Video games started as a fun pastime activity. Right now, many would giggle at this narrow definition. Video games rapidly entered the competitive sports scene. Esports are predicted to surpass a one billion US dollars revenue waypoint by the end of 2022.
The Esports scene has all the glamor of competitive sports. League of Legends 2021 finals peaked at 73 million concurrent viewers. CS:GO pro players supplement their hefty salaries with the merchandise. Many more turn to streaming platforms for additional income.
If you wonder whether you can turn your gaming hobby into a professional career, we’re here to assist. Below you will find 5 tips to help you out.
Some of it you might have heard before. Meanwhile, others might come as a surprise. So if you want to rule over Esports arenas, continue reading!
1. Know Precisely What You’re Looking For
Professional gaming looks fantastic on the screen. Who wouldn’t want to be Faker for a day? However, Esport is a high-risk, high-reward stressful career. Many gamers find it hard to adapt to the dynamics of the Esports scene. And there’s no time to waste if you want to compete with the best.
It doesn’t mean you have to aim for the top if you’re into gaming. Many video game enthusiasts become professional streamers. The career options are just as good, and there’s less stress involved. Before committing to a gaming career, carefully decide whether you really want to choose Esports.
2. Pick Your Game and Genre
So you decided to test your metal in a pro scene. Most likely, you already have a favorite video game. However, it’s essential to pick one that has a developed Esports league ready to take you in. After all, there aren’t a lot of Stardew Valley championships going on. Look for games with regular annual competitions.
Next, you have to decide what you’re good at. Some video games involve a lot of teamwork (League of Legends, Overwatch, etc.) But being a team player requires a specific type of personality. If you’re more of a solo player, look for 1v1 Esport leagues (Hearthstone, Starcraft 2, and others.)
3. Set Up Comfortable Gaming Gear and Software
When gaming becomes your job, you will spend much time behind the screen. Make sure you invest in a comfortable gaming chair and LED monitor to avoid back pains and a dizzy head. You’ll also need a good headset, gaming mouse and keyboard, and a webcam with a microphone.
Many tend to overlook another crucial aspect. Over the last few years, hackers started targeting gamers with Credential Stuffing attacks. Gaming accounts can be worth a lot of money. For example, if you pick a career in Hearthstone, your set of legendary cards can be worth thousands of dollars. And many hours of gameplay gathering them.
Losing an account to a cyberattack can set you off for a long time. It’s best to invest in a well-developed password manager that will ensure your account security. You will be able to create long, unique, and complex passwords for each account you have. It will provide sufficient protection against Credential Stuffing attacks securing your gaming accounts.
4. Practice and Climb the Ladder
Now that you have your gear and game, it’s time to put your skills to use. You have to get noticed by professional teams and players. A great way to start is climbing as high as possible on a ranked ladder. Many Esport teams have requirements to be in a specific league. If you can meet those criteria or even exceed them, the chances of scoring a position are excellent.
5. Find a Team and Compete in a Tournament
Once you’re among the region’s top players, you can look for a local tournament and a team. It’s nearly impossible to join the all-star leagues in the very beginning. Professional teams are picky about their choices and want to be sure you have the experience and the dedication.
Luckily, there are more than enough emerging teams looking for talented players. Local tournaments are also becoming more popular. For example, Hearthstone is very liberal in allowing players to organize their contests. Even old classics like Heroes of Might and Magic 3 have their tournaments.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve achieved notoriety in local contests, there’s only one step to professional leagues. Remember, an Esports career is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Be ready to commit until the very end. It will take time and dedication, but it’s very rewarding if you manage to make it to the top. Furthermore, you will be doing what you love the most – playing your favorite game in front of cheering arenas!
