I just got this off amazon a few days ago.
It is better than my older ikea chair. Only gripe is the seat is not the most comfortable thing ever, but it works for the price.
What your friend said is often true of gaming chairs. There are some quality ones, but a lot of the "gaming" marketing is just that: marketing.
Best bet when chair shopping is actually going to a physical store and sitting in them yourself to see how they feel, since everyone's body is different. Though, I understand that might be difficult right now.
My partner recently got this chair and it has been very comfortable for him (just under 6 feet tall and roughly 180lbs).
I personally use an OFM gaming chair. Mine is blue, but there are pink/black and purple/black options. I got it off of Amazon.
My husband recently bought (and greatly enjoys) this chair. He's slightly lighter than your BF, but not by much.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N2M6ZTK/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I got this one when it went on sale once for $50 it is pretty decent. There are definitely better chairs.