Becoming a professional esports player takes more than just a passion for gaming; it takes dedication, skill, and strategic planning. As esports grows into a billion-dollar industry, the path to going pro has become more structured, with opportunities through online tournaments, team tryouts, and specialised esports education programs.
Here’s how you can turn your gaming passion into a professional career:
What is esports?
Esports (short for electronic sports) is a form of competitive gaming where professional players or teams compete in video games. There are often large prize pools involved, which can bring in huge audiences either live or via online streaming platforms.
Esports involves various types of games, including multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), and sports simulations.
How do you become a professional esports player?
Becoming a professional esports player is challenging but achievable, here are some key steps to help you become a pro in the esports world:
1) Choose The Right Game
To become professional you need to specialise in a chosen game. Make sure to choose one which you’re passionate about and which has a strong competitive scene, like League of Legends, Dota 2, or Fortnite. You will need to master the core mechanics of the game and stay up to date with its updates, balance changes, and evolving strategies.
2) Master The Game
Success in esports comes from consistent practice so you will need to play as much as possible to improve your skills. Learn every aspect of the game: characters, strategies, maps, and roles. Watch tutorials and study techniques to give yourself a competitive edge. Similarly, watch professionals in action, platforms like Twitch and YouTube offer hours of esports content making it a great place to learn tactics and strategies.
3) Join Online Communities
Join forums, Reddit communities, and Discord servers where other players discuss the game. Networking with other players will help you find practice partners and learn new techniques. Most competitive games have ranked modes which match you against other players, climbing this ladder will put you in front of scouts ensuring you are more visible in the community.
4) Participate In Amateur Tournaments
Platforms like FACEIT, ESL Play, and Battlefy host regular tournaments for various games and these competitions allow you to test your skills and gain competitive experience. Winning or placing high in smaller tournaments will get you noticed by teams, managers, and sponsors.
5) Join A Team
Look for local amateur or semi-professional teams who are recruiting for new talent. Being part of a team teaches you essential esports skills like teamwork, communication, and coordination. If you’re unable to find a team, consider forming your own, starting small will still help you gain experience and visibility.
6) Build Your Online Presence
Stream on platforms to build up your following, showcase your skills, and connect with other players. Consistent streaming can lead to opportunities like sponsorships or even professional team offers.
7) Train Like An Athlete
Are esports players athletes? Well, it’s important to treat esports like a professional sport and have structured practice sessions to work on improving your weaknesses. Good posture, regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and investing in the right gear are all important to maintain peak performance.
8) Seek Opportunities With Professional Teams
Attend open tryouts, some esports organisations hold these for players who are looking to join a pro team. Connect with professionals, coaches, and scouts in your game’s ecosystem and attend conventions, LAN events, and gaming expos to meet people in person.
9) Consider Getting A Coach
Many professional players credit a coach with helping them reach the next level. The role of the coach is to analyse gameplay, provide feedback, and suggest areas of improvement.
10) Pursue A Sport In Pro Leagues Or Tournaments
Many professional leagues have open qualifiers, giving players a chance to break into the professional scene. Get involved in regional and national tournaments to prove your abilities at a higher level. Remember, performing well here can lead to being scouted by larger organisations.
11) Sign With An Esports Organisation
If you gain significant recognition, either through tournaments or streaming, you might be approached by esports teams or sponsors. Be open to joining an organisation that can provide support, training facilities, and a salary. When signing with a team, make sure to read the contract carefully, it should cover salary, travel expenses, and tournament obligations.
Becoming a professional esports player requires a combination of skill, dedication, and strategic decision-making. You’ll need to invest countless hours into mastering your chosen game, building community connections, and participating in competitions to gain recognition.
How many professional esports players are there?
Estimating the exact number of professional players is difficult due to the rapidly growing nature of the industry. In 2023, the USA led the charts with 3,500 players, closely followed by China and Brazil.
It’s estimated that there are around 20,000 to 40,000 professional and semi-professional esports players worldwide, spanning various games and levels of competition. This number continues to grow as the esports industry expands, offering more opportunities for players to compete and earn a living through gaming.
How much does a professional esports player make?
The most lucrative income for players is through a fixed salary which is paid by the team they play for. This amount varies, but top-level players can be paid millions. In 2019, the average monthly salary for pro Smash players was around $1,000-$5,000.
Another way players can make money is through prize winnings, this is the money teams receive for placing well in competitions. Most esports events, particularly at the top level, have large prize pools set aside for teams. For example, the prize pool for Dota 2 in 2021 was $40m! Players typically receive a percentage of the prize.
How can I become a professional player?
If you fancy a career in esports, why not start your journey at Access Creative College? Our Level 3 esports course is perfect for students who want to play and analyse competitive gameplay. Our hands-on learning approach allows our students to immerse themselves in both the technical and strategic aspects of esports. We are committed to providing industry-relevant training and network connections to help our students excel in their chosen field.
So, whether you want to be a professional player, coach, shoutcaster, or event organiser, ACC is the perfect place to start your journey. Apply now!
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