There’s a common misconception that you have to be a professional gamer in order to crack it in the esports industry. Truth is, there are plenty of ways to get in on the esports action without trying to be the next Saahil Arora or PewdiePie.
If you’re interested in a career in esports, we’ve got a helpful esports guide for you on the avenues that are available to you.
How to get started in esports
The esports industry is very diverse and offers a lot of different job opportunities. Some are intrinsic to the esports industry and some play more of a supportive role. Some of the most lucrative and coveted jobs within the esports industry include:
- Professional player: Pro gamers usually start by joining a team or organization that participates in gaming tournaments and work their way up through consistent gaming from amateurs to professionals.
- Coach: As the name implies, an esports coach is someone that’s responsible for keeping the players motivated. A coach helps to accentuate the player’s strengths and overcome their weaknesses. They must also analyse opponents to make the most of the tournaments they participate in. This is a great role for anyone that has natural leadership abilities or anyone that has experience as a sports coach.
- Agent: Responsible for taking care of the player’s interests.
- Organisation manager: Oversees esports team or company.
- Observer: Works behind the scenes to control the esports game broadcast camera.
- Journalist/ content creator: Shares breaking news about esports tournaments, events, players, teams etc., for the fans and the industry as a whole.
How to get started in esports
As you can see, there are many doors through which you can enter the esports industry. But, esports is going through a considerable boom right now, so there’s a lot of competition out there. That’s why you need to have a fair amount of dedication and commit to working hard if you want to make it. Here are a few tips that will help you get started in this lucrative industry.
- Find a niche
The best way to get ahead in esports is to specialize in one particular area of the industry. In fact, it’s better to concentrate on one thing instead of trying to be a “jack of all trades”.
If you’re not sure which of the available jobs is right for you, you can start by doing some research to find a position that resonates the most with you.
You may choose something in the communications and media aspect of esports if you have a background in journalism, for example.
Or you might be a die-hard fan of a particular game whose dream is to become a part of the company that produces it. The trick to finding your niche is to figure out where your interests lie and follow that route.
- Start small
So many people want to see themselves at the top of the esports industry without “paying their dues” as it were. But, the best way to get ahead in any industry is to start at the bottom. Before you can become the CEO, you need to learn the basics of how the business works, right?
The same goes for esports. You need to be willing to start at the bottom before you can start earning the big bucks that you see esports players making. This could mean doing something as simple as starting a gaming blog or YouTube channel.
Sure, it might take a few months (or even years) to get it off the ground, but if you produce content on a regular basis, you’ll soon have a following that you can leverage.
Alternatively, find an organisation or corporation that you like and build your career from there. Or, study a relevant degree to further your knowledge of the particular niche that you’d like to specialize in. For instance, business studies and marketing are both in-demand skills in the esports industry, especially in roles that serve a supportive nature.
You could also try and find the contact details of a senior member of a company you’re interested in, someone who’s a decision maker.
While going through your internship, be sure to ask plenty of relevant questions and show a willingness to learn and work hard. Build a reputation for yourself as “the Golden Goose” or someone that’s willing to break their back to carry out any given task.
Work experience is extremely important in any field, including esports.
The key is to take initiative, improve your skills, get yourself out there and just get started!
- Be on the lookout
There are plenty of online platforms that advertise esport job opportunities, such as the Esports Observer, Hitmaker, Glassdoor, Jobs in Esports and Indeed. All you have to do is Google any one of these platforms and you’re bound to come up with a job position that you’re excited about!
- Go for it!
You can sit all day mulling over your options, but the best way to get started in esports is to just go for it. Start where you are with what you have. Even if you don’t have any experience, you can always learn on the job.