How to make it to the dizzying heights of eSports stardom

The eSports industry is a green pasture of opportunity. With incredible growth, increasing fan interest and an ever greater expansion into the mainstream, it’s a great time to get in on the action.

But that doesn’t mean that it’s easy and if you want to break into the crazy world of eSports, you’ll be up against some tough competition.

Ah, to play video games as your job, and earn vast sums of money. Sounds like a sweet gig, right?

Perhaps, but you’ll have to work for it! Here’s a few essential tip and pointers for anyone hoping to make the grade.

Don’t suck, be amazing

First thing’s first, you need to actually be really good at one of the titles that is a viable eSport. In fact, not just really good, but phenomenal.

When you consider the sheer number of people who sink countless hours into games such as Dota2 - almost 8 million - a tiny, tiny minority are good enough to be pro players.

On average, they practice between eight and 12 hours a day. They don’t simply play the game, they practice every aspect of it no matter how boring the grind becomes.

Watching is also just as important. And not just pro matches. Don’t directly copy what the pros are doing. Instead, try to understand why they did certain things.

One of the best tactics for improving your game is to watch your own demos, and take note of where your game needs work.

Spending time examining your own mistakes and taking note of them is one of the best ways to improve.

Learn your title of choice – inside out

Most games that are eSports don’t just require quick reflexes and the ability to gun down your foe in a spaghetti western-style duel - although that certainly helps.

You also need a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of your game, and the ability to make use of smart tactics and strategy.

For CSGO, download and practice on aiming maps to improve your accuracy, and watch smoke guides to get your throw on point.

For Dota2 and LoL, you need to learn as much as you can about each hero or champion, and also know what your role is in a game.

Are you a support? A carry? Do you need to farm? The world’s best players are all experts in their respective games, and are expected to know exactly what to do, and when.

Meet new people and get noticed!

Each of the major eSports games has a huge, dedicated community who are just as passionate, if not more so, than you. The best thing you can do is get stuck in.

Most eSports are team games, and you’re going to need at least some degree of people skills if you’re going to go all the way.

Good communication is vital! So many rosters have gone under due to internal issues on miss-communication.

And don’t just play with friends. Don’t get comfortable playing with one line-up. If you play against a good team, add players who you feel you can learn from.

Getting noticed will most likely come from pro players, not organisations. So work on your skills and try to keep consistency on stats as much as possible.

The case of UK CSGO players, Rory “dephh” Jackson and Kia “Surreal” Man is a good example of this. Both players were picked up by Complexity after achieving consistent stats through ESEA pug matches.

Work your way up the CEVO and ESEA ladders, in the case of CSGO.

Join a team

The community makes for fertile ground when looking for a team, and there are tons of websites dedicated to players looking to join hands.

But the LoL community for example is so big, it’s quite tough to get recognised. Jesper ”Zvanillan” Svenningsen explains:

“The only way for a new player to prove themselves to pro organisations is through Solo Queue… Pros play soloq, you play soloq.

Playing with them and being high on the ladder will let them know who you are.

When a pro team is in need of a new player, the first thing they will look for are either previous pros who are available or a highly rated soloq player for that role.

I was recognised because I had two accounts in the top 10 of EU West solo queue for the entire season, and was known by lots of pros.”

However, don’t let that stop you from gathering a team of your own, grinding tournaments and participating in LAN events. There’s always a chance you’ll turn a few heads if you’re good.

And don’t expect individual skill alone to get you to high places. You need to have a good team dynamic. Without that, nothing will happen.

Zvanillan also points out success doesn’t always ride on excellent individual potential.

“Historically, weak individual players have achieved greatness through excellent team play.”

If you were a big enough star, you’ll get plenty of opportunities as a broadcaster, commentator, or even as a streamer. Just be sure to capitalise on your fame and fortune – and don’t let the giddying feeling of success go to your head. Don’t be one of those guys. Everyone hates those guys.