The esports ecosystem is vast. As with any large industry, it is comprised of many supporting groups and disciplines. These include game developers with their own sales and marketing teams. Recruiters, agents, sponsors, and PR managers are also highly involved in daily management activities with continued industry growth in mind.

The main cast of characters associated with competitions includes the following:

Players – Players engage amongst teammates, work with the manager, coaches and analysts, and may fly all over the world for competitions.
Coaches – Coaches work closely with the players, to motivate them, identify their strengths and weaknesses and make sure they are playing at their best.
Analysts – Analysts translate information into stats and strategies. They provide information to a team, tournament provider, broadcaster, or game developer.
Admins and Referees – Admins and referees record the outcome of matches, make sure that the players are sticking to the rules, and hand out penalties if any are broken.
Shoutcasters – A shout caster is the esports name for a commentator. They speak over the action to inform and entertain the viewer.
Hosts – Stage hosts usually act as the main presenter of a tournament, introduce teams and often interview players and other experts.

The esports industry lacks unified governing bodies at all levels, despite its size, popularity, and influence. It is somewhat fragmented with several organizations around the world vying for supremacy. The intellectual property aspect of the games themselves makes it difficult since these interested groups are not in control of the rules and gameplay. Despite this situation, there is common interest and activity by all to further advance the industry. Mergers and partnerships are announced regularly as this market continues to grow and mature.

Primary associations, alliances, and affiliations:

Esports setups vary in scale and capability, incorporating several AV technologies and specific IT network requirements. They incorporate powerful gaming PCs or consoles, such as PlayStation® and Xbox®, running high resolution graphics at high frame rates. Supporting facilities are unique in design, often built to suit the needs and specifications of the game, or games, that the organization has chosen for competition.

• General Gaming Centers
• Game Labs
• Practice Facilities
• Multipurpose Spaces
• University Competition Rooms
• Esports Arenas

Esports systems are comprised of specialized equipment that must meet strict requirements to qualify for use in tournaments.

• Player Stations – Keeping the gameplay pure for the player is the main priority. High-performance PCs and displays are mostly used in tournament play, and every edge they provide should be maintained.
• Networking – An esports venue’s network needs vastly differ from those of a typical office. It must have high-speed broadband internet that is strong enough to support the digital action of all the gamers playing in one place at one time.
• AV Infrastructure – Esports venues are designed to provide an engaging experience for players and fans alike. The spectacle of large tournaments and championships often rival that seen at professional sporting events and concerts.
•  Streaming/Broadcasting – More and more facilities are creating broadcast stations or production rooms for streaming or creating content around their programs and events.
• Account Establishment – Esports clubs and leagues interact with host service organizations like Twitch, Valve/Steam, Discord, PlayVS, and many others.

Esports system design and equipment selection begin once the selected game titles and team size has been determined. This dictates the type and amount of equipment needed for player stations. Typical gaming stations include several items that need to be addressed. The quality or even brand of peripherals will affect perception.