The gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry so it’s only natural that gamers of all levels, sponsors, fans, and crazies are attracted to it. To stand out from the crowd you need to be in game mode most of the time. Some of the skills necessary to succeed in this high-intensity sport may have been honed when you were in kindergarten but others would need you to step out of your jeans and t-shirts and into a “suit” at the snap of a finger. Do you have what it takes? Let’s find out.
Know The Game
To be a successful pro gamer you need to practice endlessly, systematically, and in a focused manner. The level of training has been compared to that of an elite athlete and includes training to find the right balance on-and off-screen. Your physical health will impact your performance so give that some attention. Hydration is important and I mean H2O not a can of Red Bull or Coke. Blitzkrieg motor skills is something you can never have enough of. Knowing the ins and outs of the game will be of value when you need it most. Consider 12 hours a day practice sessions as a day at the office when strategies with friends or teammates and these times could become longer closer to tournaments.
Start Winning
To be noticed in the competitive mobile gaming industry, you need to start winning. To be a winner you need to use your multitasking and critical thinking skills and your determination to fight to the end. With winning comes the sponsorships and all the other nice-to-haves courtesy of pro gaming. The prize money is definitely an incentive to go on a winning streak.
Brand Yourself
Brand yourself using social media and a personal website and know who your target audience is. This creates hype and awareness and lets everyone know what you are up to. Use your personality positively and save yourself from the online toxicity. Being marketable equates to having another income stream. You can then endorse or release graphics cards, t-shirts, and anything possible.
Financial Stability
It takes about five years to move up the ranks and with making at least $100,000 you need to look at other revenue streams to be financially stable and to get from one tournament to the next without begging and borrowing. Even when things are going to plan you need to develop a what-if strategy to cover any eventualities such as a broken console, a PC, or an noperatin for a torn ligament and displaced tendon.
Patience
Martin ‘Rekkles’ Larsson, Fnatic’s Professional League of Legends ADC Player rates patience as a skill necessary for a pro gamer to have. He played League of Legends for two years before noticing an improvement in his gaming technique. You need to keep moving, be alert with regard to the enemy’s footwork, pay attention to the other guy and be prepared to change to a different game plan when needed.
Mental Stamina
With games lasting as long as they do you need to be mentally alert and have the mental endurance to finish on the top. Burnout and exhaustion are common mobile gaming problems so you need to know when to pull the plug and chill. Streamers and content creators in particular are known to suffer from mental health issues.
Be A Team Player
eSports tournaments are usually team events, so develop the ability to interact with other players and to build good relationships. Ifyou become a valuable team member any team would want you. Having a good team morale will result in more games being won. Being a likable person leads to better relationships and a better support network. Also, remember that it is lonely at the top so it’s always good practice to bring others up with you.
Motivation
What starts out initially as a fun pastime can soon become a chore. Playing endlessly for 16 hours may no longer look so appealing. You need to stay motivated and determined to continue to the end.
Pro gaming has the allure to entice many hopefuls into its lucrative clutches, but it has a way of siphoning off the weak. Do you have what it takes?
