Esports as a Career: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals

In recent years, e-sports has developed from a niche into a global phenomenon that inspires millions of viewers and offers lucrative career opportunities. The dream of many young players is no longer to become professional footballers or Formula 1 drivers, but to be an e-athlete on the world's big stages and compete with the best players. But the path from hobby gamer to professional e-athlete is demanding and requires more than just talent. In this blog post, we want to offer you a comprehensive guide that will help you take the right steps on your way to becoming an e-sports professional.

1. Choosing the right game

The first and most important step on the path to an eSports career is choosing the right game. Not every game has a competitive scene, and not every game offers the same career opportunities. The biggest and most well-known eSports titles include:

• League of Legends (LoL)
• Dota 2
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS )
• Fortnite
• Overwatch
• Valorant

The choice of game depends on your personal preferences and skills, but also on how the esports scene around the game is developing. Do you want to choose a game with an established scene or would you rather choose an up-and-coming game where there are even more opportunities to gain an early foothold?

2. Training and continuous improvement

As in any other sport, success in eSports requires intensive training. This means not only playing for many hours, but also working specifically on your skills. Here are some tips on how to structure your training:

• Play regularly : To improve your reflexes, map knowledge and game understanding, you need to play several hours a day. A targeted training plan will help you stay disciplined.

• Replay analysis : After your games, watch replays and analyze your mistakes. What could you have done better? What strategic decisions were wrong? Professional players often invest hours analyzing gameplay to improve their performance.

• Mechanical skills : For games like CS

  or LoL, mechanical skills are crucial. These include quick aiming, mastering combinations and movements, or the exact timing of skills. You can improve these skills through specific exercises and tools, such as target training programs for FPS games.

• Learn theory : Especially in strategic games like Dota 2 or LoL , it is important to understand the theoretical foundations of the game. This includes not only the abilities of the heroes or champions, but also deeper mechanics such as field control, resource management and team battle strategies.

• Mental training : E-sports requires not only physical strength, but also mental strength. The ability to concentrate, manage stress and have a strong mental state are crucial to being successful in competitive situations.

3. Building a strong team

In many esports titles, teamwork and communication are the key to success. A strong team can make the difference between winning and losing. Here are some tips on how to build a team and work together successfully:

• Find the right teammates : Chemistry between teammates is crucial. Look for players who are not only talented, but also fit well with your personality and playing style. Platforms like Discord, esports forums, or in-game communities are good places to look for potential teammates.

• Understanding roles in the team : In games like League of Legends or Dota 2, there are clear roles assigned to the team (e.g. support, carry, jungler). Every player must understand his role exactly and know how to best support the team.

• Communication and coordination : A successful team is characterized by clear and efficient communication. Teams should train together regularly to improve their communication and perfect their strategies. Use voice chats and analyze games together to identify and eliminate weaknesses.

• Strengthen team spirit : E-sports is an emotionally charged environment in which tensions can quickly arise. This makes it all the more important to create a positive and supportive team environment. This also means openly addressing conflicts and offering constructive criticism.

4. Tournaments and Leagues: Getting Started in the Competition

Another important step on the way to becoming an e-sports professional is participating in tournaments and leagues. These not only give you the opportunity to test your skills, but also to make a name for yourself in the scene.

• Local and online tournaments : Before you enter the big international tournaments, you should take part in local or online tournaments. Here you can gain initial experience without the great pressure of the top competitions.

• Amateur Leagues : There are numerous amateur leagues created specifically for aspiring eSports athletes. Platforms like Faceit or ESEA offer leagues in different games in which you can compete. This is a great way to get noticed.

• Watch the professional scene : Pay attention to how the professional scene is developing and which tournaments are particularly relevant to your game. Tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship or The International in Dota 2 offer huge prize money and worldwide attention. Even if the road to get there is long and hard, you should always keep an eye on the professional tournaments to know what you are working towards.

5. Sponsors and contracts

E-sports is becoming increasingly commercialized, and many players earn their income not only through tournament winnings, but also through sponsorship deals. Here are some tips on how to find sponsors and work with them successfully:

• Self-promotion : Before sponsors discover you, you need to market yourself. Build a strong online presence, whether it's through streaming on platforms like Twitch or through social media. Show off your skills, analyze games, or interact with your community.

• Networking : Take advantage of opportunities at tournaments or online events to get in touch with managers and representatives of esports organizations. Networking is an important aspect of getting sponsors to notice you.

• Review contracts : If you are offered a sponsorship deal, you should review the contract carefully. Esports athletes often sign long-term contracts that clearly state their rights and responsibilities. It may be wise to consult a lawyer or experienced person to make sure the contract is fair and in your best interests.

• Become a brand ambassador : Many e-sports professionals work as brand ambassadors for gaming hardware, energy drinks or fashion. Make sure that the brands you work with fit your image and appear authentic.

6. Mental and physical health

Although esports primarily rely on mental and motor skills, physical and mental health is also crucial. Burnout and injuries due to overuse are common problems among esports professionals. Here are some measures to stay healthy:

• Ergonomic Setup : Make sure your workspace is ergonomically designed. A good gaming chair, the right desk height, and the positioning of your monitors can help prevent long-term damage.

• Take breaks : Long gaming sessions without breaks can be physically and mentally draining. Taking regular breaks is essential to maintain your concentration and avoid overload.

• Mental health : The pressure placed on professional players can be considerable. Mental training, relaxation exercises and discussions with other players or a psychologist can help to deal with the stress.

Conclusion

Esports as a career is not an easy path, but with passion, discipline and a clear strategy, the dream can become a reality. The right training, strong teamwork and the ability to market yourself are crucial factors for success.