For those keen on taking up esports as a full-time career, becoming a professional player is not as simple as turning on a PlayStation 5 console to play Helldivers 2. It requires an equal blend of dedication and effort.
By Michael Akuchie
For many years, gaming has been regarded as an excellent way for players to relax and unwind. Taking on the role of a main character in a virtual world, accompanied by enchanting music and rich lore, can provide an effective escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Research by Statista revealed that 87% of respondents based in Brazil said playing games helped them feel less stressed. Responses from participants in the US and the UK echoed similar sentiments.
Gaming has evolved from a simple leisure activity into a global sport, complete with competitions, sponsorship deals, and a constant stream of drama akin to that found in football or basketball matches. Thanks to ongoing technological advancements, the esports industry has consistently gained momentum.
For those unfamiliar, esports is a competitive sport where players face off against one another. Depending on the tournament format, players sometimes form teams to compete against other groups.
While PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Apex Legends are among the most popular titles in today’s esports tournaments, it is important to recognise that Starcraft (Activision Blizzard, 1998) and Defense of the Ancients 2 (Valve Corporation, 2013), commonly known as DOTA 2, were instrumental in paving the way for the industry’s growth.
Speaking of the industry’s progress, The International 9, a competition held for DOTA 2 players, made history in 2019 by featuring the largest prize pool in esports history—$30 million. Trends like this have continued to attract an increasing number of players to the scene. According to Esports Charts, an online database for esports players, event schedules, and related information, there are currently 73,036 players and over 48,000 teams.
For those aspiring to take up esports as a full-time career, becoming a professional player is far more demanding than simply turning on a PlayStation 5 console to play Helldivers 2. It requires a balanced combination of dedication and effort. Esports rookies must train relentlessly to hone their skills if they hope to capture the attention of competitive teams.
Like most major sports, esports rookies are encouraged to start at a young age. Professional esports players are typically adults aged between 18 and 30, though some players turn professional as early as 16 or 17. For context, the average age range of DOTA 2 players in 2023 was between 17 and 35. Starting early offers rookies the advantage of dedicating their full focus to competitive gaming without being weighed down by the responsibilities of adulthood.
Additionally, esports players are known to retire early. This trend can largely be attributed to the constant introduction of new games, which often come with entirely different mechanics that existing players may struggle to master. Therefore, training at a young age increases a rookie’s chances of achieving professional status before the thought of retirement becomes a factor.
Esports rookies should also be prepared for a phase where they may earn little to no income from gaming. While esports is a multi-billion-dollar industry, it is rare for rookies to achieve success quickly. At this stage, the primary focus should be on building recognition, as this increases the likelihood of being approached by coaches and teams.
Rookie players should also strongly consider training under the guidance of a coach. Like most traditional sports, competitive gaming requires the application of specific strategies to outsmart opponents. A coach can teach rookies these strategies and provide guidance on how to execute them effectively. Highlighting the importance of having a coach, Seun Aladelo (Senez), Community Manager at Carry1st and co-owner of Rage Gaming, an esports team, emphasises that rookies should seek the mentorship of a trainer with seasoned esports experience.
Beyond simply getting a coach, Aladelo strongly believes that rookies should ensure their chosen coach shares similar values and goals. “Having a manager whose ambitions align with yours is a recipe for success. By working in tandem, there will hardly be any concerns about opposing values getting in the way of the player’s success. The rookie years are a crucial stage of a player’s career, so it’s best if a like-minded coach helps them improve.”
Becoming a professional esports player also requires investing in essential gear, such as monitors, controllers, and headsets. When it comes to monitors, players should prioritise high-refresh-rate models with low response times to ensure rapid on-screen movements and quick reactions to in-game events.
For gaming controllers, hall-effect joysticks are recommended to avoid stick drift issues. As for headsets, those designed for competitive gaming should feature 3D surround sound to deliver an immersive audio experience. Additionally, the headsets should have comfortable ear cups to prevent headaches during long gaming sessions.
However, acquiring the best gear as a rookie player is nearly impossible due to the high costs involved. Aladelo suggests that rookies can start small by investing in a budget or mid-range gaming laptop, a mid-range headset, and a decent ring light for even light distribution during live streaming sessions.
“While rookie players should aspire to own the best gaming gear money can buy, they need to understand that the journey is a long one, and affording such gadgets may not be possible right away. By opting for more affordable alternatives, they can upskill and gradually bridge the financial gap to premium gear”, he adds.
Although esports offers promising opportunities for players, rookies should remain mindful of certain challenges. Even with the most ergonomic gaming chairs, players risk compromising their physical health. Long gaming sessions are an effective way to stay sharp ahead of competitions, but they can also lead to burnout, muscle cramps, eye strain, and other conditions.
Findings from the US National Library of Medicine reveal that players are at risk of experiencing prolonged stress, rapid weight gain, and metabolic disorders. To minimise the chances of encountering these health issues, players should take regular breaks to sleep, eat, and exercise. They can also adopt casual hobbies such as taking long walks, jogging, or participating in trivia games. Engaging in less competitive activities helps improve their overall health and well-being.
Players also face the risk of anxiety and depression, particularly when they fail to secure sponsorship deals or tournament placements. Since sponsorships and tournaments are two primary income sources for esports players, missing out on both opportunities can significantly impact their mental health.
In such situations, players should focus on building a personal brand, even while being part of a team. This increases their chances of attracting sponsorship deals and securing tournament placements.
Rookies with limited business experience may find it challenging to navigate the commercial aspects of esports once they ascend to the professional level. This includes handling contract negotiations and maintaining a balanced lifestyle both online and offline. In such cases, having a manager with extensive business expertise can help players avoid issues with contract clauses further down the line.
The esports scene offers vast opportunities for both professional and rookie players. For rookies aspiring to become part of a team, it’s essential to continue rigorous training sessions and invest in appropriate gear that aligns with their budget.
On the esports professional player checklist, having a coach can significantly influence one’s career trajectory, which is why securing one is a wise move. Combining these tips with a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle will ensure steady growth for any rookie.
Michael Akuchie is a tech journalist with four years of experience covering cybersecurity, AI, automotive trends, and startups. He reads human-angle stories in his spare time. He’s on X (fka Twitter) as @Michael_Akuchie & michael_akuchie on Instagram.