This commentary examines the potential application of esports research to military and emergency responder roles. It highlights similarities between competitive gaming and operational environments, focusing on cognitive performance under pressure. The commentary explores how esports-derived knowledge could enhance recruitment, training, and performance in areas like rapid decision-making, strategic thinking, team coordination, and stress management. Potential applications include cognitive assessment, simulation training, and stress inoculation. While acknowledging challenges and limitations, the commentary suggests significant potential for leveraging esports insights in high-pressure occupational settings. However, further targeted research is needed to validate skill transfer and address ethical considerations in these real-world contexts.