The peak age range for esports players is between 16 and 24, with the average age of pro esports players being 22. These figures scream that you’re too old for esports at 20. However, how true is this belief in an industry that continues to shatter its boundaries and stereotypes? Is 20 too old for esports? If not, what are the exceptions?

No, 20 is not too old for esports. Many players start their esports careers at this age or later. While reflexes may decline, strategic thinking and game knowledge can compensate. Game genres like strategy and card games, favor skills that improve with age, offering ample opportunities for success.

This article reveals everything you need to know to start an esports career at 20. You’ll understand the possibilities and challenges you may face in the industry.

Let’s get started!

Understanding the esports Age Spectrum

The world of esports has grown dramatically, shifting from small gaming groups to a global phenomenon. It now draws millions of viewers and participants of all ages. With large prize pools and increasing viewership, esports rivals traditional sports. It’s not just for teenagers anymore. As the industry grows, it welcomes diverse talents, including those starting their professional journeys in their twenties.

While the average age of pro esports players is around age 21-26, the age range is much different. There are players as young as 16 in the esports world and those that are well over 30. However, most of these veterans have started gaming since they were teens, and playing for that long isn’t the norm.

Most esports players retire before 26. For this reason, starting a career at 20 might seem out of reach because you will only have a few years to compete. Again, players like Alex Ich, a globally renowned League of Legends player, are breaking this rule. He began his career at 18. Naoto “Sako” Sako, one of the world’s best Street Fighter players, is 45.

How Old Is Too Old for Esports?

The age at which a player is too old for esports is debatable. Most esports players retire early, not because they need more cognitive or reflex capabilities to continue playing. They decide because gaming is usually considered a “youth’s thing,” and they prefer to pursue other careers.

Realistically, gamers in their mid or late 20s can still compete. According to a Esports Health And Performance Institute study, cognitive decline might begin by age 24, but esports players can develop complementary strategies to help them stay competitive.

The Impact of Age on Gaming Skills?

Whether gaming skills deteriorate with age is a highly debatable topic in gaming and esports. Usually, you’re not too old for esports; upcoming players are better. Other times, players have a preconceived notion that their gaming skills will decline when they reach a certain age, and this mindset affects their performance.

There are also cases where older players’ aging bodies and minds find it challenging to keep up with the intensive physical work associated with esports. For this reason, it’s best that older players ditch fast, reflex-based games and focus on those that focus more on strategy and planning and less on reactive gameplay.

Age Advantages in Esports

Hajime Taniguchi (Togido) is 38 and one of the world’s best Street Fighter players. He mentioned his mental fortitude and years of experience when asked about his secret. Therefore, playing esports late into your 20s (or even 30s) can give you a competitive edge if you maximize your strengths.

Also, as mentioned earlier, strategy-heavy games statistically guarantee a better chance of success. Older people have a more extensive knowledge base and an excellent working memory capacity.

Best Esports Games for Older Players

If you’re an older player looking to start an esports career, it’s best to focus on games that rely more on strategy than reflexes, such as turn-based games, card games, etc. Here are some popular esports games across different genres for older players.

• StarCraft II
• Age of Empires
• League of Legends
• Hearthstone
• Gwent
• DOTA 2

Many old players, way beyond 20, have tried their hand at professional gaming and succeeded. 

• Jake “Xmithie” Puchero of the Immortals is 28 and one of the world’s best League of Legends players. 
• Jae-Min “Knee” Bae is a 37-year-old Tekken 7 Player from the Republic of Korea. 
• Jonas Neubauer, one of the greatest Tetris players of all time, competed in tournaments until he was 37.

Starting an Esports Career at 20

Age 20 isn’t too old for esports, but you’ll be a late bloomer. Also, you’ll most likely be competing with younger players. Many of your competition would have been in the game since they were kids, a scenario which can be a significant advantage. However, success is still within reach for someone starting esports at 20. 

It’s essential to acknowledge that reaching the top echelons of professional play will require dedication, quick learning, and a steeper skill development curve. 

Steps to Start

Here’s how you can start an esports career

• Choose your game wisely: Focus on games that you are passionate about, but also consider their competitive scene. Some games offer a more welcoming community for newcomers, regardless of age.

• Immerse yourself in the community:  Get involved with the game’s community through forums, social media, and tournaments. Networking is crucial. It can help you find mentors, join teams, and learn more about your game.

• Invest in proper equipment: High-quality gaming equipment can enhance performance. Invest in a good PC, high-refresh-rate monitor, and professional-grade peripherals.

• Start competing: You start by joining amateur tournaments, from which you can secure pro contracts if you are among the best.

Training and Preparation

• Establish a rigorous training regime
• Find a niche
• Physical and mental fitness
• Seek professional guidance

By following these steps, training diligently, and setting realistic goals, starting an esports career at 20 is possible and rewarding. 

Wrap Up

You’re not too old for esports at 20. Choose a game you like, know how to play, and understand that you stand a better chance of succeeding at strategy-based games as you grow older. Have a winning mentality, use your experience to your advantage, and you’ll be glad you started.