Many people remember a time growing up when video games were simply a hobby, nothing more. And, in fact, they weren’t even really mainstream. Some of those who played — such as us, for instance — were unfairly labeled as “nerds,” even picked on by some of their classmates.

But wow, how times have changed.

Not only are “nerds” doing extremely well for themselves professionally working in the tech sector, but video games are now played by people of all ages, across all gaming platforms — across the world.

Jan 26, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denhold Denz Taylor of the Paris Legion stands as his team defeats London Royal Ravens during the Call of Duty League Launch Weekend at The Armory. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

For those that refuse to purchase a gaming console, they can still use their computer or mobile phone to get their fix . And then for those that are constantly on the go, or traveling, there are portable devices for them to play a lot of the same games available on consoles. Furthermore, game consoles have now been on the market for roughly four decades, and they’re the most tried and true way to game. Gamers can even play online, competing with their friends, or against random people they don’t know or have never come across in their daily lives.

As you can see, the video game industry has changed so much. In fact, it’s now commonly called eSports. Yes, gaming is now considered a sport, played around the world. And, more importantly — in can be monetized. There’s even eSports betting involved with sportsbooks taking action from bettorsThere are eSports players out there making millions of dollars doing what they do best, using Twitch and other streaming services to show their followers how good they are.

So how does one get started playing eSports?

Well, first and most important: Focus on one game, and master it using things like a csgo guide and other primary resources.  Don’t worry about being good at 3-4 games. Instead, try to be great at one of them. Also, pick a gaming platform you’re comfortable on as well.

Then, you’ll want to search around the Web and social media world for tips, tricks and tactics for how to master that specific game. There’s so much information at your disposal, and you’ll want to utilize it. Not only that, you should ask your friends. You never know what you may learn.

Jan 26, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Adam Assault Garcia and Justin Silly Fargo-Palmer and Adam GodRX Brown of the Minnesota Rokkr battle the Toronto Ultra during the Call of Duty League Launch Weekend at The Armory. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Next, you should play — a lot. You should game at least a little bit every day, and have it become a part of your daily routine. You can also use Twitch to engage other gamers, and build a following.

Once you get comfortable there, you should join a gaming clan or gaming league to begin playing competitively. Along the way, you can also attend an eSports summer camp if you want to really improve your game, and hopefully make money playing professionally. 

Those are the most advanced steps you can take to really get rolling in the eSports world. Keep practicing, and give it some time, to see how good you can really get. Good luck!