Page 4 - My FlipBook

Chapter Two
Chapter Two

Inside the World

of Pro Gamers

Players are the foundation of esports. Video games
may have amazing graphics, challenging goals, fasci-
nating characters, and creative story lines, but with-
out players, they are simply software programs waiting
to be used. It is the player’s decisions, reactions, and
strategies that bring the game to life and make it excit-
ing to watch.
Likewise, esports teams, leagues, streaming plat-
forms, and television broadcasts only exist because
there are players who are so exceptional at what they
do that hundreds of millions of people want to watch
them. Because talented gamers are at the center of the
industry, they can earn money playing the game—in
some cases a great deal of money. But part of turning
pro involves sacrifi ces and compromises. In addition,
there are pressures to perform well—from team owners,
sponsors, and fans. It is not just a job; it is a lifestyle.

From Amateur to Pro

Most pro gamers start out by making a name for them-
selves in local tournaments. “Once you reach the top
of a competition, you think maybe I can take this to
another level where I can turn my hobby into a pro-

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