Is Pro Gaming Right for You?
If these challenges don't deter you—and if you have both passion for the game and a drive to compete at the highest level—then a professional career might be worth pursuing.
- Time Commitment: Expect 10-14 hour days, 6-7 days a week during competitive seasons.
- Competitive Pressure: Your performance is constantly scrutinized by teams, fans, and analysts.
- Career Uncertainty: Even successful players typically have relatively short careers (3-7 years on average).
- Public Scrutiny: Your gameplay, social media, and sometimes personal life become subject to public commentary.
The Path to Pro: Realistic Steps
My own path followed this trajectory. I reached Challenger at 16, competed in local tournaments, joined an amateur team, moved to a Challenger Series team, and eventually signed with established organizations. Each step built the skills and visibility needed for the next opportunity.
- Reach Challenger Rank: This is the minimum requirement for serious consideration. Most pros are consistently in the top 50-100 players on their server.
- Specialize in a Role: While flexibility has value, mastery of a specific role makes you more attractive to teams. Develop a champion pool that includes both meta picks and signature champions.
- Build a Network: Connect with other high-elo players, participate in amateur tournaments, and make yourself known in the competitive community.
- Join Amateur/Academy Teams: These serve as stepping stones to professional play and provide valuable team experience.
- Create a Professional Social Media Presence: Teams evaluate not just your skill but also your professionalism and potential marketability.
Developing Pro-Level Skills
When I was developing my skills, I maintained a practice journal where I documented specific areas for improvement and tracked my progress. This structured approach accelerated my development more than simply grinding games.
- Deliberate Practice: Don't just play games; practice with specific goals in mind. Focus on particular skills, matchups, or scenarios in each session.
- VOD Review: Regularly analyze your own gameplay and study professional matches, paying attention to decision-making and macro strategy.
- Seek Feedback: Find coaches or high-level players willing to review your gameplay and provide constructive criticism.
- Develop Communication Skills: In professional play, effective communication is as important as mechanical skill. Practice clear, concise callouts.
- Physical and Mental Conditioning: Establish healthy sleep patterns, exercise regularly, and develop mental resilience through meditation or sports psychology techniques.
The Reality of Team Life
The transition to team life was one of my biggest challenges. I had to learn to balance individual expression with team needs and adapt to the structured environment of professional play. This adjustment period is normal and requires patience.
- Structured Environment: Expect scheduled practice blocks, VOD reviews, team meetings, and media obligations.
- Team Dynamics: Success requires adapting your playstyle to team needs, which may differ from what brought you success in solo queue.
- Living Arrangements: Most teams operate from gaming houses or training facilities, meaning you'll likely live with teammates.
- Public Persona: You'll represent your organization in interviews, social media, and public appearances.
- Performance Evaluation: Your play will be constantly analyzed by coaches, analysts, and management.
Financial and Career Planning
I've been fortunate to secure good contracts and build a personal brand through streaming and social media. These efforts have provided financial stability and are laying the groundwork for opportunities after my playing career.
- Contract Negotiation: Understand the terms of your contracts, including salary, prize pool splits, streaming requirements, and sponsorship obligations. Consider having an agent or lawyer review contracts.
- Financial Management: Develop good financial habits early. Save and invest a portion of your income, as gaming careers are typically short.
- Personal Brand Building: Cultivate a personal brand through streaming, content creation, and social media. This creates opportunities both during and after your playing career.
- Education Considerations: Some players pursue education part-time or plan to return to school after their playing careers. Consider how education fits into your long-term plans.
- Post-Playing Career: Think about your options after competing, whether that's coaching, analysis, content creation, or moving into other areas of esports or gaming.
Maintaining Balance and Longevity
In my early career, I nearly burned out from overtraining and neglecting physical health. I've since developed a more balanced approach that has improved both my wellbeing and competitive performance.
- Prevent Burnout: Learn to recognize signs of burnout and develop strategies to maintain motivation and enjoyment of the game.
- Physical Health: Prioritize exercise, proper nutrition, and ergonomics to prevent injuries and maintain energy levels.
- Mental Health: Don't hesitate to work with mental performance coaches or therapists to develop coping strategies for competitive pressure.
- Relationships: Maintain connections with family and friends outside of esports to provide perspective and support.
- Continuous Learning: The meta evolves constantly. Stay curious and adaptable to extend your competitive relevance.
Final Thoughts
The path to professional play is challenging but rewarding for those with the talent, dedication, and temperament to succeed. If you decide to pursue this path, do so with both passion and pragmatism.
Remember that success in esports takes many forms. While not everyone will become a World Champion, there are valuable and fulfilling careers to be built at various levels of competition and in different roles within the ecosystem.
My journey has had its challenges, but the experiences of competing at the highest level, connecting with fans around the world, and pushing my capabilities to their limits have been incredibly rewarding. If you have the drive and talent, I encourage you to pursue your esports dreams—just do so with clear eyes about the realities of the profession.