Gaming is more competitive than ever before. In the past, only the most dedicated and hardcore gamers could hope to make a semi-career from their niche skill sets. Over the last fifteen years, that has changed rapidly.
Not only can elite gamers potentially make a living from their skills, but they can even flip that competitive career into even more opportunities thanks to live streaming. In other words, top-level gamers now have options when it comes to structuring their careers and earning money.
That being said, similar to traditional sports, most competitive gamers are identified earlier on in their careers. Few mavericks will step out of the woodwork in their late twenties and thirties. That means that many gamers are actively looking to build their skills with the hopes of kickstarting their eSports (or even streaming) careers.
But how are today’s elite gamers getting ahead so quickly?
The Basics: Studying Up
The cold, hard truth behind improving gaming skills is very simple: players must study. And those who study more often are more likely to have a better chance when starting out. That might mean looking into which position and character is best for them or, in a more heady case like poker, diving into guides.
For example, a new poker player who has yet to compete in a tournament might want to study up on which strategies to use and which to avoid in long-form play. While traditional video games and poker are distinct, a little bit of research can go a long way for both parties—and gamers can learn a thing or two about the tight focus that poker players tend to have on their next challenge.
Building a Community
Aside from studying the right materials, gamers also improve quickly by joining communities. Just like with studying, the more focused this community is, the better results the gamer will have. For example, you might want to join a League of Legends community to learn the ropes of the game and start exploring strategies.
But if you want to improve your stats as a Jungler, specifically, you should look for forums and groups for Junglers. That way, you’re not only joining your favorite game’s community but also putting yourself in the right spot to learn from like-minded gamers.
Taking a Training Course
So far, we’ve outlined self-directed ways in which gamers can improve their skills. By studying their chosen game and joining an active gaming community, players enmesh themselves in their chosen field. But just like traditional athletes rely on physical trainers to improve their fitness and diets, hopeful gamers are also enlisting the advice of experts.
Today, you can find dozens of tailored training courses geared towards eSports players. Most are specific to games, characters, and even levels, but others might focus more on the mentality behind competitive gaming. In other words, you can find a training course for just about every part of the gaming experience. Some even focus more broadly on the eSports world for those who are dreaming of a more administrative role.
Attending an Academy
Training courses are usually available online. But gamers who really want to boost their chances of being signed to a major team might attend an academy. These aren’t nearly as varied or accessible as training courses because most include an online and in-person component.
They also include application processes, which make them a lot more exclusive to the average gamer. On top of that, many include direct employment opportunities for those who graduate from the program. SPIRE Academy, for example, offers training programs that could lead to placement on Valorant and Overwatch rosters.
But ‘open’ academies aren’t quite as common as team academies, such as those run by Fnatic and Team Liquid. These aren’t necessarily training programs—they’re more like academies and farm systems from major league sports. Fnatic, for example, has its own Fnatic Rising academy for players who show promise and are slated for a spot on the team’s future rosters.
Sebastian is an accomplished author with a passion for storytelling. His works span various genres, from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romance novels. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for character development, Sebastian weaves engaging narratives that captivate readers and transport them to new worlds.