Which country was the first to officially recognize e-sports players as professional athletes?

South Korea

South Korea was a pioneer in recognizing e-sports players as professional athletes, reflecting the cultural and social significance of video games in the country. This recognition helped professionalize e-sports, opened pathways for career development in the field, and encouraged the creation of supporting infrastructures, such as professional teams and leagues. South Korea has also been at the forefront of introducing e-sports into the educational system, with universities offering scholarships and programs dedicated to aspiring e-sports professionals. This initiative not only strengthened South Korea's position as an e-sports superpower but also served as a model for other countries considering formalizing and supporting careers in e-sports.