“What is a gamer?” you might ask. Almost everyone, at some point, has enjoyed playing games in one form or another. Humans have been immersed in various competitions for millennia. However, the notion that you can turn gaming into a money-making endeavor, mainly through computer games, is a relatively recent development.
Before the 1990s, the concept of a “gamer” was virtually unheard of. That all changed when Dennis “Thresh” Fong ascended to become the Michael Jordan of video games. We’ll delve deeper into Fong’s story and why he’s revered as the first professional gamer a bit later.
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Deciphering the Essence of Being a Gamer. What is a gamer?
What does it mean to be a gamer? Crafting a single definition of the term “gamer” can be challenging because there’s no official form to fill out to become a pro. However, there’s a consensus that professional gamer earns all or a significant portion of their income by playing games. Gaming is their profession.
In most cases, a gamer is someone who engages in competitive gaming, participating in tournaments such as The International, ESL competitions, or the League of Legends World Championship. They might compete individually or as part of a team, depending on the game’s nature. These participants often represent organizations or teams, like Evil Geniuses or NaVi.
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Nonetheless, it’s not mandatory to compete in tournaments and make a living from games to be recognized as a gamer. Back in the day, only players participating in high-level contests and winning substantial sums of money were deemed professional gamers. Nowadays, thanks to the internet’s ubiquity and the expansion of gaming, people can generate income in the industry without possessing world-class skills.
Consider the case of Henry and Ginny from the YouTube channel MxR Plays. They engage with computer games, but their fame stems from game reviews. These individuals understand how to monetize their gaming endeavors, and they don’t necessarily have to engage in competitions. They are considered professionals because they’ve established a reputation within the industry.
The Multifaceted Roles of a Gamer
The roles and responsibilities of professional gamers transcend merely playing games. They encompass a broad spectrum of activities, including:
- Participating in Esports Tournaments. Many professional gamers compete in high-stakes esports tournaments like The International, ESL tournaments, and the League of Legends World Championship. They may compete individually or as part of a team, depending on the game.
- Live Streaming on Platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Gamers have the option to live-stream their gameplay in real time, offering commentary and interacting with their audience. These streams can be monetized through ads, donations, and subscriptions from dedicated fans.
- Creating Game Reviews and Commentary. Some gamers share their insights and opinions on games through reviews and commentary, often on social media or streaming platforms.
- Promoting Gaming Products. Gamers frequently endorse gaming-related products, including software and hardware, often in collaboration with gaming companies.
- Sponsorship Deals. Professional gamers may enter sponsorship agreements with major brands, both within and outside the gaming industry, serving as brand ambassadors.
- Collaborating with Game Developers. Certain gamers collaborate with game developers, providing feedback, testing new features, or promoting their games to a broader audience.
Unearthing the Historical Roots of Professional Gaming
To appreciate the journey of becoming a professional gamer, we must embark on a historical expedition, unraveling the roots and evolution of esports.
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The Dawn of Gaming: 1970s-1990s
1972: The very first official esports tournament took place at Stanford University, featuring the game Spacewar!. The triumphant participant earned a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.
1980: Atari orchestrated a Space Invaders championship that witnessed a staggering 10,000 participants, ultimately crowning Rebecca Heineman as the first widely recognized esports champion.
1997: Dennis “Thresh” Fong, often celebrated as the world’s inaugural professional gamer, gained renown by consistently clinching victories in games like Quake.
The Emergence of Esports: Late 1990s-Present
1998: Competitive gaming continued its ascent, with tournaments like the StarCraft competition captivating enthusiasts.
2000: The World Cyber Games championship was established, further solidifying the realm of professional gaming.
2017: The esports industry experienced an explosive expansion, with total prize money exceeding a staggering $110 million in a single year.
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Professional gamers can amass substantial earnings, yet their income fluctuates widely, contingent on multiple factors, including their skill level, tournament winnings, and personal brand. Let’s delve deeper into the financial intricacies of professional gaming:
Top-tier Earnings
Elite professional gamers can garner millions of dollars annually. These cream-of-the-crop players often enjoy lucrative sponsorship deals and substantial prize money.
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Team-Based Income
Professional gamers affiliated with esports teams generally receive a base salary, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per month. This salary serves as a stable source of income, complemented by additional earnings derived from tournament victories.
Tournament Winnings
Esports tournaments offer substantial cash prizes, with winnings often distributed among team members. Triumphing or performing admirably in major tournaments can considerably augment a player’s income.
Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations
Sponsorship agreements with gaming firms and other brands can unlock significant income opportunities. Professional gamers frequently assume the role of brand ambassadors and endorse various products.
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Content Creation and Streaming
Numerous professional gamers craft content on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, generating revenue through advertisements, donations, and subscriptions. Accomplished content creators can amass substantial incomes.
The Gamer’s Ascent to Celebrity Status
In the digital era, gamers have ascended to celebrity status in their own right. Some gaming luminaries achieved fame in regions like South Korea and Asia long before the internet era dawned. For instance, Bertrand Grospellier, known as ElkY, was so esteemed in Korea that he temporarily relocated there during his professional gaming journey. Later, he returned to France, where he metamorphosed into a renowned poker maestro.
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Contemporary gamers enjoy the advantage of constructing an online following through platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Effective self-promotion constitutes a pivotal facet of the profession, and cultivating a distinctive online presence proves essential for success.
How to become a professional gamer
The path to becoming a professional gamer might lack a one-size-fits-all blueprint, but it’s navigable through unwavering dedication, innate talent, and strategic plotting. Here are the steps to contemplate on your expedition:
Find Your Niche
Uncover your cherished gaming genre or the one where you manifest natural aptitude. Identifying your niche stands as the inaugural stride toward erecting a flourishing gaming career.
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Choose Your Platform
Opt for the gaming platform that aligns seamlessly with your preferences, be it PC, console, or mobile. Your selected platform shall influence the games you engage in and the community you commune with.
Play, Train, Repeat
Undying diligence and perseverance constitute the bedrock of success. Hone your gaming skills through relentless practice, scrutinize gameplay, employ simulators to evaluate strategies, and apply your prowess in genuine gaming scenarios. Numerous elite gamers devote up to ten hours a day to honing their craft.
Showcase Your Prowess
Engage in tournaments, initiating at the grassroots amateur echelon and gradually ascending. Accumulate victories to forge your standing within the gaming fraternity.
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In Conclusion
Becoming a professional gamer unveils a myriad of opportunities within the dynamic, ever-expanding gaming industry. With the perfect blend of skill, ardor, and dedication, you can embark on this exhilarating voyage and metamorphose your ardor for gaming into a fulfilling career.
Hello! My name is Maximus Blaze, my friends call me BlazeGamer, and I am an experienced gamer.
I try to be objective and honest in my recommendations, and I hope my articles will help you make the right choice when choosing gaming products. Thank you for your attention, and happy reading!
