How to pursue a career in esports: A beginner's guide

If you're passionate about video games, pursuing a career in esports could be a perfect fit for you!

Esports has grown quickly in the last ten years. It has changed from a hobby into a global trend. Now, there are professional teams, large-scale competitions and many career opportunities ranging from playing to management.

If you’re not sure where to start or how to turn your passion for gaming into a career, this guide is for you! We’ll cover the different paths you can take, how to get started and even how college and scholarships can help you along the way.

Understanding Esports

First, let’s break down what esports is all about. Esports, short for electronic sports, involves competitive video gaming where players (or teams of players) compete against each other in organized tournaments. These events can range from small, local competitions to large international tournaments with millions of viewers and prize pools in the millions of dollars.

Popular games in the esports scene include titles like League of Legends, Fortnite, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Rocket League and Overwatch. If you have a favorite game that’s already popular in the esports community, that’s a great place to start. However, there are career opportunities outside playing, too!

Different career paths in esports

The gaming industry is a diverse field that offers numerous job opportunities. Here are some of the key areas where you can build a career:

1. Professional player

The most obvious path is becoming a professional gamer. Pro players compete in tournaments, stream gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube and often sign sponsorship deals. Becoming a pro requires exceptional skill in your game of choice, and it’s highly competitive. You will need to practice a lot. Join smaller competitions and slowly move up from there.

2. Content creator/Streamer

If you enjoy entertaining an audience, creating gaming content on YouTube or streaming on Twitch can be a rewarding career. Content creators often earn income through ads, donations, subscriptions and sponsorships. It’s a less direct way to participate in esports but still allows you to engage with the gaming community while building a personal brand.

3. Coach/Analyst

Just like traditional sports, esports teams need coaches and analysts to help players improve and strategize. If you have a deep understanding of the game mechanics and a knack for breaking down strategies, this could be a perfect fit. Analysts study gameplay footage to identify strengths and weaknesses, while coaches work directly with players to enhance their performance.

4. Caster/Host

Casters, also known as commentators, provide play-by-play analysis and color commentary during live esports broadcasts. If you have strong public speaking skills, a passion for gaming, and a talent for making the game exciting to viewers, casting might be for you. Hosts often work alongside casters to introduce the matches, interview players and keep the audience engaged.

5. Event organizer

Organizing esports tournaments involves planning, logistics and managing relationships with sponsors, teams, and venues. If you’re interested in event management and love gaming, this is a great way to combine both passions. Whether it's local LAN parties or large-scale online competitions, event organizers play a crucial role in the esports ecosystem.

6. Team management

Esports teams need managers to handle business operations, scheduling, sponsorships and player well-being. A manager's job is to ensure everything runs smoothly so players can focus on performing their best. This role suits those who are organized, communicative, and passionate about supporting players.

7. Game developer/Designer

If you’re interested in the creative side of video games, working as a game developer or designer might be appealing. These roles involve creating the games that players compete in, so you can directly influence the future of esports. It requires a combination of programming skills and artistic vision.

Getting started in esports

Now that you know some of the different career paths, let’s talk about how you can get started. Here are some practical steps to begin your journey:

1. Identify your interest

Figure out what excites you most about esports. Do you want to be in the spotlight as a pro player or content creator, or do you prefer working behind the scenes as a coach, analyst or manager? Pinpointing your interests will help you narrow down your career path and allow you to focus your efforts more effectively.

2. Build your skills

Whatever path you choose, developing the right skills is crucial. For players, this means practicing your game and climbing the competitive ladder. For casters, work on public speaking and learn how to analyze gameplay. Content creators should hone their video editing, streaming and audience engagement skills. Seek out online courses, tutorials and communities that can help you improve.

3. Join online communities and teams

The esports scene thrives online, so join communities related to your favorite games. Platforms like Discord, Reddit and game-specific forums are great places to start. Many amateur teams are constantly looking for new players, so don’t be afraid to join one. It’s a fantastic way to gain experience, make connections and grow as a player.

4. Participate in tournaments

Competing in online tournaments is a great way to get your feet wet and gain recognition. Look for local competitions or smaller online leagues where you can test your skills. Even if you don’t win, you’ll gain valuable experience and learn more about the competitive scene.

How college and scholarships can help

Many universities, like Central Michigan University, now have esports programs where students can compete for their college team. They can also learn about the gaming industry and earn scholarships. College esports programs are a fantastic way to balance education with your passion for gaming.

Scholarships for esports players are becoming more common, much like traditional sports scholarships. Schools look for students who demonstrate strong skills in a specific game, as well as good academic standing. If you are a high school student interested in gaming, contact colleges with esports programs to learn more about their scholarship opportunities.

These programs not only let you compete, but they also offer resources. You can get coaching, networking opportunities and access to good equipment. It’s a great way to get a leg up in the industry and explore different career paths while earning a degree.

The future of esports

With a global audience that surpassed 540 million in 2023, and a global market size expected to be worth around $16.7 billion by 2033 (Market.us, September 2024), the esports industry shows no signs of slowing down.

With more games entering the competitive scene, new roles are continually emerging. Companies are investing a lot in gaming, creating many opportunities for people who want to make esports their career. As the industry grows, so too do the number of jobs available. These jobs range from creative roles in content production to analytical positions in game development.

Wrapping up

Pursuing a career in esports is an exciting journey that can take you in many directions. Whether you want to compete at high levels, be a popular content creator or support the industry, there is a path for you. This path can become clearer with hands-on gaming experience at Central Michigan University.

Remember to stay committed, keep learning, and always look for ways to improve. Esports isn’t just about gaming; it’s about passion, hard work and chasing your dreams.

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to act. Find your passion, start honing your skills, and dive into the world of esports. The future of gaming is bright—why not make it your career?

To learn how your love for gaming can lead to a career, listen to “Game On: How esports can shape your future” from CMU’s official podcast, The Search Bar.