If someone in the past would have told us that being a professional gamer will be a full-time job, most of us would probably burst in laughter. However, professional gamers make a better living than a lot of people these days. Doesn't it sound like a dream job? You get up, boot your gaming platform, jump right into the action and collect the money that's raining on you. Well, today we'll analyze and discuss about that.
The first thing that's important to mention is the competition. Believe me when I say that there's huge competition, no matter what game you're playing and what kind of scene you're attending. Ever since the first ever video game tournaments occurred, there has been an influx of newly formed teams seeking their chance at the spotlight.
From my own personal experience, I can say that getting involved into the professional league of any kind of game is not easy. I've played CS:GO since it's release, as well as CS 1.6 and CS:S prior to that. In short, I've played Counter Strike for 5-6 years, some of them were on and off. Based on the couple of times I attempted to get involved into the pro scene, I can definitely say there was lots of competition. I attended a few local LANs, gathered teammates and practiced for a while, but ultimately we failed.
Is that one of the reasons most pro gamer teams fail these days? The competition that's ahead may be unpleasant, especially if other teams are way better than you. It certainly does not boost the team's motivation to train and advance in the scene.
Simply put, professional gaming is just like any other sport. It requires the same perseverance, patience and skill (not a physical one, though). How does one become a professional gamer? There's always a point when you become so good at your hobby that you have the ability to turn it into a profession. But there are many factors which decide the outcome of your future as a pro gamer.
Some of those factors are your skills, your passion and your determination, but from what I've come across, sometimes all you need is a little bit of attention. I knew a guy from the CS:GO scene who was really good at the game, though he did lack some of the traits most gaming athletes have these days. Nonetheless, he was noticed by a pro gamer while playing a game with him and in the end, he was invited to a pro team as a stand-in.
In conclusion, it's safe to say that getting involved in professional gaming today is not easy and it requires a good chunk of luck. Though nobody should look at it as a waste of time - if you really persist, there's a decent chance you might overcome the obstacles and enter the pro gaming scene.
Does anyone have any experience in the professional gaming scene here on Steemit? Let me know!
I'm so amazed at professional gamers. I would get so bored by playing the same game all day over, constantly trying to improve. I love watching tho, so I'm glad there are more dedicated gamers out there than me ;)
Yeah it's not for everyone. It would get very tiresome for me as well, although it would still be better than a regular job. Different opinions for everyone :)
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yeah, most people definitely underestimate how hard getting into the pro-scene is.
I know that the best players/teams in the world train like 8 - 12 hours a day, they got trainers and all the rest that is normal for "regular" sports.
Would you mind if I included this in todays "best of gaming" post? :)
Yup, they train a lot.
No need to ask for my permission, you can add them as you please :) Thanks!
Oh yeah. 8 hours training is the least to have to do. Last year I started playing a very new competitive game on a quite high level. At some point our team got a coach. Beside playing and training we had to do "homework" and stuff. At some point earlier this year we got into negotating about a contract. Was a nice experience all. But I have a real life with job and I was not able to cut of that many time for playing competitive. I will do a blog post soon about the whole topic. But if u ask me... Playing competitive is less fun than all people think.
You're right about it not being that fun - it induces a lot of stress and it requires a lot of willpower to be able to train at a constant level. I read that pro players even started spending time at the gym, as it increases focus as well as endurance.
I'm looking forward to reading that :)
Be sure to have it under the gaming tag :)
I myself was playing a quite unknown game on a competitive lvl last year. If u ask me one key factor is your age and the time you joined the game. If uare getting older you will notice that in some games your reaction time is worse than is was 10 years ago. Moreover, if a game is well established. E.g. League of Legends or Dota. You are too late. Even with a huge talent you harldy can catch up to the guys that play that game for half a decade and more. I find it hard to go with your statement that it is based of luck. I believe it is more about starting in a young age, giving up your life, education, real life , grirl friend and all the other stuff.
I do agree with your points. What I meant by luck is the chance of being noticed by a player who has set roots in the professional league. Just as I mentioned in my example where the guy I knew got noticed by a pro CS:GO player and was invited as a stand-in. Even if you don't agree with my statement about luck, I think we can both agree that being noticed by someone who already has experience and influence in the pro scene can make a huge difference for a player who wants to make a career in that sphere.
By the way, thanks for reading :)
Oh yeah true. TbH I have no clue about CS:GO. My origin is in the MOBA scene :) Like your post. Hard to find posts here on steem that are not copy paste.
Thanks for the kind words! :)
The only thing to achive a professional gaming league is TRAINING. I have a friend who plays Counter Strike for 12 hours/day. But his skills are so awesome. Also to achive something in life you must have skills for it and also you should e talented.
You certainly have to give up a lot of your time if you seek to be the best you can.
nice post!
Thank you!
I don't understand what you people mean by 'training' 8 - 12 hours a day? I have a 24 yr old and a 20 yr old who play online games 15 - 18 hours a day..EVERY day. If they were not badgered to...they would not even do personal hygiene. Online gaming is an addiction in my opinion, and of course this does not apply to ALL gamers
I think every gamer falls into a certain category, but still every one of them spend a huge amount of hours, which also does not give any health benefits. Talking about health, there's lots of info of people dying due to the fact of spending a lot of hours playing games in internet cafes and such.
Aishhhh, that is scary !!