Esports gamer
Esports gamers compete against other players in tournaments, leagues and events, with matches often streamed online to audiences around the world.
Also known as: Esports pro gamer, professional computer games player
What you'll do
As an esports gamer, you would:
- practise daily
- compete in tournaments and competitions
- attend one-to-one and team training sessions with games coaches
- work with content creators to produce material for your team's online channels
- take part in promotional activities and interviews
- spend time away from home with your team at tournaments
- mentor new team players
Working environment
You could work at a sports arena, at a conference centre or at events.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- persistence and determination
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- concentration skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- physical skills like reaction, movement and co-ordination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a esports gamer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- playing in amateur computer gaming competitions
College
As well as practising and developing your game playing skills, you could apply to do a college course, leading to a certificate or diploma in esports.
There are different qualification levels, with each designed to give you the foundations to build a career in the esports industry. Esports qualifications include topics like:
- team coaching and management
- event planning and marketing
- tournament broadcasting
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Other routes
You will need excellent game playing skills to become a professional esports gamer. In addition, problem solving, teamwork and determination are all important.
You could join an online team, clan, guild or community, and play in competitive amateur leagues and tournaments to develop your skills. For example, teaming up with friends through school, college or university.
You'll usually concentrate on a particular genre or game title and become an expert in playing it.
If you're successful at amateur level, you may attract the attention of sponsors or professional esports teams and be invited to compete in trials to join them.
Restrictions and requirements
Professional teams and tournament organisers put minimum age limits in place for competitors to match the types of games being played.
Age limits vary but are generally in line with the PEGI computer games rating system . As a professional, you will need to meet these age requirements to take part.
Career path and progression
If you're successful you may be selected to represent your national esports team and take part in international tournaments. You could also use your skills and experience to move into related career areas , within the esports industry and outside of it.
Areas include:
- events management
- social media management
- games development
- coaching and performance analysis
- sponsorship and marketing
You might also wish to set up your own professional esports team.
Career tips
Online safety is extremely important. The NSPCC and Safer Schools Northern Ireland have advice on pitfalls to look out for and how to stay safe online.
Salaries for esports gamers depend on many factors, including sponsorship deals, bonuses, and individual and team contracts.
Guides for this industry
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