In the 2020s, esports athletes are the new rockstars. Playing video games professionally is something that many people dream of doing, though only a select few can turn it into a reality.
As with professional sports like football and tennis, the number of spots available for players in the elite levels is small while the pool of people trying to make it there is vast. You, therefore, need to work hard if you’re going to be in with a chance of making it.
Here are some of the key steps you’ll want to take.
Choose a Game
You can’t be a master of all games as you’ll spread yourself too thinly. Therefore, it’s important to specialise in just one or two different esport disciplines.
There are a few factors to consider in this, including which games you enjoy the most, how competitive that scene is, and where you’ll be able to compete.
You may also want to compare the highest paying esports games to see which ones could offer more financial rewards — provided you’re successful, of course.
Practice
Just like any sport, only the best players make it in the esports world. Some people are naturally gifted at Call of Duty or League of Legends, but even they need to refine and hone their skills.
Much of this development comes from simply playing, but you need to be pushing your limits, turning down the assists and facing off against more talented opponents. It can also help to record your gaming sessions and rewatch them later to critically analyse yourself to find areas to improve.
Join the Community
Esports is a community filled with people passionate about their favourite games and the concept of competitive playing as a whole.
You’ll find them on social media sites, Discord communities, and dedicated esports sites.
It’s a good idea to be a part of this community, contributing in a positive way through feedback, sharing ideas, and even posting your own footage.
This can help you to build relationships with connected people within the industry that can help you find a spot on a team.
Try Out
Some esports teams hold open auditions for new players to show their talents and prove their worth. You can often find these on their website, though they may be only open for short windows, so it’s also a good idea to follow the social media accounts of esports teams.
Even with all of these steps, there’s still no guarantee of being able to make it, but you will have helped to stack the odds in your favour a little more.