This isn’t just another esports story. It’s the truth behind the trophies.

From cottage bonfires and mobile hotspots to global stages and mental strain - JKnaps and Papa Knaps share the raw road of becoming (and staying) pro.

They don’t hold back.

The pressure. The pride. The burnout. What the fans never see. What the parents always feel.

And why chasing a dream means more than just winning.

This episode is a time capsule for Rocket League’s OGs - and a wake-up call for the next wave.

Whether you’re a player, a parent, or someone in the crowd, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• What most people get wrong about pro esports
• The psychological toll of constant performance
• Advice for parents raising high-potential players
• Why success without soul burns out fast
• What the Rocket League community still needs to thrive

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Welcome + Intros 01:30 – Becoming Pro: From Bonfire to Broadcast 05:10 – LANs, Losses, and Lessons 10:15 – Mental Pressure Behind the Game 14:45 – Parents in the Trenches 18:45 – What JKnaps Would Tell His 17-Year-Old Self 20:30 – Real Talk for Esports Moms and Dads 25:00 – Legacy, Community, and What’s Next for Rocket League 33:00 – Final Words + Love for the OGs

Want more stories behind the screens? Follow @esportsmompodcast on Instagram for exclusive clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and real talk from the people shaping the world of gaming.

You’ll see what the mainstream misses. Hit that follow. Join the fam.

Introductory Music by @masonmadethis

Big shoutout to masonmadethis for producing the introductory track for The Esports Mom Podcast. If you are a podcaster or artist in need of high-quality instrumentals, go follow him now!