Many people underestimate the effort that goes into training to become a successful esports athlete. The idea of ââa gamer sitting in front of a screen for hours and simply playing is often viewed as outdated. But professional esports requires more than just good gaming.
Esports players often spend 8 to 12 hours a day training, which not only develops their in-game skills but also their mental and physical stamina. There are clear parallels between professional esports players and traditional athletes: Both must work toward physical fitness, mental toughness, and technical perfection.
1. The everyday life of an e-sports professional
The routine of an esports professional is precisely timed. A typical day might look like this:
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Morning Routine (8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.): Many professionals begin their day with a structured morning routine. This may include light physical exercise, meditation, or mental coaching to clear the mind and prepare for the day's challenges. Mental toughness is a critical aspect in esports, as the games require hours of concentration and quick reaction times.
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Team Training (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.): Professionals spend most of their day with their team in "scrimmages." These are practice matches against other professional teams or against internal sparring partners. These training sessions are highly intensive and designed to improve communication and coordination within the team. Strategies are developed and refined here for optimal application in upcoming tournaments.
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Lunch Break (1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.): Even esports professionals must maintain a balanced diet. A healthy meal during the lunch break is crucial for maintaining energy and focus.
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Individual Training (2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.): Team training is followed by individual training. The focus here is on improving personal skills, such as "microplay" (i.e., perfecting small, game-deciding maneuvers). This includes techniques like "last-hitting" in League of Legends or training reflexes and aim in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive .
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Evening team meeting (5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.): Many teams use the late afternoon or evening for debriefings. Here, scrims are analyzed, mistakes are discussed, and opportunities for improvement are discussed. Video footage of practice games or past tournaments is reviewed to study the opponent's tactics and make adjustments.
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End of the Day (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM): The day often concludes with additional scrims or individual ranked matches. Players can further hone their skills and prepare for upcoming tournaments.
2. The importance of mental strength
Mental toughness is invaluable in esports. Tournaments can last for hours and require players to remain focused and responsive over long periods of time. A small mishap or wrong decision can decide the game in a split second.
Esports professionals often work with sports psychologists to optimize their mental state, using various techniques:
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Visualization: Many players use visualization techniques to play through mental scenarios and prepare for different game situations.
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Meditation: Meditation helps players calm their minds and improve their concentration. A focused and calm attitude helps them make better decisions in stressful situations.
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Breathing techniques: Deep breathing exercises are a popular way to stay calm during a game. As your heart rate rises and the pressure mounts, breathing techniques can help calm your nerves and help you think more clearly.
3. Physical fitness in e-sports
Even though esports is primarily perceived as a sedentary activity, physical fitness is playing an increasingly important role. Prolonged periods of sitting and intensive use of a mouse and keyboard can lead to health problems, which is why many professionals incorporate a targeted fitness program into their routine.
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Ergonomics: A well-equipped workplace is crucial for an e-sports athlete's health. Ergonomic chairs, correct sitting posture, and regular breaks to avoid tension and joint problems are part of everyday life.
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Strength training and stretching: Many players incorporate light strength training or stretching into their routine to improve posture and prevent injuries from overuse of the wrists or back. Wrist strengthening exercises are especially important to minimize the risk of tendonitis.
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Cardio training: Regular cardio training, such as jogging or cycling, helps players improve their endurance. A fit body also supports cognitive performance, which in turn can improve concentration and reflexes in the game.
4. Technical perfection and analysis
Technique is key in esports. It's not just about playing a game, but about mastering it at a level that makes the difference between winning and losing. Esports professionals work hard to perfect their technique. This is achieved through:
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Aim training: In shooters like Counter-Strike or Valorant, players spend many hours on special aim training programs. These programs help improve their accuracy and reaction time. A tiny difference in aim can often determine the outcome of a match.
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Mechanics and Tactics: In strategy games like Starcraft or Dota 2, it's crucial to both master the game mechanics and develop complex strategies. Here, players spend time testing new builds or playstyles and optimizing them against high-level opponents.
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Replay analysis: An important aspect of esports training is analyzing past games. Players and coaches often spend hours reviewing video footage to identify mistakes and find opportunities for improvement. Particular attention is paid to timing, positioning, and decision-making.
5. The path to success: discipline and passion
What all esports professionals share is their passion for the game and their discipline to continually improve. Discipline means challenging themselves daily, improving themselves, and making the necessary sacrifices to reach the top. Esports athletes must constantly evolve, understand new meta-strategies, and refine their technique to survive in the highly competitive environment.
Conclusion
The daily life of an esports professional is far removed from the stereotype of the casual gamer. It's an intense and structured lifestyle that requires a combination of mental and physical fitness, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the game. Discipline and passion drive players to train for hours to compete in tournaments that test not only their skills but also their mental toughness. The world of esports is demanding, but for those willing to fully commit to it, it offers a rewarding and exciting career.
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