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If there’s one thing the last few years have taught us, it’s this life is too short to settle. And for gamers, that means chasing the dream of turning passion into a profession.
If you’re serious about making gaming your career, this is the perfect place to start.
But what does it really take to become a professional gamer? Let’s break it down.
What Does It Mean to Be a Pro Gamer?
A professional gamer is someone who competes at major esports events. They take their preparation as seriously as athletes in football or tennis.
Most pros specialize in one game or one genre. For example, Adel “Big Bird” Anouche, one of the best fighting game players, dedicated his career to mastering Street Fighter leading him to win the Red Bull Kumite 2023 championship.
Many top gamers are signed by esports organizations (often called “orgs”), which recruit the best talent from leaderboards, LAN events, or streaming platforms.
To reach this level, you need:
- Hours of practice
- Strong gaming IQ
- Calmness under pressure
- Quick reflexes
- Passion for learning
How Competitive Is Esports?
Very competitive.
Professional players often juggle:
- Tournament preparation
- Streaming for their audience
- Staying ahead of competition
The average retirement age for pro gamers is 26, showing how demanding the field is. But success stories do happen like Team DRX, who shocked the world by winning the League of Legends Worlds 2022 as underdogs.
How Much Can Pro Gamers Earn?
It depends.
- Top-tier players can earn millions annually through salaries, sponsorships, and streaming.
- Others make hundreds of thousands or enough to build a decent living.
Prize pools vary greatly. For example, The International (Dota 2) has offered prize pools of over €30 million, while smaller tournaments may offer less than €30,000.
But here’s the truth: If you’re only in it for the money, esports may not be for you. Passion and persistence must come first.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Pro Gamer
Here’s a roadmap to help you start your journey:
1. Find Your Game and Passion
Pick a game you love and stick to it. For fighting games, Big Bird suggests mastering one character instead of switching constantly.
Ask yourself:
- Does this game have esports tournaments?
- Is there decent prize money or exposure?
If yes, start grinding.
2. Participate in LAN Events
LAN (Local Area Network) tournaments give you real experience in front of a crowd. If you’re a student, consider joining events like T1, T2 Clutch (for VALORANT players).
3. Stream Your Gameplay
Streaming on Twitch or TikTok can help you build an audience and earn money through subscriptions and sponsorships.
4. Climb the Online Ladder
The best way to get noticed? Perform at the top level.
For example, Liam “Jukeyz” Lunt built his reputation by dominating Call of Duty: Warzone leaderboards and winning major tournaments.
5. Stay Mentally Sharp
Pro gamers like Faker (League of Legends) recommend meditation, stretching, and even keeping plants nearby to maintain focus and calmness.
6. Understand the Meta
Master the Most Effective Tactics Available (meta). When a game updates or a new strategy emerges, learn it fast to gain an edge over others.
7. Balance Your Life
Don’t risk everything at once. Start small, train regularly, and combine gaming with other priorities. Some pros, like Lena Guldenpfennig, balance professional football with esports.
8. Get Enough Sleep
Gaming coach Barry Bridges emphasizes the importance of proper sleep for improving memory, reflexes, and avoiding burnout.
9. Practice in New Environments
Avoid burnout by training in new places, many Gaming Hubs, which offer top-tier equipment and networking opportunities.
10. Build Confidence
Confidence can change how you perform. As Sekiro, winner of many esports events, is always in confidence.
11. Learn from the Pros
Watch tutorials, listen to esports podcasts, and study successful players. Learning from others will save you time and help you grow faster.
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