Have you always dreamed of becoming an esports pro? As career goals go, it’s not a bad call. As of 2022, the esports sector is valued at approximately $1.38 billion and looks to exceed $5 billion by the decade’s end. What’s more, the most successful professionals can take home upwards of $1 million in any given year in prize money. Once you factor in additional sponsorship and merchandising deals, it’s easy to see why esports is such an attractive option. However, as with any career, there’s much to consider before heading toward esports glory.
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1. Being a Great Gamer Isn’t Always Enough
Just because you’re a League of Legends ace in the comfort of your own home, doesn’t mean you’ll be able to compete professionally. Even if you’ve got a winning streak that most gamers would kill for, don’t assume you’ll be able to make waves in low-level esports events, let alone S-Tier events.
2. Be Ready to Put in the Practice
The above leads nicely to our second point. As with conventional, competitive gaming requires considerable practice. An esports pro at the top of their field will put in a minimum of 5-6 hours of practice on any given day. When we talk about training, we don’t mean firing up a console or PC and putting in a few hours behind the keyboard. Instead, would-be esports stars must focus on their core skills and fine-tuning them. It doesn’t matter if you’re an in-game leader or taking on a support position; every member of an esports team has an important role to play. Want to see how a successful team works in tandem? Check the 1337pro.com CSGO schedule for a full list of upcoming events to pencil in your diary.
3. Finding a Team Takes Work
The esports sector is constantly expanding, and there’s no shortage of events. However, just because there’s ample opportunity doesn’t mean finding a team will be easy. Esports talent scouts are a thing, but unless you’ve got a significant online presence or are making waves at low-level events, don’t expect to be plucked from obscurity and thrust into esports stardom anytime soon. Instead, you’ll need to be prepared for an uphill battle. You’ll certainly have to start small, so explore local opportunities and regional leagues.
4. You’ll Need to Market Yourself
Self-promotion goes a long way in the esports industry. Some of the best players have made a name for themselves by live streaming their gameplay via platforms like Twitch. If you know how to leverage these platforms well, you can
expect to pocket a healthy income as you increase your visibility and boost your brand. It also makes sense to be as active as possible on social media. Digital networking can get you noticed surprisingly quickly by all the right people. Just remember that whatever you post online will be visible to all. Anything controversial will scupper your chances of securing a lucrative gig with a world-beating esports team.
5. There Are Other Esports Careers to Consider
You might have your heart set on a career as a professional esports player, but this isn’t the only role in the industry you can pursue. If you want to stay close to the action, there’s always coaching to consider. If you’re happy to work behind the scenes, think about careers in events or social media management.
6. It Can All End in Tears
The esports world isn’t without controversy. Competitive gaming is becoming almost as scandalous as traditional sports. In 2021, Chien “Maoan” Mao-An of Beyond Gaming was given his marching orders from the League of Legends World Championship due to a betting scandal. If you can’t commit to a squeaky-clean image and play by the rules, don’t waste your time pursuing a career in esports.
Review 6 Things to Consider Before Going Pro in Esports.