How Can I Join Esports?
Contents
Are you interested in joining the world of competitive gaming? Here’s everything you need to know about getting started in esports.
Finding the Right Game
Joining the world of esports can be a daunting task. There are so many different games with various levels of competition. You may be wondering, where do I even start? The first step is finding the right game for you. Do you want to compete in a first-person shooter (FPS) like Counter Strike: Global Offensive or a MOBA like League of Legends? Knowing what type of game you want to play is essential in finding the right path to joining the esports world.
Identify which games you’re good at
The popularity of esports has resulted in a need for more formalized structure and organization in recent years. Where before most professional gamers were content to just play whatever game they enjoyed the most, now there are whole leagues and competitions dedicated to different games. Aspiring esports athletes need to decide which game they want to focus on if they want to have any hope of going pro.
Here are some factors you should consider when trying to identify which game you’re good at:
-The genre of the game: Are you a fan of first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), fighting games, or something else entirely?
-How easy is the game to pick up? Some games, like Dota 2, can take hundreds of hours to master but are extremely rewarding for those who put in the time. Other games, like Rocket League, might be much easier to pick up but don’t offer as much depth for those looking to compete at the highest levels.
-How popular is the game? Some games, like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, have been around for years and have huge player bases and established competitive scenes. Others, like Overwatch, are newer but already have a ton of buzz around them and could be poised for similar success.
Consider your schedule
Like any sport, playing competitive video games at a high level requires dedication and commitment. Top players often practice for several hours a day, and some play professionally full-time. If you’re still in school or working another job, you might not have the time to invest in becoming a top-level player.
That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy playing competitively. Many college and university clubs offer competitive leagues for students, and there are also online leagues open to players of all skill levels. You can also find local tournaments hosted by game stores or community organizations. These can be a great way to meet other gamers and test your skills without having to commit to a regular practice schedule.
Playing the Game
The first step to joining the world of professional gaming, or esports, is to simply start playing the game. While there are many professional leagues and tournaments for a variety of games, the majority of players are not in these leagues. The best way to get started and improve your skills is to simply play the game as often as you can.
Improve your skills
No matter what game you want to play competitively, you need to have excellent skills. That means putting in the time to practice, alone and with a team. You need to learn all the features of the game, including all the characters, maps, and weapons. You should also know about common strategies and how to counter them. In addition, you need good mechanical skills. That is, you should be able to quickly execute the moves you want to make.
Join a team or community
Whether you want to be a professional player or just play for fun, the best way to get started in esports is to join a team or community. There are many different types of teams and communities out there, so it’s important to find one that’s right for you.
If you’re interested in being a professional player, then your best bet is to start by joining an amateur team. These teams usually have regular practices and compete in online tournaments. By playing with a team, you’ll not only improve your own skills, but you’ll also learn how to work well with others and how to strategize. If you do well on an amateur team, then you may have the opportunity to join a semi-professional or professional team.
If you just want to play for fun, then there are plenty of casual teams and communities out there that you can join. These groups are typically less serious than competitive teams, and they don’t usually practice or compete in tournaments. But playing with a casual team or community can still be enjoyable, and it can help you meet other people who share your interest in esports.
To find a team or community that’s right for you, start by searching online. You can also check with local gaming stores or venues if they know of any groups that are looking for new members. Once you find a few potential options, reach out and introduce yourself. The best way to get involved in esports is to just jump in and start playing!
Getting Involved in the Competitive Scene
Whether you want to go pro or just get involved in the competitive scene, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to find the game you want to play. There are many games out there with competitive scenes, so find one that you enjoy and are good at. Once you have found a game, the next step is to start practicing. You need to put in the time to get better if you want to be successful in the competitive scene. There are many resources out there to help you practice, so make use of them. Finally, you need to find a team. A team is a group of players that you play with in tournaments and other competitions. You can find a team by searching online, or you can create your own.
Competing in online tournaments
The majority of professional esports players got their start by competing in online tournaments. Online tournaments usually consist of smaller prize pools and lesser-known teams, but they provide a good starting point for aspiring pros.
To find online tournaments, the best place to look is on websites and forums dedicated to your game of choice. For example, if you want to compete in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournaments, a quick search on Google will reveal various resources, like Toornament and CEVO, that list upcoming events.
Another way to find online tournaments is to follow the social media accounts of popular tournament organizers. Many of these organizers, like ESL and Gfinity, regularly announce their events on Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms.
Finding a local tournament
If you’re interested in joining the competitive scene for your favorite game, one of the best places to start is by finding a local tournament. Tournaments are a great way to meet other players and see what the competitive scene is all about. You can find information about local tournaments by searching online, or by asking around at your local game store or gaming cafe.
Some games also have online tournaments that you can participate in from anywhere in the world. These are usually run by the game’s developer or publisher, and they usually have larger prize pools than local tournaments. Online tournaments typically require you to have a certain amount of “ranking points” in order to participate, so if you’re interested in playing in one of these tournaments, you’ll need to put some time into practicing and playing ranked matches first.
Making a Career in Esports
With the recent boom in the popularity of Esports, many people are wondering how they can join the fray and make a career out of it. The first step, of course, is to be good at playing video games. But that’s not all there is to it. In order to make a career in Esports, you need to be able to market yourself, be a good team player, and have the mental fortitude to handle the pressure.
Finding sponsorships
To make it as a professional esports player, you need to find a way to get sponsored. Brands are always looking for new platforms to showcase their products, and esports offers a unique opportunity to engage with young audiences.
There are a few ways to go about finding sponsorships. The first is to reach out to brands that you think would be a good fit for you and your team. You can also work with an agency that specializes in connecting brands with esports athletes.
Another way to find sponsorships is to win tournaments. Many brands view tournament victories as a valuable form of advertising, so they are often willing to invest in the teams that win them. This is one reason why it’s so important to focus on developing your skills as an esports player.
No matter how you go about finding sponsorships, remember that it’s important to create a professional image for yourself and your team. First impressions matter, so make sure that you put your best foot forward when meeting with potential sponsors.
Streaming your gameplay
One way to potentially make a career in esports is to become a live streamer. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, live streaming is basically broadcasting your gameplay online for others to watch in real-time.
It’s become increasingly popular in recent years, with platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming making it easier than ever to get started. Of course, becoming a successful live streamer takes more than just setting up a webcam and hitting “record” — it takes dedication, personality, and a whole lot of skill at your chosen game.
But if you’re passionate about gaming and you’re willing to put in the work, it can be a great way to make a living doing what you love. And who knows — you might even end up being the next big thing in esports!