Professional players have shared their advice on becoming a competitive video gamer in a lucrative industry that has grown to become worth billions of dollars. The first step is to find the game that you enjoy and love, says Rocket League gamer Mark Exton, adding that following that passion could be more beneficial than playing games because of trendiness. Learning from successful players, analysing past performances and practicing extensively can also be beneficial. Building communities and putting in effort to network are also important tips, while being passionate and dedicated to the game is the key to becoming a champion.
Esports Careers: Advice from Top Players on Making it as a Professional Gamer
Introduction
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity over the past decade. It has become a billion-dollar industry, with millions of players tuning in to watch live tournaments and matches. And with the rise of esports comes the rise of esports careers. Just like in traditional sports, being a professional gamer is a legitimate career option for many. But how do you make it to the top? We asked some of the top players in the industry for their advice.
Find Your Game
The first step to becoming a professional gamer is to find the game that you truly love and are passionate about. This might mean playing multiple games until you find the one that really clicks with you.
Mark “Markydooda” Exton, a professional Rocket League player, advises, “Just play what you enjoy. It’s a lot easier to put in the required time and effort into something you enjoy, rather than forcing yourself to play something just because you think it’s the game to be playing at the time.”
Learn from the Best
Once you’ve found your game, it’s time to start honing your skills. Watching and learning from the best players in the industry can give you a massive advantage.
Maurice “KheZu” Gutmann, a professional Dota 2 player, suggests, “Watch replays and streams of professional players. Try to see what they do, how they play, and why they make certain decisions. Also, look up guides and listen to the thoughts and ideas of other high-level players.”
Practice, Practice, Practice
Becoming a professional gamer requires an incredible amount of time and dedication. That means putting in the hours to practice and get better every single day.
David “Phelps” Phelps, a professional Hearthstone player, says, “You have to practice constantly. You should be playing the game as much as possible and analyzing your mistakes. Consistency is key in any competitive setting.”
Build a Community
Having a strong community behind you can be incredibly beneficial when it comes to getting your name out there and connecting with other players and teams.
Jaycie “Gillyweed” Gluck, a professional Heroes of the Storm player and commentator, advises, “Start streaming and building a community on social media. Not only is it a great way to get your name out there, but it’s also a way to connect with other players and find potential teammates.”
Network, Network, Network
Networking is key in any industry, but it’s especially important in esports.
Ryoo “SeleCT” Kyung Hyun, a professional StarCraft II player and coach, suggests, “Attend events and meet people in person. Networking is something that can definitely help get you to where you want to be, whether it’s connecting with other players, teams, or sponsors.”
Stay Passionate
Finally, the most important piece of advice for anyone hoping to make it as a professional gamer is to stay passionate and dedicated to the game.
Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell, a professional League of Legends player, says, “Be dedicated and passionate about what you do. You have to really love the game and be willing to put in the time and effort to become the best. If you don’t love it, you won’t have the drive to succeed.”
Conclusion
Becoming a professional gamer is no easy feat. It requires an immense amount of time, dedication, and passion. However, with the right mindset and the right approach, it’s possible to make a career out of playing video games. By following the advice of some of the top players in the industry, aspiring professional gamers can learn the skills and strategies needed to succeed at the highest level.