With over 500 million viewers worldwide and over $5 billion of projected revenue in 2026, competitive video gaming—popularly known as esports—has evolved from a niche hobby to a global technological and cultural phenomenon. Gamers at the highest levels often practice for 10–14 hours daily, executing up to 600 actions per minute in high-stakes environments. This intense dedication, combined with extended screen time and sedentary behaviors, leaves esports athletes vulnerable to a distinct spectrum of injuries and disorders. Healthcare providers need specialized knowledge to effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat these conditions.

The second edition of the Handbook of Esports Medicine builds upon the foundation of the first edition, offering an updated, comprehensive guide to esports-related healthcare. Esports medicine has expanded dramatically, with advancements in research, clinical practices, and a broader understanding of the unique demands placed on this patient population. This edition reflects these developments, ensuring it remains a vital resource for medical and esports professionals navigating this rapidly growing field.

Key updates include expanded coverage of emerging topics such as the growth of collegiate esports programs, the integration of virtual reality (VR) gaming into competitive settings, and the impact of wearable technologies on performance and injury prevention. Additionally, the book provides insights into evolving trends, such as the increasing standardization of esports training regimens and the growing emphasis on mental health, nutrition, and team dynamics. This handbook delivers an in-depth introduction to esports culture, gameplay mechanics, and terminology, tailored so that healthcare professionals unfamiliar with the field or seasoned veterans themselves can understand. It serves as a step-by-step guide to performing an esports-specific history and physical examination and provides evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and managing gaming-related conditions. Topics include injuries of the upper and lower extremities, spinal conditions, ergonomic interventions, psychological challenges, and nutritional strategies for sustaining optimal performance.

Timely and practical, the Handbook of Esports Medicine: Clinical Aspects of Competitive Video Gaming 2nd Edition continues to be an essential resource for sports medicine physicians, orthopedic specialists, rehabilitation experts, pediatricians, therapists, psychologists, and trainers engaged in esports. With its incorporation of the latest research and practices, this second edition positions itself as the definitive guide to navigating the intersection of competitive gaming and healthcare.

Lindsey Migliore
GamerDoc
Anchorage, AK
USA

Caitlin McGee
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg, PA
USA

Melita N. Moore
Health-e-Gamer Foundation
Columbus, OH
USA