Ditching Your 9-to-5 To Game Professionally
Every serious gamer dreams of going pro and competing in tournaments like Genesis or the Call of Duty League (CDL) finals.
But making a living from slide canceling, flip resetting, or CSing can be difficult. You have to keep your in-game skills sharp and should make savvy networking moves to ensure that you make it to the top.
It’s important to recognize that most professional players make more money from sponsorships and viewer donations than tournament cash prizes. This underlines the importance of out-of-game skills like video editing, community engagement, and self-marketing.
Know Your Worth
The average professional gamer earns between $12,000 and $60,000 per year. However, at the top end of earnings potential, gamers like N0tail and JerAx earn in excess of $6 million per year.
Top gamers earn most of their prize money from tournaments. Dota 2 and League of Legends tournaments typically draw the biggest prize pools, though Fortnite and PUBG tournaments are on the rise. Tournaments typically split a total prize pool between teams, so it’s important to find out how winnings will be split before entering tournaments.
Assessing your worth can be tricky. At first, you want to enter tournaments where you have a better-than-average chance of winning. Entering tournaments that are slightly below your skill level can help you draw an audience and gain credibility in the esports world. Consider signing up for in-game public tournaments and track your progress against any other professionals that enter.
Once you’ve won or placed highly in a few tournaments, you can start enquiring about exclusive invite-only tournaments. Be wary of scams at this stage, as there are some tournament organizers who are looking to make a quick buck from your desire to go pro.
If you’ve been performing well, but haven’t received any invites to tournaments, you may want to reconsider your branding and self-marketing. Many top-level gamers do not get invited to tournaments simply because they have no social media presence and are unlikely to draw a crowd. Set up a few accounts across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch to show off your skills and boost your profile.
Pressure Testing
Everyone can game like a pro when they’re in their PJs with no money on the line. Making the right call is muchmore difficult when you’re playing for a sum that could change your life.
Take a leaf out of the professional athlete’s playbook and pressure test your skills before you join cash-prize tournaments. Aim to replicate the stress and pressure of tournament play by entering as many competitive games as possible. If you play from home, build a game-day routine that helps you snap into focus and game to your highest level.
Pressure testing is a great way to gather experience and sharpen your skill set. You may think that playing for 30+ hours a week would ensure that you’re at the top of your game, but without a coordinated approach to improvement, you’re unlikely to spot your weakness and build the skills you need. Consider working with a trusted coach in your game who can spot the mistakes you make and help you build a winning mindset.
Pressure testing is a great way to assess your setup, too. Having a high-end gaming set-up is pivotal if you want to go pro. Make sure you have a 24-inch with a 240Hz refresh rate as this is the commonly accepted tournament standard.
Consider using a personal Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you plan on playing against folks from different countries or continents. Players from different countries typically have different playstyles and may be more aggressive or passive than you are used to. Just be sure to turn off your VPN when entering cash-prize tournaments, as some organizers have strict rules about who can enter based on geographical region.
Diversifying Income Streams
Top-end professional gamers make most of their money from tournament play. However, if you’re new to the scene, you will find it difficult to earn enough from professional play alone.
It’s still possible to quit your job and work for yourself when you’re low on cash earnings. Grow your gaming side hustle into a full-time career by promoting your skills more on social media sites. A strong social media presence will help you land sponsorships and diversify your income streams. This is a great way to earn some extra cash without the pressure of having to perform.
Consider starting a Twitch channel if you’re struggling to build a following. Twitch streaming is entirely free and can bring more eyes to your channel. Stick to a dedicated schedule if you want to make it as a streamer, and craft a persona based on your professional status. You don’t necessarily have to play every time you go live, either. Offering to review your follower’s gameplay footage can be a great way to build engagement and earn some extra cash.
Conclusion
Ditching your 9-to-5 in favor of pro gaming isn’t for everyone. You’ll have to dedicate most of your day to practice and should be willing to pressure test your skills frequently. Secure your financial future by diversifying your income streams and creating a social media presence that brings sponsors to your profile.
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