CS:GO pros' mental health to be put under the spotlight in new university study

The Counter-Strike Professional Players' Association has today announced that it's partnering with two UK universities to conduct a study into the mental health of esports pros.

The body, which was set up to improve working conditions and industry standards in the competitive CS:GO scene, is looking into the impact competing in esports has on someone's mental health. Alongside the University of Winchester and the University of Chichester, it will create a survey that will, according to a statement, "provide a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing mental health in professional esports players, specifically in CS:GO."

The impetus for doing this study is likely a result of a number of high-profile CS:GO players taking periods of leave or stepping away from rosters due to the negative effects of competing, such as stress, burnout, and other mental health issues. Astralis duo Andreas 'Xyp9x' Højsleth and Lukas 'gla1ve' Rossander have both taken medical leave this year, and former in-game leader for Team Vitality Alex 'ALEX' McMeekin has also stepped away from competing due to exhaustion and burnout.

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