Ever since the days of Pong way back in the 1970s, there has always been a space in the gaming market for dedicated gamers to test their skills against one another. And just as actual sports gradually evolved from humble pastimes into league-based competitions offering lucrative prizes, so too has our desire and ability to play eSports competitively.

We’ve come a long way since Pong, that’s for sure. From around the turn of the millennium, the world of competitive eSports has grown to gain global popularity and recognition. In fact, Deloitte Global estimated that the eSports industry generated a total worldwide revenue of $500 million last year alone. That figure is expected to rise even further this year.

Now is as good a time as any to get involved in the action, especially if you think you’ve got what it takes to beat the best at your preferred choice of game. But before you start earning your competitive stripes, it’s essential to gen up on the basics. We’re here to talk you through what it takes to become an eSports champion. Notepads at the ready!

Practice, Practice, Practice

Of course, one of the major benefits of getting into the world of competitive eSports is that you have the chance to earn money by doing what you absolutely love. However, without putting in the hours and sacrificing a lot of your free time to playing the game itself, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever come close to the required level.

Practice is the golden word here. You may even find yourself getting bored of your all-time favourite game after a while; but just like any progressive skill, it’s so important to power through and reach your allotted hours for the day. It’s likely to pay off in the long run.

Sports Psychology Can Help Withstand Pressure

If you’re able to understand your own mental processes and shortcomings in performance, you’ll be much better off when you come to rectify any mistakes and continually improve your ability.

In a recent interview with the world’s number one mental game coach and keen poker player Jared Tendler, you’ll find some great advice that readily translates to the concept of eSports training. His experience with pressure is particularly relevant, especially the idea that pressure can break even the most skilful of players down in a competitive environment. Top eSports players learn to keep pressure positive, which is why they are able to thrive in those key moments when they need to.

Look into Joining a Team

We’ve already mentioned the need to commit to a strict practice schedule, but it may also pay off to seek out fellow players that you can meet up with, or play online, in order to have fun whilst still maintaining that competitive feeling.

Joining a team (or clan, as they’re commonly known) is also a great way to pick up tricks and tips from other players that you may never have thought of otherwise. Often, the very best players cherry-pick from a wide range of influences to form an in-game skillset that is as diverse as possible.

You never know, if you play your cards right you may even end up getting signed by one of the big boys...


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Last Updated: Feb 23, 2017

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