Esports’ origins stem back to the ’50s, where video games began, and competition via consoles and PCs ensued. Moreover, technological advances, near the millennium, made video games more accessible and appealing worldwide. From enhanced graphics, games to suit a myriad of interests, and the development of the internet’s speed and reliability, various factors contributed to making eSports what it is today.
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Esports Industry Experiences Annual Growth
Since 2016, the esports sector has grown by 32%, and this year eSports will make $1.48 million! In 2019, a record 323 million new viewers watched one or more of the esports premier tournaments. From these facts alone, the esports industry’s popularity and growth to date have been remarkable.
Subsequently, as the gaming industry’s esports market share gradually increased, businesses started investing in and sponsoring the competitions. For instance, ESPN decided to gain a slice of the action by sparking a multi-million dollar deal with esporting tournament officials to access and cover the events.
Another mark of esports significance is its acceptance among countries and their legislation for practices such as betting. The vast majority of these Pennsylvanian sportsbooks offer betting markets on esports, highlighting the popularity of it as a spectator sport and a means of entertainment.
The Realities of Forging a Career in Esports
As the popularity of esports grows, and more people are exposed to pro gamers, on the surface, it looks as though pro esports players have one of the most exciting jobs on the planet.
This leaves many wondering whether a job as a professional gamer in esports is the dream job it appears to be. To aid the uncertainty below identifies the reality of finding one’s footing in a career as an esports professional. Alongside expected remuneration, esports stars may receive along the way and any additional pros and cons that come with the role.
General Steps Towards Pro Esports Player Status
Tryke Gutierrez is a pioneer of Philippine esports. In his explanation of the realities of becoming a pro player, he explains there is no set path. However, there are some similar aspects players effect to gain recognition.
Find A Niche And Commit To Practice
It helps the player to find a game they’re good at and continue practicing that one game to hone in on their skills. To become the best, training in-game each day is vital from the get-go.
Watch Tournaments and Pro Players
Viewing pro players’ gaming strategies and techniques and discovering how they prepare for esports gaming events can help new players develop methods to become pro.
Achieve Pubstar Status
Before esports tournaments, gaining pubstar status by playing local games helps players to gain recognition and experience. Here, players need to focus on working their way up the gaming ladder, which highlights their skills.
First Big Break
Players’ first break varies greatly. A player might be propositioned to join a tournament in the next few days. Or be headhunted by a large company that offers them the works: meals, a coach, and a decent salary. No player’s first break is the same, but it’s an important stepping stone aspiring pro players must make the most of.
Realities Of A Road Towards Esports Pro Status
Expected Salary
The salary for players varies greatly. While pro players like Faker earn $2 million a year, this wage is far from anything other pro players have experienced.
Some pros indeed struggle to make a full-time wage via tournaments. Thus, they resort to streaming on platforms like twitch to supplement their income.
Health Issues
There are a few issues associated with being a pro esports player. For instance, being couched in front of a screen for hours at a time will inevitably impact a players’ health.
To maintain a healthy mind and body, players need to make extra effort to go outside and soak up vitamin D, eat healthily, and commit to a long quality night’s sleep.
Lucrative Niches
The niche players choose to be a part of is critical to their potential success and earning potential.
In esports, five games are capable of earning pro players a healthy income. With limited options for players to choose games they love and make an income from them, it can sometimes push players to partake in games they’re not happy playing.
Chance Of Success
There’s no guarantee the hard work any video gamer puts in will pay off. With plenty of other contenders wanting to achieve glory in esports, competition is fierce. This can be disheartening for players, especially when they’ve devoted a portion of their life to becoming a pro gamer.
Career Longevity
A career in esports as a pro player is likened to an athlete in traditional sports; their time to shine is reduced as their skills wane and age kicks in.
Life after esports can be difficult for pro players. If they want to stay in the world of esports, they need to look at other opportunities to earn them a living once their tournament days are over. Career ideas include working as a coach shoutcaster, streamer, or owning their own team.
As with any career, there are upsides and downsides. Although the esports industry has grown extensively, the reality of becoming a pro esports player is still slim. However, there are plenty of other opportunities associated with esports that enables avid gamers to work in a field they enjoy. A few examples include content marketing, working as part of the production team, or becoming an agent or events manager.
