Getting into esports is tough, but we studied hundreds of esports careers and came up with the easiest path. This is a path followed by legendary esports gamers like Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok), Flash (Lee Young Ho), and f0rest (Patrik Lindberg).

It can work for anyone, regardless of their skill level, game genre, interest, or location.

But remember that you’re not limited to just being a pro gamer. There are two main types of esports careers: gaming and non-gaming.

This article is crafted to guide you on how to start an esports career in both realms.

Whether you dream of becoming an esports gamer or working behind the scenes, we’ve got you covered with the best strategies and tips. What matters is that you find the right fit for your passion and skills.

Use the table of contents below to skip ahead if you like.

Starting a Gaming Esports Career

1. Find the Right Game

a. Choose a Genre

The first step to starting a career in gaming esports is to choose the right genre.  You want to choose games that have existing competitive scenes. The most popular genres are:

• First-Person Shooters (FPS): Fast-paced and action-packed, focusing on shooting and strategy.
• Real-Time Strategy (RTS): Emphasizes strategic thinking and decision-making in real-time.
• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA): Features teams competing in strategic battles with unique characters.
• Fighting Games: Close combat between a limited number of characters, typically in a small arena.
• Sports Simulations: Mimics real-life sports with virtual representations.
• Card Games: Digital versions of traditional and new card games often feature strategic gameplay.
• Battle Royale: Large numbers of players compete to be the last person or team standing.

Each genre requires different skills and offers varied gameplay experiences. Consider your interests and strengths when picking a genre.

b. Watch Competitive Matches

Once you’ve narrowed down the genre, immerse yourself in the world of competitive gaming by watching matches.

This will give you insights into the gameplay, strategies, and level of competition. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are great places to start.

Observing professional players in action can offer invaluable learning experiences.

c. Try Playing Some Games

After you’ve got a feel for the genre and watched the pros in action, it’s time to get your hands dirty.

Start playing some games within your chosen genre. This will help you understand the mechanics and nuances of the games better.

Below are games you can try in each genre:

FPS:

• Call of Duty
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
• Battlefield

RTS:

• StarCraft II
• Age of Empires II
• Command & Conquer

MOBA:

• League of Legends
• Dota 2
• Smite

Fighting Games:

• Street Fighter
• Tekken
• Mortal Kombat

Sports Simulations:

• EAFC series
• NBA 2K series
• Madden NFL series

Card Games:

• Hearthstone
• Magic: The Gathering Arena
• Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Battle Royale:

• Fortnite
• PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds)
• Apex Legends

d. Choose the Right Game and Platform

Finally, after exploring different games, it’s time to choose the right game and platform. Consider factors like the game’s popularity, the competitive scene, and your compatibility with it.

Each game has its own unique community and esports ecosystem, so pick one that resonates with you.

Also, decide whether you’re more comfortable playing on PC, console, or mobile. This can influence your gaming experience and opportunities in esports.

2. Master the Game

Understand the Game Mechanics Thoroughly:

Every game has its own set of rules, mechanics, and nuances. Spend time learning these inside out.

This includes understanding the game’s objectives, character abilities, map layouts, and item functions.

Knowledge is power in gaming, and the more you know about your game, the better you’ll be at strategizing and adapting to different situations.

Practice Consistently:

Like any skill, mastery comes with practice. Dedicate a significant amount of time to playing your chosen game. This isn’t just about playing a lot, but about practicing with purpose.

Set specific goals for each session, whether it’s improving your aim in a shooter, your farm in a MOBA, or your build strategies in an RTS. Consistent, focused practice is key to improving.

Analyze Your Play and Learn from Mistakes:

After each game, take some time to reflect on your performance. Many games offer replays, which are a valuable tool for reviewing your gameplay. Identify mistakes and think about what you could have done differently.

Also, observe and learn from how your opponents play, especially those who defeat you. Learning from mistakes is a powerful tool for improvement.

Engage with the Community and Seek Feedback:

Join forums, Discord servers, or subreddits related to your game. Engaging with the community can provide valuable insights, tips, and strategies.

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your gameplay. Experienced players can offer advice that might take you much longer to figure out on your own.

Stay Updated with Game Changes and Meta:

Games, especially in esports, are constantly evolving with updates, patches, and new content. It’s crucial to stay updated with these changes.

Understanding the current ‘meta’ or the most effective tactics and strategies at any given time can give you an edge over players who don’t adapt as quickly.

Also, be open to adapting your playstyle to these changes.

Enroll in an Online Esports Course:

If you feel like you need that extra push, you can learn directly from seasoned players. Stratplays has a catalog of esports courses for various games.

Just browse the library or use the search feature to find courses on your favorite game.

3. Build an Online Presence

Building an online presence is crucial for aspiring esports gamers. It’s not just about showcasing your skills, but also about creating a brand for yourself.

Here are our best tips for building an online esports presence:

Start Streaming:

Streaming is one of the most effective ways to build an online presence. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming are great places to start.

Regular streaming schedules, engaging content, and a unique personality can attract viewers. Show off your gaming skills, share tips, and interact with your audience to build a loyal following.

Create Social Media Profiles:

Social media is a powerful tool for building an online presence. Create profiles on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Share updates about your gaming achievements, upcoming streams, and personal gaming experiences.

Engaging content, such as clips from your streams, gaming tips, and participation in trending gaming topics, can increase your visibility.

Engage with the Gaming Community:

Active participation in gaming forums, Discord servers, and Reddit can boost your online presence.

Share your knowledge, ask questions, and connect with other gamers. Being an active member of the community can lead to collaborations and opportunities to grow your network.

Collaborate with Other Gamers:

Collaborations with other gamers can expand your reach. This could be through playing together on streams, creating joint content, or even just engaging with each other’s content on social media.

Collaborations can introduce you to new audiences and help you build relationships within the gaming community.

Stay Consistent and Authentic:

Consistency in your online activities is key. Regular updates, streaming on a schedule, and continuous engagement with your audience help in building a strong online presence.

Being authentic and true to yourself will resonate more with your audience, helping you build a community around your brand.

4. Join an Esports Team

To join an esports team, the first step is to locate these teams. One of the most common and convenient ways is to use online platforms that specialize in connecting players, teams, and organizations​​. 

Here are examples of these platforms:

• Seek Team: A platform designed for gamers to create profiles, search for recruitment offers, and apply to join teams.

• Gamesync: Specializes in recruitment and applications for gamers looking to join esports teams.

• TEAMS.gg: Allows players to match up with teammates and is useful for finding the best teammates based on specific criteria.

• Game Tree: A gamer discovery app that helps connect gamers with similar interests.

• Twitch: While primarily a streaming platform, Twitch also facilitates connections between gamers and potential teams through live streams and community engagement.

• LinkedIn: Offers networking opportunities and can be used to connect with esports teams and organizations.

Websites like Seek Team and Gamesync that focus on recruitment and applications allow for direct connections with hiring teams or companies.

Esports teams typically look for players with specific qualities and skills. Ensure you meet their criteria below:

Competitive Gameplay Skills:

Teams need players who have skills beyond just casual matchmaking. They look for those who have honed their abilities in a competitive environment​​.

Active Social Media Presence:

Being active on social media platforms and creating both gaming and non-gaming content can make a player more visible to esports teams.

This includes sharing game videos, event photos, and engaging with the gaming community​​​​.

Participation in Community and Tournaments:

Attending tournaments and being an active member of the gaming community helps in networking and getting noticed.

Engaging with fellow gamers, participating in community events, and being present at tournaments are key activities​​.

Additional Skills and Talents:

Esports teams often look for players who can bring more than just gaming skills.

This can include talents like writing, verbal communication for creating content like video tutorials or podcasts, and graphic design skills​​.

Professional Documentation:

A well-prepared resume and cover letter highlighting gaming industry-related skills, achievements, and experiences can make a player stand out.

5. Compete and Make Money

One common reason to get a career in esports is to earn a living. Playing for passion is great, but you also have to make some money.

There are three main ways to do this as an esports player:

Play in Tournaments

The most direct way to earn money in esports is by competing in tournaments. These can range from small, local competitions to major international events.

Winning or placing in these tournaments often comes with cash prizes. Also, participating in tournaments increases your visibility in the gaming community, which can lead to more opportunities.

Focus on improving your skills, understanding game strategies, and staying updated on game changes to increase your chances of success.

Monetize Your Social Media

As an esports player, your social media platforms can be a significant source of income. Engage with your audience by sharing your gaming experiences, tips, and personal stories.

Platforms like YouTube and Twitch allow you to monetize your content through ads, subscriptions, and donations.

Building a large and engaged following can attract advertisers who are willing to pay for exposure to your audience. Be active, post regularly, and use your unique voice to stand out.

Find Sponsors

Sponsorships can be a lucrative way to earn money in esports. Brands are constantly looking to sponsor talented and popular players in the gaming community.

Sponsors look for players who not only have gaming skills but also the ability to influence others and represent their brand effectively.

Networking, showcasing your achievements, and maintaining a professional image can help you secure sponsorships.

Starting a Non-Gaming Esports Career

There are several esports careers that don’t require you to play video games. Examples include:

• Esports Coach
• Team Manager
• Event Organizer
• Marketing and Social Media Manager
• Content Creator
• Esports Caster/Commentator
• Video Production and Editing Specialist
• Esports Journalist
• Sponsorship and Sales Manager
• Esports Analyst
• Community Manager
• Graphic Designer
• Esports Agent/Representative
• Tournament Referee/Administrator
• Player Development Manager
• Esports Physical Therapist
• Esports Nutritionist
• Merchandise and Apparel Designer
• Esports Lawyer
• Broadcast Technician/Producer.

Whichever career path you prefer, you should follow our guide to get into the industry with little to no resistance.

1. Find Your Niche

Starting a non-gaming esports career involves finding your niche within the industry. To do that, you need to ask yourself some key questions:

What Aspects of Esports Interest You?

Begin by asking yourself what aspects of esports excite you the most. Is it the thrill of competition, the strategy behind team management, event organization, or the technological aspects?

What Skills Do You Possess?

Reflect on your skills and how they could apply to an esports career. Are you good at communication, organization, or perhaps technical skills like coding or graphic design?

What Are the Industry Needs?

Research the current needs and trends in the esports industry. Are there roles in high demand, such as event planners, coaches, or marketing professionals?

How Can You Contribute Uniquely?

Consider what unique perspectives or ideas you can bring to the table. Esports is a dynamic field, and there’s always room for innovative approaches.

2. Improve Your Skills and Experience

It’s much harder to secure a job in any industry without some experience. It’s even harder if you only have the basic skills.

Education and Training:

Pursue relevant education and training in fields like sports management, marketing, communication, or technology, depending on your career choice.

Internships and Volunteering:

Gain practical experience through internships or volunteering at esports organizations. This can provide hands-on experience in your chosen field.

Develop Related Skills:

Work on developing skills that are crucial in your chosen area. For example, if you’re interested in content creation, improve your video editing or writing skills.

Build an Online Presence:

Create and maintain a professional online presence. Share your insights, experiences, and achievements related to esports on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or a personal blog.

Learn from the Best:

Follow and learn from successful professionals in your area of interest. Analyze how they approach their work and what makes them stand out.

3. Build a Portfolio

Now that you have some experience, it’s time to showcase it in a way recruiters love. Do this by building an impressive portfolio using the steps below:

• Identify Your Strengths: Focus on the areas where you excel, whether it’s event management, content creation, or coaching.

• Gather Your Work: Compile all relevant work you’ve done, including projects, internships, or any relevant experience.

• Create a Digital Portfolio: Use platforms like Behance or create a personal website to showcase your work.

• Include a Variety of Work: Show a range of skills and experiences to demonstrate versatility.

• Update Regularly: Keep adding new projects or accomplishments as you progress in your career.

4. Apply to Esports Companies

Networking and applying are vital steps in starting a career in esports. Build connections with industry professionals like players, coaches, managers, and others to open up numerous opportunities.

These connections can lead to referrals, collaborations, and valuable feedback, all essential for career growth in esports.

Also, leveraging your portfolio when applying for jobs, contracts, sponsorships, and partnerships is crucial to showcasing your skills and experience.

Job hunting in the esports industry can be done through specific esports job sites like Hitmarker. You can also use general job platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed.

Regularly check these sites, set up job alerts, and follow companies of interest.

5. Never Stop Learning

In esports, it’s important to keep learning all the time. This field changes a lot and quickly. You need to stay up-to-date with what’s new and what’s changing.

Learn new skills and ways to do things. This will help you do better in your job and grow in your career. It’s also important to be ready to change how you do things.

Esports can have new needs or ways of doing things, and being able to adjust to these is really important. Being flexible and ready to learn new things will help you a lot.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you prefer to start your esports career, you have to work on your skills and gain some experience before venturing into the job market.

We offer the best esports courses in the world. Take full advantage of the opportunity to learn the secrets of the trade.