Exploring e-sports hotel repurchase intentions through polynomial regression and response surface analysis

E-sports hotels are one of the fastest-growing sectors within the “e-sports + X” model, yet academic research on this setting remains limited, and little is known about the environments that best support repeat consumption. Drawing on recreationist–environment fit theory, this study uses polynomial regression and response surface analysis to examine, from a bilateral fit perspective, how the alignment between environmental attributes and consumer expectations shapes repurchase intention. Using two-wave survey data from 280 participants, the results show that high levels of fit significantly enhance flow experience and reduce psychological alienation. Under low-fit conditions, a high-environment–low-expectations pattern generates more flow experience and reduces psychological alienation more effectively than the opposite pattern. In addition, flow experience and psychological alienation mediate the relationship between fit and repurchase intention. These findings underscore the pivotal role of consumer–environment fit in fostering repurchase intention in e-sports hotels and provide theoretical and practical guidance for optimizing hotel environments to support sustainable industry development.