Esports professionals compete in organised video game competitions at a professional level. They train extensively, participate in tournaments, and often represent teams or organisations in various gaming leagues. While gaming for a living might sound like a dream, it requires incredible dedication, skill, and business knowledge to succeed.
If you have exceptional gaming abilities, thrive under pressure, and are willing to put in the countless hours required to compete at the highest level, a career as an esports professional could be worth exploring.
What skills do I need as an esports professional?
- Exceptional skills in your chosen game/s
- Quick reflexes and decision-making abilities
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Mental resilience and emotional control
- Time management and self-discipline
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Great teamwork skills
- Personal branding knowledge
What does the job involve?
- Training extensively in your chosen game/s
- Competing in tournaments and leagues
- Analysing gameplay footage and strategies
- Participating in team practice sessions
- Maintaining physical and mental fitness
- Engaging with fans through social media and streams
- Attending gaming events and conventions
- Working with coaches and team managers
- Meeting sponsor obligations and creating content
What industries do esports professionals typically work in?
- Arts & Recreation Services
- Education & Training
- Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
What Career Cluster do esports professionals belong to?
Esports professionals work with technology and need strong problem-solving skills, so they are usually Innovators. It’s also an attractive career for Makers, who enjoy using specialised equipment and love hands-on work.
What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
The lifestyle of an esports professional can be demanding and intense. Training schedules are rigorous, often requiring 8-12 hours of practice daily, including on weekends and holidays. Travel is common for tournaments and events.
Income can vary significantly – while top players can earn substantial amounts through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and streaming, many players earn modest incomes, especially when starting out.
The pressure to perform consistently can be intense, and work-life balance can be challenging during competitive seasons. However, many professionals find the opportunity to compete at the highest level extremely rewarding.
How to become an esports professional
Breaking into professional esports requires a combination of skill, dedication, and strategic career building. Here are some of the things you can do to get there:
- Master your chosen game and achieve high rankings in competitive play
- Build a following through streaming or content creation
- Join amateur teams and participate in local tournaments
- Network within the gaming community
- Consider joining university or collegiate esports programs
- Gain experience in smaller competitions before moving to larger tournaments
- Develop a personal brand and social media presence
- Consider having a backup career plan or education
Many successful esports professionals also maintain robust physical and mental health routines to sustain peak performance.
What can I do right now to work towards this career?
If you’re in high school and interested in pursuing esports professionally, here are some steps you can take:
- Focus on excelling in one specific game or genre rather than playing many casually
- Balance gaming with study – most university esports programs have minimum academic requirements
- Join your school’s esports club or start one with the help of friends and teachers
- Enter amateur or local esports competitions to start building a name for yourself
- Study professional players’ strategies and techniques and learn about the business side of esports
Where can I find more information?
You can learn more about professional esports through these organisations:
- Esports Integrity Commission
- Global Esports Federation
- Australian Esports League
- New Zealand Esports Federation
- British Esports Association
- National Association of Collegiate Esports (US)
- Esport Canada
Similar careers to esports professional
- Content Creator
- Esports Coach
- Game Tester
- Event Planner
- Sports Commentator
- Community Manager
- Game Developer
- Influencer
Find out more about alternative careers on our Job Spotlights page.