3 answers
Side
Student
India, LP
5
Questions
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"What are the key steps to becoming a professional gamer" ?
I love gaming and I want to improve my gaming skills. How cna I do it.
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3 answers
Michael Howard
Creative Director
16
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
The Path to Becoming a Pro Gamer: Lessons from Experience
For over 15 years, I worked in the video game industry and had the opportunity to interact with many professional gamers. I was present during the early stages of the NBA 2K League, the NBA’s official pro gaming circuit, and I even spent a year competing in the professional Street Fighter circuit. Throughout this journey, I learned invaluable lessons about what it takes to go pro. While many offer generic advice, I want to share insights from real experience that can help you navigate this competitive world.
1. Choose a Supported Genre with a Clear Pathway
Not every game has a structured professional circuit. While many games host tournaments, only a select few offer a true pro pathway where players can earn salaries, sponsorships, and compete in recognized leagues. Typically, the most viable esports genres include:
- Fighting Games (Street Fighter, Tekken, Super Smash Bros.)
- First-Person Shooters (FPS) (Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, Valorant)
- Real-Time Strategy (RTS) & MOBAs (StarCraft, League of Legends, Dota 2)
- Sports Simulations (NBA 2K League, FIFA, Madden)
When I decided to enter competitive gaming, I chose Street Fighter because I grew up playing it, had connections in the fighting game community, and saw that Capcom had a structured pro circuit (Capcom Cup) that offered real financial incentives. If you’re serious about going pro, research which games have established leagues and a strong competitive foundation.
2. Develop Mental Toughness
One of my first lessons in pro gaming came at my local arcade, where I practiced with seasoned players. To put it bluntly—they didn’t respect me. I was the new guy, and they made sure I felt it. I’d lose without even landing a hit, and they wouldn’t offer a word of advice. It was humiliating, and quitting seemed like an easy option.
But instead of walking away, I doubled down. I realized that if I wanted to compete, I had to build mental resilience. Esports is cutthroat—if you can’t handle defeat, criticism, or long hours of practice, you won’t last. You need to embrace losing as part of the learning process and push through the tough moments.
3. Learn the Right Skills
Practicing for hours doesn’t automatically make you a better player. I once had a pro tell me: “You can spend 8 hours a day in practice mode learning every combo, but if you don’t know when and how to use them, it’s all useless.”
That stuck with me. So instead of just grinding execution, I studied the meta-game—the deeper strategies beyond the mechanics. In fighting games, this meant:
- Understanding frame data (how long moves take to execute and recover)
- Studying player tendencies (how real opponents react versus CPUs)
- Learning match-up strategies (which characters counter others and why)
No matter the genre, every top player knows the game inside and out—beyond just reflexes and mechanics. Study how the best players think and make decisions under pressure.
4. Surround Yourself with Other Competitive Players
Your growth depends heavily on your competition. In fighting games, playing against AI or casual players won’t prepare you for tournament-level play. You need to find a training environment that pushes your limits.
For me, this meant:
- Training at arcades and tournaments where top players gathered
- Attending conventions and gaming events to network
- Even practicing at a donut shop owned by a pro player (yes, that happened—and yes, I ate way too many donuts)
For FPS or team-based games, this might mean joining an esports organization, finding a dedicated squad, or participating in online ranked matches with other high-level players.
5. Study the Best Players
YouTube and Twitch are your best friends. Watch pro matches, analyze gameplay, and break down strategies. But don’t just watch passively—ask yourself:
- Why did they make that decision?
- How do they control the tempo of the match?
- What adaptations do they make against different play styles?
In my case, I studied pro Street Fighter players who used the same character as me. I took the strategies I liked, adapted them to my own style, and discarded what didn’t fit.
Also, review your own gameplay. I used to struggle against aggressive jump-in attacks, but watching my own matches helped me recognize patterns and improve my anti-air responses.
6. Explore Collegiate Esports Opportunities
When I competed, collegiate esports wasn’t a major pathway—but today, many universities offer scholarships for esports. If you’re a student, research which colleges support your game. This can provide a structured environment for improvement, access to coaching, and a potential stepping stone to the pro scene.
7. Compete in Tournaments (Online & Offline)
Online play is a great way to gain experience, but nothing compares to live tournaments. The pressure of playing on a stage, in front of a crowd, with real stakes, is an entirely different experience. If you want to be a pro, you have to get comfortable performing under these conditions.
Offline events also offer networking opportunities—top players, sponsors, and esports organizations scout talent at live competitions. Plus, you’ll receive in-person feedback that can accelerate your growth.
The Reality Check: Passion & Dedication Are Non-Negotiable
Going pro isn’t just about being good at a game—it’s about resilience, investment, and an obsession with improvement.
You have to:
- Accept losing a lot and learn from it
- Handle trash talk and criticism without losing focus
- Spend money on peripherals, DLC, travel, and entry fees
- Sacrifice time for training and tournaments
One of my most memorable moments was finally defeating a Zangief player who used to terrify me. My hands were sweaty, my heart was pounding, and the crowd behind me was reacting to every move. But in that moment, everything clicked—I recognized his patterns, adapted, and won. That victory wasn’t just about the match; it was proof of how far I had come.
Another time at E3, I played against a top-five player from France using the same character as me. After our match, he complimented my decision-making—one of the best feelings in my esports journey.
These moments make the grind worth it. If you’re serious about becoming a pro, embrace the challenges, put in the work, and enjoy the ride. See you in the arena!
For over 15 years, I worked in the video game industry and had the opportunity to interact with many professional gamers. I was present during the early stages of the NBA 2K League, the NBA’s official pro gaming circuit, and I even spent a year competing in the professional Street Fighter circuit. Throughout this journey, I learned invaluable lessons about what it takes to go pro. While many offer generic advice, I want to share insights from real experience that can help you navigate this competitive world.
1. Choose a Supported Genre with a Clear Pathway
Not every game has a structured professional circuit. While many games host tournaments, only a select few offer a true pro pathway where players can earn salaries, sponsorships, and compete in recognized leagues. Typically, the most viable esports genres include:
- Fighting Games (Street Fighter, Tekken, Super Smash Bros.)
- First-Person Shooters (FPS) (Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, Valorant)
- Real-Time Strategy (RTS) & MOBAs (StarCraft, League of Legends, Dota 2)
- Sports Simulations (NBA 2K League, FIFA, Madden)
When I decided to enter competitive gaming, I chose Street Fighter because I grew up playing it, had connections in the fighting game community, and saw that Capcom had a structured pro circuit (Capcom Cup) that offered real financial incentives. If you’re serious about going pro, research which games have established leagues and a strong competitive foundation.
2. Develop Mental Toughness
One of my first lessons in pro gaming came at my local arcade, where I practiced with seasoned players. To put it bluntly—they didn’t respect me. I was the new guy, and they made sure I felt it. I’d lose without even landing a hit, and they wouldn’t offer a word of advice. It was humiliating, and quitting seemed like an easy option.
But instead of walking away, I doubled down. I realized that if I wanted to compete, I had to build mental resilience. Esports is cutthroat—if you can’t handle defeat, criticism, or long hours of practice, you won’t last. You need to embrace losing as part of the learning process and push through the tough moments.
3. Learn the Right Skills
Practicing for hours doesn’t automatically make you a better player. I once had a pro tell me: “You can spend 8 hours a day in practice mode learning every combo, but if you don’t know when and how to use them, it’s all useless.”
That stuck with me. So instead of just grinding execution, I studied the meta-game—the deeper strategies beyond the mechanics. In fighting games, this meant:
- Understanding frame data (how long moves take to execute and recover)
- Studying player tendencies (how real opponents react versus CPUs)
- Learning match-up strategies (which characters counter others and why)
No matter the genre, every top player knows the game inside and out—beyond just reflexes and mechanics. Study how the best players think and make decisions under pressure.
4. Surround Yourself with Other Competitive Players
Your growth depends heavily on your competition. In fighting games, playing against AI or casual players won’t prepare you for tournament-level play. You need to find a training environment that pushes your limits.
For me, this meant:
- Training at arcades and tournaments where top players gathered
- Attending conventions and gaming events to network
- Even practicing at a donut shop owned by a pro player (yes, that happened—and yes, I ate way too many donuts)
For FPS or team-based games, this might mean joining an esports organization, finding a dedicated squad, or participating in online ranked matches with other high-level players.
5. Study the Best Players
YouTube and Twitch are your best friends. Watch pro matches, analyze gameplay, and break down strategies. But don’t just watch passively—ask yourself:
- Why did they make that decision?
- How do they control the tempo of the match?
- What adaptations do they make against different play styles?
In my case, I studied pro Street Fighter players who used the same character as me. I took the strategies I liked, adapted them to my own style, and discarded what didn’t fit.
Also, review your own gameplay. I used to struggle against aggressive jump-in attacks, but watching my own matches helped me recognize patterns and improve my anti-air responses.
6. Explore Collegiate Esports Opportunities
When I competed, collegiate esports wasn’t a major pathway—but today, many universities offer scholarships for esports. If you’re a student, research which colleges support your game. This can provide a structured environment for improvement, access to coaching, and a potential stepping stone to the pro scene.
7. Compete in Tournaments (Online & Offline)
Online play is a great way to gain experience, but nothing compares to live tournaments. The pressure of playing on a stage, in front of a crowd, with real stakes, is an entirely different experience. If you want to be a pro, you have to get comfortable performing under these conditions.
Offline events also offer networking opportunities—top players, sponsors, and esports organizations scout talent at live competitions. Plus, you’ll receive in-person feedback that can accelerate your growth.
The Reality Check: Passion & Dedication Are Non-Negotiable
Going pro isn’t just about being good at a game—it’s about resilience, investment, and an obsession with improvement.
You have to:
- Accept losing a lot and learn from it
- Handle trash talk and criticism without losing focus
- Spend money on peripherals, DLC, travel, and entry fees
- Sacrifice time for training and tournaments
One of my most memorable moments was finally defeating a Zangief player who used to terrify me. My hands were sweaty, my heart was pounding, and the crowd behind me was reacting to every move. But in that moment, everything clicked—I recognized his patterns, adapted, and won. That victory wasn’t just about the match; it was proof of how far I had come.
Another time at E3, I played against a top-five player from France using the same character as me. After our match, he complimented my decision-making—one of the best feelings in my esports journey.
These moments make the grind worth it. If you’re serious about becoming a pro, embrace the challenges, put in the work, and enjoy the ride. See you in the arena!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Side! So, here is a little something to help you out, if i miss anything do let me know and looking forward to your great gamer name!
1. Pick Your Game: Choose a game you love (and one that's got a solid competitive scene). Whether it’s Fortnite, League of Legends, or something else, focus on mastering it!
2. Practice Like a Pro: No one becomes a pro without putting in the hours. Practice regularly, but also be smart about it—quality over quantity. Focus on improving specific skills, like strategy, timing, or reflexes.
3. Join the Community: Get involved in gaming forums, social media groups, or even local tournaments. Networking with other gamers can give you insights and motivation.
4. Watch and Learn: Watch streams from professional gamers to pick up advanced tips and tricks. You’ll learn how the pros think and play.
5. Stay Fit: Gamers need good reflexes, so don’t forget to take care of your health! Stay active and eat well to keep your mind sharp.
6. Compete: Enter tournaments, both local and online. The more you compete, the more you’ll learn about your strengths and weaknesses.
7. Keep Evolving: Gaming is always changing, so stay up to date with updates, patches, and trends in your game.
Remember, becoming a pro gamer isn’t just about being great at the game, it’s about mindset, discipline, and persistence. Keep your energy high, your focus sharper than a sniper, and keep having fun with it because playing actually frustrates you pretty much a lot so take care of yourself too! 🎮💥
1. Pick Your Game: Choose a game you love (and one that's got a solid competitive scene). Whether it’s Fortnite, League of Legends, or something else, focus on mastering it!
2. Practice Like a Pro: No one becomes a pro without putting in the hours. Practice regularly, but also be smart about it—quality over quantity. Focus on improving specific skills, like strategy, timing, or reflexes.
3. Join the Community: Get involved in gaming forums, social media groups, or even local tournaments. Networking with other gamers can give you insights and motivation.
4. Watch and Learn: Watch streams from professional gamers to pick up advanced tips and tricks. You’ll learn how the pros think and play.
5. Stay Fit: Gamers need good reflexes, so don’t forget to take care of your health! Stay active and eat well to keep your mind sharp.
6. Compete: Enter tournaments, both local and online. The more you compete, the more you’ll learn about your strengths and weaknesses.
7. Keep Evolving: Gaming is always changing, so stay up to date with updates, patches, and trends in your game.
Remember, becoming a pro gamer isn’t just about being great at the game, it’s about mindset, discipline, and persistence. Keep your energy high, your focus sharper than a sniper, and keep having fun with it because playing actually frustrates you pretty much a lot so take care of yourself too! 🎮💥
Stephen Keltos
Video Editor and Full Time Student
1
Answer
United States
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
I agree with many of Dr H's suggestions and I must add one that is super important.
The ability to review your own gameplay will accelerate your skills rapidly. Having worked with pro gamers before, we encourage them all to record their own gameplay so as a team we can all go back into the recordings and review the positive and the negatives.
With this if you find peers with the same passion as yourself it helps to review gameplay with other people so you can bounce ideas back and forth with one another.
Good luck!
The ability to review your own gameplay will accelerate your skills rapidly. Having worked with pro gamers before, we encourage them all to record their own gameplay so as a team we can all go back into the recordings and review the positive and the negatives.
With this if you find peers with the same passion as yourself it helps to review gameplay with other people so you can bounce ideas back and forth with one another.
Good luck!