It reads like you assume that expertise is defined by how others view you. That is certainly one way to define expertise. But expertise can also be an objective measure. Then it doesn't matter how new the field is, you still have to work for years to achieve it.

I feel competitive gaming is one of those areas where the new stuff can make you the best in a field in a few weeks. But if you look at the really best players you find that they continue to learn even when they have reached the top. Then they compete with the other top players to find new ways and optimize the existing ways even a little more.