The joy of learning and succeeding in esports

Video games are present in the lives of many children, young people and young adults. Kari Lahti is the exception that proves the rule: he is an enthusiastic 77-year-old esports athlete.

Gaming becomes esports when competition enters the equation. In recent years, esports has become a phenomenon that also includes streaming, training and popular events.

Last December, for example, the Elisa Esports Masters tournament thrilled 8,000 spectators at Metro Areena and 30 million online, with eight teams competing virtually for a huge prize.

Kari Lahti from Espoo got into the shooter game Counter Strike (CS) a few years ago when he watched a match between two senior teams. The team-based shooter is one of the world’s most popular esports games, and its age limit is 16 years.
Lahti has honed his skills by learning from other players.

“First, I choose an interesting tactic that a professional team has used in a real match. I figure out each player’s role, tasks, skills, paths and principles of cooperation.”

He then tries to learn how to use each player’s equipment by practising with them.

“I don’t always succeed nearly as well in games as I do when practising, but learning alone feels exciting. The moments when I can finally successfully apply the skills I have learned in a real match are fantastic.”

It takes close cooperation among the entire team to succeed. This is possible because the team members can all hear each other at all times.

Gaming also requires a wide range of individual skills, such as understanding game situations, quick decision-making skills and reaction speed.

“In terms of reaction speed, I lose out to younger people, which is why I have worked on my other skills. I am well-versed in the use of equipment and tactics. For example, I know when and how to use smoke, flash or explosive grenades.”
Physical agility is also useful. Lahti takes care of the mobility of his hands and fingers through everyday exercise.

What fascinates Kari Lahti about esports is the opportunity to develop and constantly learn more.

“The best thing about gaming has been the joy of learning and succeeding.”

Lahti is currently a member of the Finnish team The Ancients, where the average age of the players is a little over 60 years.

“We’re in the International Senior League and made it at least to the semi-final!”

• Espoo offers esports through the Hobby Path. For example, the hobby search page offers esports groups organised by sports clubs for young people in grades 7–9: espoo.fi/en/hobbysearch
• Esports studies are available at Leppävaaran lukio and Omnia.
• Young people particularly prefer the NHL hockey game and the FIFA football game.
• “Kids who play ice hockey often also play the NHL game, while football players play FIFA. It’s a way to feel a sense of togetherness and play together in a different environment,” says Espoo’s Esports Planning Officer Kimmo Leinonen.
• If you would like to join a senior esports team, please contact kimmo.leinonen@espoo.fi.
   

This article has originally been published in the Espoo Magazine 2/2024. Read other articles in the Espoo Magazine.