Five Ways to turn eGaming into a Profession

We all like to pass the time by playing our favourite video games but have you ever thought about turning your hobby into a profession? Only the most talented individuals can make that switch but the rise of eGaming has made this perfectly possible.

There’s lots at stake too: At the 2016 Fortnite World Cup, 16-year-old Kyle Giersdorff saw off the competition to win a staggering sum of $3 million at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Few will ever match that kind of prize money but there are plenty of smaller rewards that can add up and make eGaming a viable profession. If that’s piqued your interest, read on to find out the best options for online eGamers who are looking to take their hobby and turn it into something far more interesting.

Two Weeks to Change Your Life

The obvious place to start is with Fortnite due to that incredible life-changing sum that was put on the line in 2019. Held across ten weeks from April to June 2019, the tournament was a feat of endurance as well as sheer gaming skill. Two of Fortnite’s game formats were used including Battle Royale and over those ten weeks, the best players began to rise to the top.

Kyle Giersdorff may have scooped that $3 million top payout but the overall prize fund was set at $30 million so there was plenty of scope to walk away with some serious cash. Currently, there are no confirmed dates for a follow up World Cup but clearly this is a game to watch for those who are serious about making gaming profits.

Head to the Tables

Poker is one of the most enduring games currently available online and it’s one that has allowed many amateur players to cross over to the pro tables. Some of the game’s biggest earners started out life by playing at the online casinos and, having earned steady prize money in those early days, their confidence grew from that point.

This is, perhaps, the most popular option in terms of crossing to the professional world because it’s simple to start out as an individual player. If you’re already adept with your card skills, then you can continue to develop at the online tables but even a complete novice has a potential starting point. In the first instance, get acquainted with the rules, ensure you understand the poker hands inside out, and then play with small stakes to kick things off. In time, those skills will develop and you’ll soon know whether you have what it takes to be play at a serious level.

Ready to Strike

Moving back to specific gaming titles, the professional eSports community is firmly behind Counter Strike: Global Offensive. Originally released in 2012, this game is widely covered by pro leagues across the world so, if you do have some skills in tackling the tough tasks laid down by the gameplay, this is a definite option to explore.

By far the biggest aim is to take on the Counter Strike: Global Offensive Major Championships - otherwise known as the Majors. First introduced in 2013, the series now attracts the 24 best teams and puts up an impressive prize pool of $1 million. As with many other titles, CS:GO has that major tournament but there are smaller competitions throughout the calendar year where the prize money can keep racking up.

Line up your Defense

Defense of the Ancients goes by the more common acronym of DOTA 2 and it’s a popular choice among recreational gamers. With a number of free level options with which to start, this title offers a good entry point for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games and that’s why it’s also popular with purchasing parents.

The advantages of DOTA 2 among similar titles are obvious but the potential for pro players is absolutely huge. Like CS:GO there are lots of opportunities to progress from the amateur ranks and to join a pro team and with many tournaments across the eGaming calendar year, there are prizes that can turn the game into a viable living.

At the top end of the scale, however, the DOTA 2 International is the biggest tournament of its kind and it carries a mighty prize pot of $30 million. With that kind of cash up for grabs, the rivalry is certain to be intense but there’s always room for more teams and more individuals in one of the most rewarding gaming titles on the market.

The Big League

DOTA 2 will always have a loyal following but for some gamers, League of Legends is the best MOBA title around. Its supporters claim that it offers more scope for entertainment but like its rival, LOL also has a pathway into professional eSports.

The big tournament for prospective pro players is the League of Legends Championship Series where there is a prize fund available of some $2 million. Throughout the year, smaller events mean that the best exponents of the game can return a regular and impressive income.

With those sums in mind, it’s no surprise that younger eGamers are looking at avenues into the professional arenas. Only the best will reap the biggest rewards but, these five options and many others are continuing to provide viable outlets for those with the serious talent.