October 30, 2025
How Esports and Gaming empower Veterans like Mark
Sport has long been recognised as a key factor in supporting connection and wellbeing within the defence community. While traditional sports remain important, esports (organised competitive video gaming) are now providing additional opportunities for veterans and their families to engage, connect, and improve wellbeing.
Esports has seen rapid growth globally and is increasingly used as a tool to support veterans. It offers accessible participation for those with physical or mental health challenges and recreates elements valued in military life, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and shared achievement.
In October, Invictus Australia is partnering with Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA) to connect veterans and families nationwide through esports as part of Mental Health Month. These events are helping veterans like Mark reconnect with his sense of community and regain a purpose.
Finding purpose through gaming: Mark’s story
For South Australian veteran Mark, gaming has been nothing short of transformative.
Mark joined the Army at 19, training as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic and serving across Australia and overseas on multiple deployments. His career in the defence force was a rewarding experience, where Mark learnt skills, he still uses daily.
“Military life was a mix of incredible mateship, opportunities, and challenges. It pushed me to my limits but also gave me experiences and skills I’ll carry for life. The lifestyle and tribal like camaraderie were unique and not comparable to anything else I had experienced.”
Like many who serve, Mark’s career came with its challenges. Ongoing pain from knee and back injuries, along with mental health struggles, eventually led to his medical discharge in 2016. Life after the Army brought new hurdles, including the reality of no longer being able to participate in the sports he was passionate about.
“Life after discharge was difficult,” Mark recalls. “Motorsport had always been my passion, but injuries meant I couldn’t compete, and that left a huge gap… I felt cut off, with little sense of direction or belonging.”
The turning point came when Mark discovered Veteran Gaming Australia.
Gaming gave me back a sense of teamwork and connection.”
What began as time on a racing simulator to fill the void left by motorsport soon became an avenue to connect with other veterans who understood his journey. “It’s been transformative, life feels less heavy now, because I have a community and a sense of purpose again.”
It’s been transformative, life feels less heavy now, because I have a community and a sense of purpose.”
Building community, online and offline
Mark’s involvement grew quickly. Inspired by VGA’s mission, he became the organisation’s South Australia State Representative, creating opportunities for veterans and families to connect through arcade days, bowling nights and major community events. “This role has given me a renewed sense of purpose,” Mark explains. “It allows me to give back, reconnect with my military family and show others that they’re not alone.”
This month, Mark, and his colleagues at VGA are collaborating with Invictus Australia’s local engagement team, facilitating esporting opportunities to encourage veterans and family members to take positive steps on their wellbeing journey, away from isolation and toward connection.
GAMING as a wellbeing tool
For veterans and families, the benefits of esports go far beyond entertainment. Gaming provides:
- Accessibility – Veterans living with physical injuries or chronic pain can participate without barriers.
- Connection – Online platforms make it possible to stay linked with peers, no matter the distance.
- Purpose – Organised events and team competitions give players something to strive toward.
- Support – Communities like VGA offer understanding, encouragement, and practical help.
These are the same protective factors highlighted in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, connection, belonging and purpose, that can safeguard against isolation and distress within the defence community.
Taking steps on the wellbeing journey
As Mental Health Month reminds us, wellbeing is a journey built on small steps. For Mark, one of those steps was simply deciding to explore gaming. From there, he found connection, renewed purpose and the chance to help others do the same.
His advice to other veterans? “Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out, to mates, to veteran organisations, to groups like VGA. Small steps matter: attend an event or try a new activity. And remember, you don’t have to go through it alone.”
Inspired by Mark? Invictus Australia and VGA are hosting watch parties in four locations across the country for the OVEL Tournament, featuring Rocket League. Make sure you are following your local Facebook group (below) for further information.
- Wagga Wagga, NSW
10:00am – 1:00pm | Riverina Veteran and Family Hub, NSW
- Queanbeyan, NSW
10:00am – 1:00pm | Queanbeyan Veteran and Family Hub
- Adelaide, SA
Times TBA | Northern Adelaide Veteran and Family Hub
- Perth, WA
Location and Times TBA
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
- ACT Local Facebook group
- SA Local Facebook group
- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
- Victoria Facebook Group
- WA Facebook Group
- TAS Facebook Group
- NT Facebook Group
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