Starting a Career in Esports
Esports is a term used to describe the competitive aspect of playing video games. It has grown into a successful industry, featuring professional gamers, teams, and leagues competing in organized tournaments and events for cash prizes and other rewards.
These competitions can take place on various platforms, such as computers, consoles, and mobile devices. Some popular esports games include Overwatch, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
Esports has a dedicated following of fans who watch live streams and matches online, and it has also gained mainstream recognition, with some events being televised and attracting large crowds. Some of the biggest esports tournaments have prizes worth millions of dollars, and professional players can earn a significant income from sponsorships, merchandise sales, and tournament winnings.
With the rise of Esports in the global Game Space, Africa isn’t left behind and we have seen a rise in the gaming industry. There have been lots of amazing tournaments, communities, and events that have boosted the Esport sector in Africa.
How much can I earn as a professional gamer?
There is no set amount that an esports player can earn, as it can vary based on their skill level, the game they play, and their performance in tournaments. While some professional esports players can make a good living from their competitions, others may only make a moderate amount of money or none at all.
According to a report by SuperData Research, the average esports player earns an annual salary of $60,000, with the top 10% earning more than $2 million per year. However, these figures can vary widely depending on the game and the player’s success. For example, a top player in a popular game like League of Legends or Overwatch could potentially earn much more than the average.
Some might say this amount doesn’t apply in Africa and to Africans. however, several Africans are doing so well and have had success in the esports industry, such as:
Karl “Dentist” Krantz, is a South African player who has competed in Overwatch tournaments and has won prize money totaling more than $50,000.
Mark “Snipe2DieTV” Price, is a South African player who has competed in Call of Duty tournaments and has won prize money totaling more than $40,000.
Nhlanhla “Lanza Bhembe, is a South African player who has competed in Dota 2 tournaments and has won prize money totaling more than $20,000.
Female gamers are not left beyond as we have seen amazing female gamers like Slvia Gathoni of Kenya, also called Queen Arrow.
How do I Start a career in Esport:
Starting a career in esports can be a rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and practice to be successful. Here are a few steps you can follow to begin a career in esports:
Choose a game to specialize in: There are many different games in the esports world, so you’ll need to decide which one you want to focus on. Consider your interests, skills, and the time you’re willing to invest in practicing and competing.
Join Communities:
I can’t overemphasize the importance of communities in gaming, esports, tech, etc.
Communities are the foundations of building a successful sports career. In communities, you get to learn, share ideas, play together, grow together, compete together and have a series network.
So make sure you join a community.
Practice and improve your skills: Just like in any other sport, you’ll need to put in the time and effort to improve your skills and become a top competitor. This may involve practicing alone, joining a team, or finding a coach to help guide you.
Participate in online tournaments: There are many online tournaments and leagues where you can compete against other players. This is a good way to gain experience and exposure, as well as to test your skills against top competition.
Build your online presence: In the esports world, it’s important to have an online presence. This could include social media accounts, a personal website, or a YouTube channel where you can share your gameplay and content.
Look for opportunities to join a professional team: Once you’ve gained some experience and improved your skills, you can start looking for opportunities to join a professional esports team. This may involve trying out for a team or being scouted by a team that is looking for new players.
Starting a career in most industries takes time, some might take a short while, others longer. How sweet it is to have fun while making money several amazing competitions and events are coming up this year.
Stay tuned, grow and become a world-class player.
Louis Whyte Jonah
