Ok, you've read the first post. You sort of get the idea what this new thing is about. But what is it that we will cover? What is eSports?

First, it's not something dangerous. It doesn't bite. It's like kicking soccer with your friends, but by using a computer instead. Sort of..
Sure, there are a lot of differences, but the big idea of esports is that you compete in different games by using some sort of electronic device. Usually a PC or a game console.

Since the beginning of computer games people have been competing against eachother. First in their homes (Like me vs. my older brother in Track and Field on NES, which I usually lost.), and then in big arenas around the world.
We had the "crazy" asians, the Koreans and the Japanese, pushing the borders of competitive gaming by making it something that people enjoyed watching. We had the arcade halls that spread throughout Europe and the US.

And, as always when humans are involved, some people were happy with playing for the fun of beating a friend, and some weren't. Some wanted something more, they wanted to become a star.
And the easiest way to get attention is to win money. Big companies saw their chance to promote themselves, and here we are today.
Gaming is a multi billion business. There are more events than one could possibly attend, and more money than anyone imagined at first.

But, say that you want a piece of the action, you want to become a pro gamer. I'll start by warning you, it's not easy and it takes a lot of time.
You have to sacrifice any social life you have, and you have to understand that if you have a job, or school, and game at the same time, there won't be much time left to do other things.

You have to be dedicated, and you have to have dicipline, these are the two most important things. Talent is further down that list, talent is really nothing but a fancy word in my eyes. Sure, some people are better in some roles, but anyone can become good.

It's a lot about getting the right kind of attention, and getting to know the right people. Show interest in the game and what goes on around it, and you could actually make it.

I was sort of a semi-pro myself (a nicer way of saying that I didn't get any money), with some sponsors backing the team I played for. I was able to get my hands on some nice stuff, and I did so while enjoying the game. But, I did put down around 8 hours a day.
I spent a lot more time practicing than the stuff I got was worth, a whole lot more. And there were others out there that practiced as much and never got anything.

So, I'd actually recommend that you play for the fun of the game, and if you feel that you can make the sacrifices needed, start practicing more. Get out on those servers and fight, join a team and work your way up. But, even if you are good, there's no guarantee that you will ever get a pro contract.

I've still just scratched on the surface of esports, but I hope that you feel somewhat enlightened. If you attend the events we host during autumn, I'm sure you can pick up a lot of good tips and tricks on how to become the best of the best. I'll be there, watching, lurking in the shadows. And well, learning.

Don't forget, We will get you the tastiest interviews.

Waiter, I'll have a bucket of some of that great gaming action, please!

Yours Truly,
Hans