A Japanese esports team is proving that gaming is truly for
Just a number: Based in Akita, Matagi Snipers are Japan’s first sponsored, professional esports team made of all seniors, aged 66 to 73, according to Kotaku.
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- Of the 21 applicants, only eight made it through based on their aptitude for gaming, even if they’ve never played before.
- Such is the case for team member Eba, 67, who said that she noticed the benefits gaming has on her cognitive abilities, hand-eye coordination, communication with her teammates and keeping her senses engaged and alert.
- Two spots are also reserved for “junior” members who are 65 or younger, according to The Mainichi.
- The members have been training three times a week since July and are currently gearing up for their first livestream on either YouTube or Twitch in October, according to NHK.
- Like their namesake, Matagi Snipers will focus on shooting games.
- The website also states that their team is the fifth professional team comprised of senior citizens. One of those spots belongs to Sweden’s Silver Snipers, who specialize in “Counter-Strike” (“CS: GO”).
- In a Sept. 21 press conference, one unidentified member, who is aiming for the global stage, excitedly said, “I want to spread my wings around Japan and the world.”
- Another member, going by the screenname “Mr. Kita,” said, “I’m doing my best and having fun every day. I’ll try hard to become the very best as a professional player.”
- Beyond streaming, the team plans to compete starting April 2022.
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