The gaming industry's popularity has skyrocketed in the last two decades thanks to incredible developers and the competitive scene. From humble beginnings in the 1950s, the video game industry has constantly evolved over the decades.
The aftermath of this continuous evolution gave birth to something once thought of as a fantasy: a professional gaming career. Most people would choose the path of the content creator as either a YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or both.
However, some exceptional individuals choose the path only the fearless and determined tread: professional eSports. It is the path stained by blood, sweat, and tears of elites and underdogs alike.
Being part of the pro-player community is arguably one of the most prestigious honors a gamer can receive. If you wish to take this difficult path, here are some things you need to know.
Find your Niche
One of the most crucial things you will need to accomplish is choosing your game of focus. You want a game that you are both good at and passionate about; otherwise, there is no point.
Unless you already have one, you should test the waters with every competitive game you can get your hands on. It will help determine your aptitude for each game and assess which you want to focus on based on preference.
Game types
Here are the game types that are typically the focus of professional tournaments and eSports events.
■ MOBA - MOBA stands for the multiplayer online battle arena, which fascinatingly started from a Starcraft mod created by Gunner_4_ever. This type of game consists of teams, typically 5v5, which aim to destroy the enemy's base. The most recognizable games in this genre are League of Legends and DOTA2.
■ FPS - FPS refers to first-person shooters, a genre with many different game modes and themes. These modes provide tournament organizers with plenty of options in setting rules for their players. The typical format, however, revolves around the rules of games like Valorant and CS:GO. The only constants across all FPS games are the need for perfect aim, lightning reflexes, and game sense.
■ Fighting games - Arguably the grandfather of all fighting tournaments, the pro scene would not be what it is today without fighting games. It garnered so much popularity that it defined the genre. One of the most defining moments in eSports history is the Daigo vs. Justin fight at EVO 2004. It was one of the most horrifically perfect displays of parry mechanics that put esports tournaments into the mainstream. The most popular games among pro players of this genre are Street Fighter, Tekken, and Killer Instinct.
Choosing a game
When choosing the game of focus, your safest bet is to choose an established one in the community. There is no point in training for a game that lacks a regular player base that may evolve into a pro scene.
Games like Valorant and League of Legends have a dedicated fan base, so their tournaments have the most significant prizes. However, they are also some of the most complex and taxing games for a new player.
Some players prefer to become the pioneer pros in new games to boost their careers. However, they run the risk that these games will not develop a large enough player base for eSports standards.
It would be best to consider other factors before devoting your time, effort, and resources to a game. It all depends on your preference and aptitude for each game.
Invest in Proper Equipment
Having the proper gaming equipment is like having an unscrambler when playing Words with Friends. You want to ensure you have every advantage you can exploit when competing in anything.
If your focus is MOBAs or FPS games, you should invest in a proper gaming mouse and a good headset. For fighting games, get a controller that works for you, whether a D-pad or an arcade stick.
The point is you cannot expect to perform at your best if you do not have the best equipment. Even professional athletes spend significant money on the best gear and accessories. They help them stay ahead of the game.
Hone your Skills
Successfully choosing the game you want to focus on is the easy part. Next comes the actual work: grueling and unforgiving daily training. It is much like being an athlete, pushing yourself past your limits in every aspect of your preparation.
Training is the most challenging part. It will test your skills, willpower, and mental fortitude. Honing your skills is typically where most aspiring pro-players lose their nerve and quit. This phase separates the heroes in the arena and those who will watch from the sidelines forever.
Every aspiring pro-player aims to reach the heights of Hall of Famers like Faker, Tenz, and Daigo. You are taking your first steps to greatness by following this guide.
