In times like these where technology has become part and parcel of everyday living, it’s not such a stretch to pursue the path of professional gaming. This is considering you are good at games that lure an audience. Esports is gaining popularity each year and cash prizes for the organized video game competitions only become bigger.
In fact, professional gamers who’ve won prestigious titles come out of on top as millionaires on top of the glory. With that said, gaming is serious business and if you want to become a professional gamer and make a career of it there are many things you should consider. It’s something you should decide on lightly since there are thousands of others who may have the same level of skill such as you. So how do you make yourself stand out? Read on below:
Get Good Hardware & Gear
If you hope to become picked up by an established esports team or make a name for yourself by standing out, you need to have a reliable gaming desktop or console depending on your chosen platform to practice even if you’re already good at gaming. That means that the hardware and gear you should get should be able to go on for many hours without any problems. Good computer setups have great cooling systems to take care of overheating issues and so on.
You don’t have to shell out thousands of dollars to get the most expensive ones out in the market. There are plenty of excellent computer hardware and gear that are reasonably priced. You could also upgrade your existing computer with new parts if it’s not too old as well.
Study & Practice
In gaming, you’re going to have good days and bad days and there are many factors that affect your play. It’s best to study your games with other opponents especially when you lose. If your chosen game involves a lot of characters and choosing one which gives you the best advantage, practicing them by playing is always something you should do.
If you’re in a team, you will be playing with others too. The way you play with others can be a deciding factor if you’re meant to be in the team and the chemistry will make or break your play in the game. Esports pro teams often have coaches who will tell you what areas you need to improve on so it’s best to heed to the advice you get and make yourself even better.
Enter Tournaments
Competing in tournaments is a way to test your mettle when it comes to playing the game. If there are singles tournament, you can do it by yourself but if a team is involved, you may need to do a bit of looking around for teams that lack a member. Winning tournaments will help you get noticed by others which is what you want on top of the sweet cash prize and some status symbol.
There are plenty of tournaments that happen year round so take your time and compete. The ultimate goal of entering tournaments is to make a name for yourself so that pro teams will ask you to join them. It’s a good place to network with other players as well.
Make Friends in the Community
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get your name out there. That is why it is important to make friends with people in the community. You can choose to be friendly in-game using the chat or meet with people in person during LAN games. It is possible that the people you want to meet are in different countries, so utilize the internet and telecommunication apps for that.
Due to games being hosted in different countries, some people in teams are bound to have problems with their passport, visa, and other circumstances. If you have pro player friends, they may suggest to stand in for someone else. While temporary, this is the fastest way for you to experience what it’s like to play on the level of esports pros and getting your name out there.
Get Sponsored
Computers, gears, and accessories can cost a small fortune but they are important if you want to pursue a pro gaming career. Being sponsored by a company can help you with those expenses. If you live stream, some companies require you to advertise their products in your feed or video descriptions. They may also have you wear their own merchandise during tournaments.
Enjoy the Journey
No matter what your purpose is for wanting to be a professional gamer, it can be easy to get lost and be frustrated if things happen too fast or they don’t go your way. The most important thing to remember is to stay true to your reason for wanting to go pro. Enjoy the journey on your way there and don’t forget to be kind and humble no matter what your stature.
What are great ways to become a breakout star in the gaming pro scene? Share your thoughts down below.
