier-free eSports business to people with disabilities or employing them, they provide employment support.
This philosophy and activity are supported by companies such as Yogibo and Joysound, receiving high praise from various sectors.
4-2. Employment Promotion Service for People with Disabilities in eSports: "GROW-GAMING."
GROW-GAMING is the name of a service operated by ESJ Consulting.
The main business is a corporate disability employment solution service, and it is also actively promoting employment for people with disabilities in eSports.
Anticipating the formation of a disability employment cycle, it is gaining attention as a service that realizes the acquisition of diverse human resources and workplace retention that can only be achieved through eSports.
Additionally, it aims to help people with disabilities work long-term towards their dreams and hopes in collaboration with companies and support organizations.
4-3. Employment Transition Support Office Specializing in eSports: "ACADEMIA"
ACADEMIA is a service operated by ACADEMIA Co., Ltd.
ACADEMIA was born as a new welfare facility for people with disabilities that combines eSports with a concept of turning passion into a job.
They support employment in professional gaming and gaming-related companies, with instructors who have specialized knowledge of eSports conducting lectures and practical training, which is an attractive feature.
They have established a curriculum leading to employment, providing users with insights into which fields they want to pursue and offering individualized support along their desired paths.
Users can receive support for two years, ultimately acquiring skills such as business etiquette and interview techniques.
eSports is expanding as a place for the activities of employment support and transition support offices for people with disabilities. While side jobs are generally not permitted during the use of employment transition support, it is expected that more individuals who have transitioned to formal employment under disability employment frameworks will take on eSports as a side job in the future.
5. Challenges and Future of eSports for People with Disabilities
[Challenge 1] Cost of Equipment and Environment, and Information Gap Eye-tracking devices and adaptive controllers are not priced for everyone to easily purchase. Additionally, there remains an information gap where the existence of lending systems and tournaments does not reach the individuals concerned.
The improvement of competitive levels among disabled players is also a concern. While people with disabilities can excel in the field of eSports,
not all individuals with disabilities can compete equally.
To ensure that everyone can play eSports,both software and hardware innovations and considerations are necessary.
[Challenge 2] Revenue Structure Dependent on Sponsorship Income The revenue structure of the eSports industry heavily relies on sponsorship income.
That said, in the domestic market around 2018-2019, sponsorship income accounted for about 75% of total revenue. However, recent data (2024) shows that "sponsorship fees" and "event operations" for tournaments and teams now each account for over 35% of the total, indicating a slight diversification of dependency. Moving forward, increasing the proportion of ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales will be a challenge to strengthen the overall revenue base of the industry.
[Challenge 3] Positioning within the International Para Sports Framework eSports has not been adopted in the Asian Para Games. Its international positioning as a competitive sport is still in the early stages.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about eSports for People with Disabilities
Q1. Can people with disabilities participate in eSports tournaments? Yes, they can. There are pathways to participate in general tournaments open to all, regardless of disability, as well as in barrier-free eSports tournaments and events. It is realistic to start by finding titles that can be played comfortably in one's operating environment and engaging with online communities.
Q2. Can people who have difficulty moving their hands or fingers still participate in eSports? Yes, there are input devices tailored to physical conditions, such as eye-tracking systems, switches that do not require pressing force, and adaptive controllers. Initiatives like Tokyo's e-Para Sports project also lend equipment for free.
![Tourism Agency Subsidies: Types and Timing of Barrier-Free Accommodations [Latest Edition]](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fpixseo-1eeef.firebasestorage.app%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F1791961032344_______.webp%3FGoogleAccessId%3Dfirebase-adminsdk-fbsvc%2540pixseo-1eeef.iam.gserviceaccount.com%26Expires%3D16447017600%26Signature%3DLEEjsbDugVRAsbo4dIaGp%252FGmZXWQ%252BNxeJltn9RdeGjdUBOxGw59vQ3gbSdMX2Y4q3hyITkNalScADl4YJZHGjkS6c63AwYeYnoLQNJPbxafVcSR4bvdN1bcQG5jQ8WtN6mLJzvp%252FHG6%252BYcObodnZcUNV2AKBLpJlV1ryKiblh%252BoqrgrjRT69dW79YX8HOYg%252FHERl%252BKrS5EKf%252FIcZm8SdpU%252BCsCj23I%252B0rD4zA4p5Da0rnX7%252F%252BS8p3IvDzVBf2xYVs%252FUfbkcOxAm7dOgN4j5c%252BH1byNt1i31mIbt6b4zjkLhEVqb25SyDn1fx7Xr0lPY7Ega6PcA7r6oB0cycFYiVjQ%253D%253D&w=1920&q=85&dpl=dpl_97jxEX1tdNjmbGmKAnQVafEX51Z8)