Changing Lives Through Esports and Community Impact
How do you leverage esports to create a positive impact on the lives of young people?
We sat down with Eric Yingling, founder of Absolute Leverage Esports , a nonprofit organization using esports as a platform to empower at-risk youth and foster community engagement. Eric shares his journey from a passionate gamer to a nonprofit leader, the challenges of navigating the esports industry, and his vision for creating a more inclusive and supportive gaming environment.
Q: Eric, your journey into esports is unique. How did it all begin, and what inspired you to launch Absolute Leverage?
I’ve been gaming since the late 80s, starting with TurboGrafx-16. Over the years, I fell in love with competitive gaming and eventually found my way to Rocket League. I started playing casually but quickly got into tournaments and even sought out a coach. That coach ended up becoming my co-founder.
The turning point came when I saw an opportunity to make a real difference. My daughter, who has been through her own challenges, inspired me to think about how gaming could be a lifeline for kids going through tough times. I wanted to create a space where young people could feel supported and empowered, using esports as a tool to build confidence and teach valuable life skills. That’s how Absolute Leverage was born.
Q: The name “Absolute Leverage” carries a lot of meaning. Can you tell us how it reflects your mission?
The idea behind the name is to give kids the tools to leverage their challenges into strengths. Whether they’re dealing with personal struggles or just navigating the complexities of growing up, we want to provide them with the resources and support to overcome adversity.
Our goal is to create absolute leverage for their personal growth—whether that’s through teamwork, community-building, or simply showing them they have people who care about their well-being. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunities.
Q: Esports organizations are often focused on competitive gaming. How does your approach differ?
For us, esports isn’t just about competition—it’s about community. Competitive gaming is expensive, and maintaining a team can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. I learned quickly that this isn’t sustainable for most organizations, let alone nonprofits like ours.
Instead, we focus on community impact. We work with local organizations to host events, sponsor kids, and provide resources like jerseys, hoodies, and even legal or mental health contacts for families in need. It’s about using gaming as a platform to teach teamwork, build self-esteem, and show kids that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a nonprofit in the esports space?
The biggest challenge has been getting support from larger esports organizations. We’ve reached out to countless teams and companies, but many are focused solely on profitability and aren’t interested in initiatives that don’t directly generate revenue.
Another challenge is the gaming industry itself. Developers often have strict controls over their intellectual property, making it difficult for grassroots or nonprofit initiatives to thrive. For example, when we started running larger Rocket League tournaments, we faced pushback from the game’s publisher, even though we were privately funding the events. It’s a frustrating reality, but we’re committed to finding ways to make an impact despite these obstacles.
Q: Where do you see the esports industry heading, and how can nonprofits like yours make a difference?
The industry is still finding its footing. Professional esports teams are struggling to stay profitable, and developers hold too much control over the ecosystem. This creates barriers for smaller organizations trying to make a difference.
That said, I believe the future lies in community-driven initiatives. By focusing on grassroots efforts and partnering directly with local organizations, we can create a sustainable model that benefits everyone involved. Nonprofits like Absolute Leverage have a unique role to play in this—using gaming as a tool for good while helping to shape a more inclusive and supportive esports culture.
Wrapping It Up
Eric Yingling’s work with Absolute Leverage demonstrates the power of using esports for social good. By focusing on community impact and empowering at-risk youth, Eric is redefining what it means to be successful in the esports industry.
About Eric Yingling
Eric Yingling is the founder of Absolute Leverage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging the power of esports to empower young people and create lasting community impact. With a passion for gaming and a commitment to social good, Eric combines his personal experiences with innovative approaches to foster inclusivity and support within the gaming community.
Through Absolute Leverage, Eric continues to challenge the status quo in esports, proving that gaming can be a force for positive change.
