Back in the early 2000s, computer games were considered a waste of time. It was just a hobby that many used as a way to relieve stress and relax after a hard working day. However, things are constantly developing; with a change of generations, young gamers today are becoming successful gamers with multi-million income and those who bring trends. As a result, eSports began to grow at a high rate, and many predict a new era for the industry to happen.
The Explosive Growth of eSports
According to reports of Newzoo research company, the eSports market volume in 2015 amounted to $325 million, and in 2017, it grew by 51% thus reaching $493 million. Thus, the company experts forecast that the market will increase to $1.5 billion by 2020. It is not surprising given that the total amount of time that players spend in Dota 2 and CS: GO is more than 20 billion hours a year. At the same time, the annual growth of the eSports audience, both gamers and ordinary viewers, is consistently at the level of 20%. Around a half of them make best esports website EGamersWorld on a regular basis. Thus, the volume of the cybersports market increases about one and a half times annually, which is an enviable indicator for almost any industry.
To Be or Not to Be: The Path to Professional eSports
Almost every gamer dreams of becoming a professional cybersportsman in order to earn big money on his hobby, to travel around the world participating in various championships, and to become an idol for thousands of fans. In theory, every gamer has a chance to get into eSports. So why only a few achieve success?
In order to jump into the professional industry, you need to have a certain set of qualities required for a successful cybersportsman.
- motivation;
- urgency;
- analytical skills;
- communication skills;
- financial/ time resources;
- being ready for all the risks.
One should be able to set specific goals and achieve them, to make decisions in critical situations quickly, to recognize and analyze mistakes. Of course, being a professional cybersportsman is a great job. However, one should never consider it a hobby, have regular trainings for 8-10 hours a day, and work out tactics based on strategies used by the rivals. In addition to training, discipline and open communication within a team remain very important, which also requires considerable effort from both the coach and each player.
Just like almost anything in life, esports is a big risk. The fact is that the choice of a cybersports profession requires a maximum investment of one’s time, efforts, and even money. And in case of failure, one is left with nothing. Only a small number of professional players earn big money. The problem is that there is not yet a gradual and safe way to take part in e-sports. You can have all or nothing – there is no other way.
Cybersport? Esports has a better ring to it but both of them fit the bill to be frank.