Video gaming has come a long way since the days of 2D visuals and chiptune soundtracks. Here in the 21st century, it’s become one of the most innovative and exciting tech industries in the globe, with new gaming developments going on to influence everything from entertainment to fashion. Gaming is even playing a crucial role in the rising popularity of NFTs and cryptocurrencies.
While we’ve seen all manner of advancements being made in the industry, from the emergence of gaming in the metaverse to Fortnite’s virtual concerts, there's one sector in particular that’s undergone dramatic evolution in recent years: eSports. Now a legitimate industry, eSport is blurring the lines between digital entertainment and professional competition. Tournaments are held in packed arenas, while the online community consists of millions of gaming devotees.
As eSports becomes ever more mainstream, there are plenty of ways for gamers to get involved with the sector. Whether you’re already a diehard eSports fan, a casual gamer, or someone with ambitions of going pro, read on to find out how to cultivate the ultimate eSports experience.
Upping The Engagement
If you’re already following eSports events and supporting major teams like FaZe Clan or Team Liquid, you may be wondering what more there is to do to engage with the industry. Well, firstly, are you part of an eSports community?The sector is more than just live tournaments like LoL Worlds, as with any sporting or competitive discipline, part of the joy of being a fan comes through being a member of the community too. The digital realm is filled with ways that you can take part in fan discussions and interactions, from online forums to live chats during Twitch and YouTube streams. The next time one of your favourite players is streaming, hop on to the live discussion and see if you can make some friends.
Another fantastic way to elevate your experience of supporting eSports is by taking part in eSports betting. Operators like Thunderpick offer specialist betting markets for top games like CS:GO, with the latest options listed here: thunderpick.io/en/esports. Since eSports betting is an online gambling activity, it goes without saying that this strategy is adults-only.
Diving Into eSports
eSports isn’t just for video game geeks, it’s also a fun and exciting sector to participate in even for the casual gamer. You don’t need to have the latest gaming hardware to start playing eSports titles, in fact, with many top games now available in mobile app form, you don’t even need a games console to get involved.Competitive gaming involves a diverse array of games and gaming genres, so the first thing to do is decide what you’d like to play. Start by trying a few of the more popular titles in the genres you’re interested in and go from there. There are no hard and fast rules for the type of games you should be playing, after all, you’re doing this for your own enjoyment, but having a good idea of what games interest you make it so much easier to find and play them.
The main genres that fit into the eSports category are fighting games, first-person shooters (FPS), multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA), real-time strategy games (RTG), and even collectible card games (CCG). Fighting games are usually played solo in player vs player rounds, as epitomised by classics like the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat series. Meanwhile, a MOBA like Dota 2 or FPS titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Call of Duty are all team-based games, which bring elements of collaboration and cooperation as well as competition to gameplay.
Hints and Tips for Aspiring Pros
If your passion for eSports is so great that you’ve got aspirations to play professionally it’s important to keep in mind that, just like any other sport, pro gaming is a highly competitive industry, and playing well enough to earn a living requires skill, discipline, and rigorous commitment.None of the world’s top-ranking players were given their place overnight, instead, they spent their formative years competing in grassroots and amateur tournaments. Check out what’s on offer in your local eSports scene and look for amateur tourneys you can participate in online if you’re serious about starting a pro career.
It goes without saying that you must play a game that you love, including its competitive gameplay elements as well as the genre it belongs to. Don't make the mistake of simply playing for long stretches at a time, though, you'll get more out of your practice sessions by taking a strategic approach and focusing on addressing your weaknesses as well as maximising your strengths.
Above all else, learn patience and keep your long-term goals in mind. Getting frustrated during practice sessions — especially if you’re on a losing streak — is only going to set you back further in your path. Learning how to focus during a practice game when the odds are stacked against you will pay off dividends when you then enter competitive matches.
