Key figures from Australia's eSports industry have welcomed the AFL's proposed move into the $1.2 billion competitive video gaming scene, while a leading gamer insists the pursuit is physically and mentally draining.

Fairfax Media revealed on Wednesday that the AFL was planning to forge a path into eSports, with intentions to run a tournament out of Etihad Stadium and encourage clubs to invest in, sponsor or create their own professional video game teams.

Intel Extreme Masters, a global circuit of eSports tournaments.

Frank Li, owner and founder of one of Australia's leading eSports teams Chiefs, said if the AFL were serious about their plans for eSports the move would likely help "legitimise" the sport in the country.

"Institutions like the AFL getting involved would be massive for legitimising eSports," Li said. "When the first few NBA teams got involved in the US it not only opened the eyes of casual eSports fans but also a lot of people in the mainstream media."