Esports have undoubtedly taken off in recent years. Who would’ve thought that grinding away the hours playing video games can now lead to a unique yet lucrative career? It wouldn’t be a surprise if the following years would see esports become an event in the Olympics—perhaps hold an event on par with that.
There are many reasons for the growing popularity of competitive gaming. For one, video games are less physically demanding than regular sports, meaning anyone with enough practice behind a keyboard or controller can make the cut. The game is easily customizable to create a unique arena, making for a more entertaining show.
With that said, there’s no better time to consider an esports career than now. But like any decision you make in your life, it’s essential to know the ups and downs that come with it.
PRO: Making a Ton of Money
Making money as a professional gamer is perhaps the most common motivation for pursuing such a career. If you consider the few requirements in participating in an amateur tournament, the return on investment can be spectacular. There’s no need to maintain a particular grade, get a certification, or even take an esports course (though it helps).
Case in point: Jay Won, online alias “sinatraa.” He dropped out of high school to pursue an esports career, leading to a USD$150,000-contract to play competitive Overwatch (he was only 17 at the time, so he needed his parents’ approval). He’s gone on to win many Overwatch League and World Cup titles before moving to Valorant, where he earns less but makes up for it with sponsorships.
CON: Starting Won’t Pay Much
Popularity is a factor in a pro gamer’s pay; the more the name goes around, the fatter the paycheck. On top of their regular salaries, their earnings can also come from sponsorships, streaming revenue, and tournament prize money. Don’t expect to earn this much when starting; you have to build your name in the competitive gaming scene.
Pro gamers usually start as streamers where they show off their gameplay and participate in small-scale tournaments. These competitions can pay around USD$15 per win, so you’ll eventually have to join a large one to get your name out there. You also have to hone your craft constantly; you’re no longer competing in casual matches with friends.
PRO: Gaining Tons of Followers
Business Insider reports that esports has grown into a separate industry from general sports culture. Despite the rate of growth tapering since 2018 (more so in 2020 due to the coronavirus), digital ad revenue has steadily increased. Experts attribute this success to gaming streaming platforms such as Twitch, where famous and up-and-coming players have an immense following.
Whether wanting to follow the players’ footsteps or enjoy the stream, fans will flock to the player that clicks with them. There’s no need to cater to a wide variety of games; pro gamers focus on a few they enjoy the most. A growing fanbase also translates to increased revenue, as viewers subscribe to a streamer for a fee on platforms like Twitch.
CON: The Pressure Can Be Intense
For pro gamers, the pressure to maintain their top form in every stream is real. They may not need to win every match, but playing with thousands watching live tends to set a high bar. Whether they play solo or as a team, overcoming such pressure won’t be easy, even if they’ve faced it countless times.
Such a burden can affect performance, as a 2019 study at the University of Chichester discovered. Researchers found over 50 stress factors, one of which is failure to communicate with teammates, and the researchers believed that they’re no different from what physical athlete’s face. These factors degrade team play to the point of inspiring animosity among the members.
Aiming High
With enough dedication, you wouldn’t let a few downsides dissuade you from making it big in the Major or Minor League. At the same time, you shouldn’t let the promise of wealth impact your A-game; not everyone can be like sinatraa. The tips in succeeding in the esports scene are as straightforward as they can be.
- Exercise discipline in gaming; know your limits.
- Choose the game you love playing the most.
- Pick a platform to share your skills with others.
- Take time off if the heat gets too unbearable.
Keep in mind everything you just read in this piece, and you’ll get to the top in no time. Above all else, enjoy the game and leave a ‘gg’ as thanks.
