When you think of eSports gaming, you probably imagine simple, sometimes even unconventional games that take away your children’s time.
But what if I told you your child could earn millions by playing games? There are many successful gaming stories, but most professional gamers haven’t had support from their parents.
So, in this article, we’ll discuss whether professional eSports gaming is a suitable career for your children.
The Evolution of eSports
Believe it or not, eSports gaming has been around since 1972, organized by Stanford University (I bet you didn’t expect that).
But the popularity of eSports gaming has risen through the years. Nowadays, there are world cups for specific games.
And the prize pools include thousands and millions of dollars! So, it’s evident that the eSports gaming industry has grown into one of the biggest tech industries at the moment.
The Professional eSports Landscape
Many competitive eSports leagues and tournaments organize huge events that host thousands of people. Today’s most popular eSports gaming leagues are the Electronic Sports League, Major League Gaming Pro Circuit, ELeague, and others.
The participants in these leagues can compete in different genres of games. For example, there are tournaments for multiplayer strategy games (League of Legends, DOTA, and others), shooting and action games (Valorant, Fortnite, PUBG, Overwatch, and others, and even virtual sports games (FIFA, NBA 2K, Madden NFL, and others).
Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Career in Professional eSports
Every industry has its positive and negative sides. The eSports gaming industry also has pros and cons, which we’ll discuss in the following paragraphs.
Pros of Professional eSports Gaming
The biggest pro of professional eSports gaming is the opportunity the gain a large and steady income. Participating in tournaments and leagues and winning top prizes can also bring fame and popularity.
Many gamers are considered celebrities and have a huge fanbase. Moreover, professional gamers can gain sponsorship deals which increase popularity and income.
And lastly, you may think the gaming industry isn’t a serious business. Well, that’s not quite true.
Professional gamers create networks with other professionals, such as analysts, coaches, mathematicians, and computer scientists.
Cons of Professional eSports Gaming
Even though eSports gamers don’t have the athleticism of real athletes, they still receive the same amount of pressure when competing for prizes. Many gamers have trouble battling mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, etc.
Moreover, the constant sedentary position and exposure to screens may cause physical problems in gamers.
Furthermore, the chances of your child creating a successful gaming career are getting smaller as the years go by because the industry is getting more and more competitive.
And lastly, eSports gaming isn’t a lifelong career. Just like other athletes, gamers have to retire earlier.
Can Anyone Become a Professional Gamer?
For someone to become a professional gamer, they need to have a love for gaming. But the passion for gaming still isn’t enough.
Many attributes, such as quick thinking, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and tech skills, are essential for becoming a professional gamer.
These skills can be gained and polished with the help of professional gaming coaches and tutors. Furthermore, your children shouldn’t quit school to become professional gamers.
Balancing education with gaming allows your children to build a strong foundation of knowledge they can use if their gaming career isn’t successful.
And lastly, children need emotional (and material) support from parents. Having parents that back children up and encourage them to follow their dreams is what every child wishes for.
How Much Money Can Professional Gamers Earn
Professional gamers get paid between $1000 and $5000 monthly. They can earn this money through tournament participation, sponsorship deals, and professional contracts.
Professional gamers like Johan Sundstein, Jesse Vainikka, Anthan Pham, and others have earned over 5 million dollars in their gaming career.
Average Career Length in eSports
An average professional gaming career can last up to 10 years. Studies have shown that professional gamers develop lower cognitive flexibility as time goes by, which affects their gaming skills.
Also, a gamer can’t be popular forever. That’s why gamers must have suitable education that they can use to land jobs after retirement.
Another option after retirement is branding, coaching, or gaming analytics, but that’s a long shot for most gamers.
The Future of Professional eSports Gaming as a Career
The gaming industry is set to grow with the incorporation of virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
That means that as the years pass by, more and more opportunities in the eSports gaming industry will emerge. Statistics have shown a positive trend for this industry and that the eSports market size will grow over the years.
Moreover, as the marketing and branding industries grow, more gamers will be included in brand deals and endorsements, making eSports gaming a sustainable career.
How to Become a Professional eSports Player At a Young Age
In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over the steps to becoming a professional eSports player at a young age.
Early Preparation
Your children better start young if they want to build a successful eSports career. But tell them not to forget school and gaming as a hobby (better yet, a side hustle).
Your children can join local or online tournaments and start their journey as professional eSports players.
Establishing a Reputation
A great way to establish a reputation is by streaming or creating gaming content online. If your children manage to create an interesting Internet persona and communicate with other professional gamers, they will gain their own online reputation.
Entering the Professional Scene
After gaining some fame, your children can start seeking professional or amateur teams and sign sponsorship deals.
That will set a solid foundation, and your children can start competing in high-level tournaments with big prize pools.
Challenges and Obstacles in Professional eSports Gaming
Firstly, we’ll discuss financial challenges. Gaming equipment and trips to tournaments can be expensive and unaffordable for some gamers.
Moreover, professional gaming can take a toll on gamers’ physical and mental health. A sedentary lifestyle and constant pressure can make for unhealthy people. That’s why gamers must develop a healthy work-life balance and look out for themselves.
Conclusion
The eSports industry might just become the industry of the future. So, if your children have the skills and love for gaming, support them to become professional gamers.
But weigh the pros and cons and set realistic expectations. Nonetheless, be your children’s biggest support in following their dreams.
FAQs
Can anyone become a professional eSports gamer?
With love and training, anyone can become a professional eSports gamer. You’ll just need to work hard enough to sharpen your skills.
What are the age restrictions for professional eSports gaming?
It depends on the league, but most leagues don’t have age restrictions.
Is education important for a career in professional eSports gaming?
Yes, it is. Education makes it easier for gamers to land jobs even after retirement.
What are some alternative career paths within the eSports industry?
Some alternative career paths are analysts, coaches, strategists, and such.
How can professional eSports gamers maintain their mental and physical health?
Outdoor activities, daily activities, and bonding with family and friends help gamers maintain their mental and physical health.
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