Today, there are only about 500 highly paid pro gamers in the world. And out of that, just 5 of those positions are available in the US.
As you can see, becoming a professional gamer who is handsomely paid is a tough thing to do. After all, who doesn’t want to earn some big bucks while playing their favorite video games?
We want you to be realistic about being a pro gamer. If you do decide to go for it, it’ll be a tough journey. With that said, it’s not impossible to become one, especially with some hard work, dedication, and smart decisions.
Are you wondering how to become a pro gamer? Then keep reading. In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to do so you can earn some good money off of something you love!
How to Become a Pro Gamer
Consider this: at the end of 2020, there were 2.69 billion gamers in the world. Not only that, but this number has been growing by about 5.6% each year. So not only do you have a ton of competition, but it’ll only grow as time goes on.
Needless to say, you’ll have your work cut out for you when it comes to standing out above the crowd. Here are some ways you can increase your chances!
Get the Best Computer or Laptop Possible
If you’re playing on an old computer with terrible specs, we’re sorry to say, but you’re probably not going to become a pro gamer that way.
While you won’t necessarily need the latest and greatest computer, you will need something that will run your games smoothly. The good news is, whether you buy it premade or build your own PC, there are many affordable options out there. Just do your research!
If you’re short on money, then generally speaking, you’ll want to stay away from laptops. Not only are they more expensive, but you’ll also have to replace them much sooner than you’d have to with a computer. However, it does offer much more convenience, so if that’s important to you, then maybe consider a laptop.
Don’t Be Afraid to Invest in Peripherals Either
Ok, so you have a good gaming laptop or PC. But you’re not done just yet.
In addition to having a decent device, you’ll also want high-quality peripherals. So forget about using that stock keyboard and mouse that came with your computer, because they’re trash.
Instead, take a look at peripherals that are made specifically for gaming. If you have no idea where to start, then check out some pro gamer streams. See what the experts are using; for instance, if the majority of pro gamers are using a certain mouse, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Some key things to have in your arsenal include:
- Monitor (even if you have a laptop)
- Mechanical keyboard
- Gaming mouse
- Gaming mousepad or mouse mat
- Headset with microphone
- Speakers
If you’re looking for review sites on peripherals, then Lenovo has a great page on the items you should consider.
Choose One Game and Stick With It
You only have so many hours in one day, so you don’t want to stretch yourself across multiple games. Even focusing on 2 games is too much!
So start off by testing out a few video games and then choosing the one you want to put all your time and effort into. Going pro will be extremely difficult, so you want to make sure you’re 100% dedicated to just one game so you have the best chances of coming out on top.
No Such Thing as Too Much Practice
When you want to become a pro gamer, there’s no such thing as too much practice. Of course, the exception is if you start neglecting responsibilities and/or you get injured. But otherwise, you’ll want to pour as much time possible into practicing your game of choice.
It can be helpful to set up a timetable of when you’re practicing every day. This can help you manage your responsibilities and also motivate you to actually log on.
If you have other friends who are aiming to become pros too, help each other out. Schedule practice sessions together to hone your skills. Hold each other accountable.
The best thing to do is to be consistent, which means playing every day if possible. This might mean making some sacrifices, such as less time watching TV.
Watch Professional Streamers
These people have already made it big, so it certainly wouldn’t hurt to take a page from them. Find out what strategies and shortcuts they use that you can try out.
What you should realize is that it doesn’t just take skill to make it as a professional gamer. This is especially true if you want to be a streamer and not just play for tournament prizes. Take note of how pro streamers reel people in and keep their interest.
Not only do you need to be good at the game, but you also need to have a charismatic and magnetic personality. If you aren’t able to keep people interested in your stream, then that option may not be viable.
How to Earn Money as a Pro Gamer
Once you’ve become a skilled gamer that’s considered a pro, that’s only part of the journey. If you really want to make something of it, then you’ll probably want to earn some money off of this career!
Here are some insider tips on how to make a decent wage off of gaming.
Market Yourself
You might be the best player in the whole world, but no one’s going to know about it unless you have a good online presence. Yes, winning tournaments can get your name out there, but it won’t do much without some online marketing.
Just like with any other type of marketing, you’ll have to do some branding so you become recognizable in the gaming world. As a result, that can open up some doors of opportunity.
Stream
Not just anyone can make money off of streaming, but if you’re smart about it, you can.
Marketing will be key here, as the more you can spread the word about your stream, the bigger and quicker you can grow your following. And once you get enough people watching your stream, you can monetize it by allowing ads on your streams.
The 2 main platforms you can stream on include YouTube and Twitch. You can technically stream on Facebook as well, but the audience and reach will be a lot smaller.
Sponsorships
With sponsorships, you won’t get cash in hand. However, you’ll get to wear and show off lots of items from top brands. It’s definitely a nice perk, and you won’t have to spend money to get some pretty cool (and sometimes exclusive) swag.
These sponsors will also often pay for your tourney fees, operation costs, and travel to and from competitions. They’ll also sell you tech (like mice and keyboards) with hefty discounts or even give them to you for free.
While sponsorships won’t get you a pro gamer salary, they can definitely help offset a lot of major costs so you have more money in your pocket.
Get Recruited for a Pro Team
Ultimately, the best outcome from your above efforts is to be noticed and recruited by a pro team. This secures you a spot on an elite team, which not only means larger prize money from competitions, but also actual pro gamer salaries!
But before you get too hyped for this, keep in mind the stats we gave you at the beginning of this article. The chances of ending up on a pro team are very low, so you’re probably better off sticking with ad revenue from streaming and sponsorships.
Get a Better Chance at Becoming a Pro Gamer With Our Tips
Being a pro gamer isn’t all fun and games. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears will almost certainly go into your journey to becoming one. And even if you invest a lot of time and money into it, there’s no guarantee you’ll come out of it successfully.
However, with the tips we’ve given you here, you’ll have a much better chance. So remember to have fun, explore your creativity, and enjoy the company of your friends and fans! Those are some of the most important things to keep in mind as a gamer, whether you’re a full-blown pro or not. Did you enjoy this article on becoming a pro gamer? Then find more helpful tips by checking out our blog page now!
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