Esports is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and this rapid growth opens up a great number of opportunities. Apart from being a professional gamer, there are many career options one may choose in the esports world. There are countless positions that need filling, it’s all about figuring out which one would be the best fit for you.
Common Esports Career Paths
Host
You’ll need to practice your public speaking for this one. It requires a high amount of energy and stage presence to successfully establish yourself as an esports event Host.
Caster
Grab a large drink, because you’ll be thirsty. In this role you will have to talk and talk until your mouth foams up and you start to vividly hallucinate gameplay in your freetime. Casters need to know everything about the game, its tactics and playstyle, the athletes, and every other little detail that needs to be covered during an event.
Operations
If you have a passion for organizing tournaments and events then this is the job for you! This is one of the most demanding and important positions in esports, as the success of tournaments/events depend on you and your team.
Referee
As in traditional sports, esports also need referees to ensure a smooth and fair competitive experience for every player. Esports referees go through special training to receive certification and are responsible for enforcing the rules set out by competition coordinators.
Coach
Behind every successful esports team is an experienced and seasoned coach that catches little details that players may have missed. The coach is responsible for keeping the players happy and guiding them through matches, alerting them to weak spots they could use to their advantage.
Marketing
Love creating plans and content for social media? Then you’ll definitely love esports marketing! There is a whole sea of opportunities as marketing intertwines itself in many aspects of business. You can manage a media page, plan marketing activities, make creative content, attain meaningful partnerships, and so much more!
Publisher/Game Designer
If you want more of a behind the scenes role, then working as a game designer or publisher might be your calling! If you’ve always had an eye for small details and an expansive imagination then you might have the chance to create the newest competitive esports title!
These examples are only a few of the many job opportunities in esports. As the industry keeps growing, there will always be a need for new talent. It is a highly competitive industry that moves at a very fast pace. Although there isn’t a surefire way to land yourself a job in esports, here are some steps you can take to make your dream a reality:
1. Attend tournaments and events
This one might seem obvious, but attending esports tournaments and events can allow you to meet the people behind the scenes; organizers, players, coaches, officials, media teams, etc. You never know when someone is looking for a new hire, you need to let them know you’re on the market and willing to put in the effort.
2. Practice and further develop your skills
If you’re looking to enter the esports industry in hopes of becoming,for example, a graphic designer for a big organization, then you’ll need to be fully prepared to fulfill high expectations. This means mastering your craft ahead of time and being able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances at a moment’s notice.
3. Follow companies on all social media platforms
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and especially LinkedIn are great tools that can help you land your next job in esports! Always try to stay attentive and look for new job postings on social media. Social media is your best friend in this industry and can open many doors for you.
4. Volunteer Work
This comes close to attending esports events, but in this case you’ll try to find a more active role to get noticed. Many tournaments and events need a lot of manpower, so if you know of an event near you it would be a good idea to try and land a volunteer position. While it might not be the most exciting role, it still plays a big part in helping you land a position in the future.
Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t at that level yet!
Many companies are willing to overlook your qualifications and skills if you demonstrate a good understanding of the tasks and responsibilities, and are willing to put in the effort to learn!
Next time you set out to look for a job in esports, keep these things in mind.
Persistence and a willingness to learn will get you a long way in the industry, keep doing the things you enjoy and the rest will follow!
