When I started playing video games, my favorite was Super Mario Bros. 3 for the NES. I didn’t really know anyone, and I wasn’t very good. So, I dedicated my time to getting better and making a name for myself. Now, fans watch me stream Counter-Strike live over the internet.
If someone would have told me how big esports would become five years ago, it would have been hard to believe! Professional gaming is exploding in popularity right now, and it’s exciting to see it move into the mainstream. This makes the future of gaming look very bright!
Considering this popularity, I thought it would be helpful to share my experience in the esports world and provide insight to how I got started. I’ll touch on four major points: practice, finding teammates, good communication, and some tips to up your skill level.
Choosing the right teammates was one of the most important components of building CLG Red. Finding the right people takes time, and it’s important to choose people who are easy to work with. Giving and receiving criticism is the core of a strong team. Good communication is key to a successful strategy and having the support of my CLG Red teammates makes all the difference.
Once we had a solid team, it was time to grind in the game. Just like any other sport, it’s important to practice! My team keeps a calendar for practice times, because we all have busy lives outside of gaming. To be a successful team, it is critical that we make time to play together. There is a common misconception that success is tied to how many hours you spend playing the game, but I’ve found that’s just not true. What we’ve discovered is that making efficient use of time is far more important than accumulating raw hours.
CLG Red debriefs after each session, talking about what works and what doesn’t is key to creating a good team. Talking through results is a great way to correct mistakes before your next round. You see this in traditional sports all the time, so why would it be any different for esports?
Aside from practice, I’ve found that playing with and watching better gamers is extremely helpful. My motto is: Be a sponge! Absorb their knowledge and learn as much as you can from others. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn new techniques. Youtube is another great place to find pro-level how-to videos that can help strengthen your team strategy.
What’s the most important thing I can tell aspiring esports gamers? Never give up! Sometimes, things in life fall apart or you have a run of bad luck. But, you can’t let those things stop you from pursuing your goals. Everything happens for a reason, and no one knows when they’ll finally break into esports, but you never will−if you give up! My advice is to keep practicing and keep dreaming!