Joe Rogan is a jack of all trades. A no-nonsense podcast host, a sharp-eyed cageside analyst at UFC events, a BJJ black belt, and a walking model of discipline and well-being. From cold baths and elk meat to BJJ rolls and 3-hour weightlifting marathons, the JRE host not only preaches but also practices a healthy lifestyle. But even a man with Rogan’s determination has flaws. Surprisingly, it isn’t sugar, alcohol, or laziness. It’s something far more common: video games.

On episode #2320 of the Joe Rogan Experience, guest Tom Segura discussed video games as a trap rather than amusement. Segura described how he mentally separates himself from games by convincing himself that he is too busy. However, Rogan was unable to relate. Instead, he made a surprising confession to his fans: he can’t play video games without losing control.

“My problem is if I put that 20 minutes in, I’ll be up till 5 in the morning,” Rogan said. “I’ll go, ‘I don’t need sleep; I just won’t work out tomorrow. I’ll just show up half in the bag. I’ll eat a lot of creatine so my brain works.” This wasn’t a casual joke or exaggeration. The UFC commentator has already admitted his issue with gaming addiction, most notably during a previous episode starring pro gamer Jordan “nothing” Gilbert.

Joe Rogan explained how gaming, particularly Quake, used to consume him. He discussed the pure exhilaration of mastering the mechanics, the compulsive feedback loop of improvement, and the mental pull it had on him. It wasn’t all fun. It was a dangerous type of fixation. “I get a better understanding of strafe jumping and where to aim with my rail gun, can’t do it. I’m too dumb. I get too excited. I get too locked in,” he said.

And it’s not all about him anymore. Rogan, now a father, understands that this addiction is not something he wants around his children. He equated guarding children from games to keeping them safe from predators in the wild. In his world, gaming is more than simply a leisure; it can be a drain on time, energy, and health.

For a man who views life as a training camp, the prospect of being dragged back into late-night sessions and skipping workouts is more than just an inconvenience; it is a true threat to everything he has created. So, seeing how he has gone against gaming, he might be against esports as well, right? Well, that’s where he holds quite a surprising belief.

Joe Rogan promotes e-sports and its competitors

It may surprise you, but despite his own battle with video game addiction, Joe Rogan does not look down on those who have made a career out of gaming. Actually, he admires them. While he avoids gaming like the plague to safeguard his health and discipline, he recognizes the ability, mental sharpness, and competitive fire that exist in the world of esports.

To the UFC commentator, there’s a significant difference between being trapped by a hobby and perfecting a craft, and e-sports athletes, in his opinion, fall squarely into the second category. During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience (#1404), he made it clear that professional gamers do not receive the respect they deserve. Rogan believes that society is still programmed to view gaming negatively since the activities take place in a digital domain rather than a physical one.

“We’re also brainwashed to believe that video games are for losers,” he said, criticizing the old-school mentality that ignores what elite-level gamers bring to the table. Unlike leisure gaming, which consumes time, professional gaming necessitates strategy, mental accuracy, and incredible hand-eye coordination—all attributes that the JRE host cherishes in any high-level competition.

He even made comparisons to golf. Golf, despite being one of the least physically demanding sports, commands global respect and million-dollar salaries. So why not play games? Rogan feels that professional gamers should be regarded with the same admiration, not just by fans, but also by parents, peers, and the general public. But what do you think? Do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments.