The world of competitive gaming is perpetually growing and changing as technology progresses and new titles are released. Becoming a successful competitive gamer may be a lifelong dream for many gaming enthusiasts; however, moving from hobbyist to pro is not as straightforward as some may think. That said, with enough drive, perseverance and skill, you could be entering your first-ever competitive gaming tournament sooner than you may think. 

How To Become A Competitive Gamer

Becoming a competitive gamer involves several straightforward steps:

• Pick your game - While you may be a passionate gamer, keen to test out many different genres and gameplay styles, to become a pro, you will need to pick a game in which you excel and truly hone your skills. 
• Get the right gear - Every competitive gamer requires a high-quality system. Whether you are a console or PC gamer, top-of-the-range components and peripherals are crucial for excellent gaming performance. 
• Put in the time - It may seem obvious, but practice and consistency are critical components of becoming a professional gamer. Nobody becomes a renowned esports competitor overnight, so put in the time and effort to reap the rewards. 
• Network - As much as you may have already steeped yourself in gaming culture, you may find it helpful to network with other gaming professionals and tournament participants to gain vital information and insider knowledge.
• Join a team - Once you feel as though you’re ready to compete, form a team with friends or request to join an existing team by searching on social media or specific esports forums. 
• Play entry-level tournaments - Once you’re part of a team, you’re ready to sign up for your first tournament and begin your journey as an established pro gamer. 

Go For It

A valuable piece of advice for all aspiring gamers is to take the risk and commit to your dreams. Transforming a hobby into a career path or competitive endeavour is always a risky undertaking - but one that will pay off in the long run if you put in the work. It may take a while to climb the ladder of esport success, and of course, there are different trajectories for each circuit and league. Your first tournament will likely be a nerve-wracking experience but one you will never forget and certainly never regret. 

Make Sure Your System Is Up To Scratch

To ensure you’re ready to compete, you will need to practise on a system that is on par with in-house tournament rigs. All in all, building a powerful gaming PC can be pricey due to state-of-the-art components that produce superior in-game accuracy and high-fidelity graphics. That said, there are ways to cut costs by choosing your parts wisely. You can also negate the risk of incompatibility by purchasing your components together; for example, you may wish to buy a CPU and motherboard bundle. 

Practise, Practise, Practise

As mentioned previously, practising thoroughly and systematically is the only way to get your gaming skills up to tournament level. “Practice makes perfect” may be an age-old cliché, but natural talent will only get you so far. Once you have mastered your chosen game’s mechanics, it may be worth going up against top players as a true test of your prowess. You might also find it helpful to watch live streams and walkthroughs to identify tricks, tips and positive in-game habits. 

Don’t Overdo It

While practice is vital, it is equally essential to take regular breaks to prevent burnout and renew your focus, drastically improving your performance. Consider taking frequent 5-20 minute breaks during lengthy gaming sessions and keep a steady supply of nutritious snacks and fluids to aid motivation and productivity. Furthermore, a generally healthy, active lifestyle is crucial for both physical and mental well-being and maintaining a balance will only contribute towards your progression and success. 

Have Fun

Above all, don’t lose sight of the primary reason behind your competitive gaming journey - your passion for gaming. When a hobby becomes a professional endeavour, it can be easy to lose sight of why you initially started pursuing your aspirations. Nevertheless, entering the world of esports can provide competitors with unmissable opportunities, such as travelling the world and meeting new people, so sit back and enjoy the ride.