Do you love competitive gaming? Nowadays, you can turn your love of video games into a profitable career. Twitch streamers can earn upwards of $3,000 per month by putting out just a few hours of content per week. However, this is small change compared to the kind of salaries enjoyed by top esports teams. While the esports industry is booming, securing a spot on an existing team isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Eager to join an established roster? Our guide has some useful tips to make your search easier.
Are You Good Enough?
This is a question you need to seriously ask yourself before attempting to land a spot on an established team. You might think you’re a top-tier player, but you need to be objective about things. Looking to become a professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player? Use CS:GO ranking system to give you an idea of the competition you’ll be up against. Global Elite is the highest rank you achieve in this game, although less than 1% make up this category. Even if you do rank as a Global Elite, you’ll need to consider where you’re based. In Denmark, there are more than 1,800 Global Elites. In Finland, there are more than 3,300. If you hail from either of these Scandinavian countries, nabbing a spot on a CS:GO team roster is going to prove particularly difficult.
The good news is that you’re not on your own if you need to improve your performance. While practice does make perfect, it’s always best to bring in a little outside help. Nowadays, you’ll find plenty of coaching platforms like Gamer Sensei online. These services are ideal for those who’ve yet to connect with a wider gaming community or can’t attend coaching sessions in person.
Do You Have the Right Hardware?
Even if you’ve got what it takes to outcompete challengers, you’ll need the right tech at your disposal. The amount of hardware you’ll need ultimately depends on the games you’re looking to play. The most competitive esports games are PC-only titles, so don’t even think about getting started until you have a powerful gaming PC. Even if you’ve already spent a small fortune on your gaming setup, it probably needs enhancing with a few upgrades. Be prepared to divert a significant slice of your disposable income into gaming peripherals, graphics card upgrades, and more.
Networking with Esports Teams
Sometimes, finding a team opportunity is all about being in the right place at the right time. Live events are a great place to connect with fellow gaming enthusiasts. If you can’t make it to an esports tournament or have a limited gaming social circle, you’ll need to be a bit more proactive. Fortunately, many online directories allow would-be esports players to connect with teams. Services like Seek Team and TeamTavern make it easy to promote yourself and find news of available slots on existing teams.
If your aim is to secure a spot on an S-Tier roster, think about using streaming platforms like Twitch instead. Many high-profile players have attracted the attention of top-level teams by showcasing their skills online with these services. If you’re putting out enough content, you can think about monetizing your streams, providing you with much-needed income to supplement your training expenses.
