118 Excellence in ed-tech
E sports is now recognised as a global 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 industry that offers meaningful pathways into leadership, creativity, and future 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 There’s a long-standing stereotype of gamers as socially isolated, but that image is outdated.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.
Anthony Mouzon, Project Lead at EStars
Powered by FlippingBook