<![CDATA[The rapid expansion of the esports industry in the digital era has created new forms of professional engagement that challenge traditional legal frameworks, particularly in the context of employment contracts. In Indonesia, esports athletes enter into contractual relationships with teams that regulate performance obligations, income, and digital activities such as streaming and personal branding. However, the absence of specific regulations governing esports contracts has resulted in fragmented legal protection and increased vulnerability for athletes. This study aims to analyze the legal protection of esports athletes’ employment contracts in Indonesia and to compare it with regulatory approaches in selected ASEAN countries, namely Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The research employs a normative juridical method with statutory, conceptual, and comparative approaches, relying on secondary legal materials obtained through library research. Data are analyzed qualitatively through legal interpretation and comparative evaluation. The findings indicate that legal protection in Indonesia remains inadequate, characterized by an imbalance of bargaining power, the presence of unfair contractual clauses, weak protection of intellectual property rights, and limited dispute resolution mechanisms. In contrast, several ASEAN countries have developed more structured legal frameworks, including licensing systems, standardized contracts, and stronger institutional oversight, which provide greater legal certainty and protection for esports athletes. This study concludes that Indonesia requires comprehensive legal reform to address regulatory gaps and adapt to the nature of the esports industry. Strengthening legal protection through the establishment of specific regulations, standardization of contracts, enhancement of intellectual property rights, and development of effective dispute resolution mechanisms is essential to ensure fairness, legal certainty, and the sustainable growth of the esports industry in the digital era.]]>
