Breaking into the vibrant world of esports isn’t just about having lightning-fast reflexes or mastering the latest game. It’s a journey that requires strategy, dedication, and a deep understanding of the industry.
This article will guide you through the ins and outs of getting into esports, providing practical advice and insights from industry insiders. So, let’s dive into the world of competitive gaming and see how you can turn your passion into a profession.
Understanding Esports
Grasping esports fully involves understanding its rise in popularity and recognizing key concepts and terms prevalent in this sector.
The Rise of Esports Popularity
Contrary to its humble beginnings in the late 2000s, esports found a rapid upsurge in popularity in the last decade. Esports’ recognition crossed major benchmarks like live streaming platforms and corporate sponsorships, making an international impact.
| Year | Esports Global Revenue ($) |
| 2014 | 194 million |
| 2020 | 950 million |
This rise in popularity is attributed to various factors. Firstly, the introduction of online streaming platforms like Twitch fostered a global platform where gamers can compete and spectators can engage, enhancing esports’ visibility and reach. It’s noteworthy that average monthly viewers on Twitch surged from 20 million in 2012 to over 140 million in 2020.
Moreover, corporate sponsorship also played its role in esports’ escalating recognition. Renowned brands like Intel, Mercedes-Benz, and Red Bull now sponsor esports tournaments, thereby boosting the industry’s profile and making it a lucrative option for aspiring esports professionals.
How To Get Into Esports
Getting into esports circles around selecting a game of one’s interest. The decision serves as a stepping stone to a successful esports career, correlating with your passion, skillset, and market trends.
Popular Esports Games
A variety of esports games attract players globally. Some of them fetch higher prominence, garnering millions of followers. Statistics from industry reports reveal the popularity of a few games in particular:
| Game | Estimated Active Monthly Players |
| League of Legends | 115 million |
| Fortnite | 78.3 million |
| Dota 2 | 11.9 million |
Take, for example, League of Legends and Fortnite. With significant player bases, they present rich competition and ample opportunities for new gamers looking at how to get into esports.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Game
Choosing a game demands more than just a personal preference for the genre. Here are some aspects to consider while picking an esports game:
- Personal Competency: Assess your skill level in different game genres. Frustration lurks when a game is too hard, and boredom when it’s too easy. Striking the right balance impacts career longevity.
- Active Community: Look for games with an active community, offering a wealth of resources, guides, and peer interactions.
- Growth Potential: Evaluate the game’s growth in terms of player base and viewership. A growing audience often means job security and increased potential for earnings in esports.
Understand, the game you choose unveils an array of paths for your esports journey, making it invaluable for those yearning to know how to get into esports.
Building Skills and Strategy
Newcomers shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the complexities of esports. The proper way to start is with a focus on basic skills. Grabbing and mastering the controls is the first step towards proficiency in any game.
Studying professional gamers offers insightful lessons. Observing their gaming strategies, decision-making process, and understanding how they react to certain situations can be instructive to newbies. Thanks to streaming platforms, it’s now much easier to follow pro-players’ gameplay.
Joining the Community
Scouting for a team matches the aspiring player’s skill level is an important first step in community engagement. Participating in local leagues and tournaments equates to gaining practical exposure. It’s also a smart move to sign up for online platforms, like FACEIT and ESEA, offering a structured environment for competitive gaming.
Recall, esports is not just about playing. It’s about contributing to a community, learning from each other, and growing together. So, keep networking and always be on the look-out for opportunities to learn, meet new people, and expand the esports horizons.