A very public spat over the transfer of a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player shows the need for protection for both players and the teams that invest in their growth in the esports industry.

As a father, I understand the need to take care of my child. I need to remain vigilant of a truck crashing into him while he is taking selfies in front of the Houses of Parliament. I have to be on hand to offer my feedback on his decision to have plastic surgery after his girlfriend leaves him for someone more handsome. But what if your child was an esports athlete? How do you protect them?

This question has arisen after a very public spat erupted via email, concerning the decision by the professional esports athlete Tsvetelin ‘CeRq’ Mangalski to leave the Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) side Outlaws to play for NRG esports.

The first email that found its way to my computer was from Mario Ovcharov, Chief Marketing Officer, UltraPlay. I wasn’t the only person to receive it. In a sense, it showed the maturity of the esports organisation as a whole when Ovcharov sent an open letter to 126 different people who work with the esports industry or the media, seeking opinion on the CeRq transfer.