April 8, 2026
Esports is an enticing field to get into. Who wouldn’t want to earn big bucks while playing their favorite game? Sounds like a dream. If you’re a video game enthusiast, being a prop player has probably crossed your mind here and there. Before you can reach a pro level, you have to start at the beginning. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of while you prepare to navigate your first tournament.
Game-specific training
As a casual gamer, you might find yourself enjoying a multitude of games. It is perfectly fine to play a wide range of games; however, if you want to play on a competitive level, you need to specialize in one game. We’re not saying you shouldn’t play other games, of course. However, the more you play a pacifist game, the more you can analyze it and increase your skill. You’ll want to pour a lot of time into that one specific game.
If you are not certain what that game may be, take some time to figure it out. Don’t throw yourself into the first game you think you’re decent at. Evaluate your strengths and preferences. For example, if you’re more of a team player, then Valorant or Overwatch could be right for you – depending on your playstyle. Meanwhile, if you’re a solo gamer, PUBG or Tekken 8 may be more your wheelhouse. Once you decide on the game, you can tailor your training to it and deep-dive into its mechanics and gameplay. Choose a game you love and truly enjoy playing, because you’re going to be spending a lot of time booting it up.
Equipment
It’s important to think of the equipment you’re going to need to be able to practice. You’ll want to make sure your equipment can last in a tournament. If you are a PC or console gamer, having a good setup is important because it can be the difference between winning and losing, especially at the highest level of competitive play. That said, the best setup for you may differ from someone else’s, depending on your budget, personal preferences, and physical space. You want your gear to be just as strong and reliable as you are!
Mental preparations
In tournament prep, mental fortitude is as important as technical game skills. It could be beneficial to develop a pre-game routine that helps to center your focus and alleviate anxiety. Deep breathing exercises, visualization, and meditation can help calm your nerves and sharpen your concentration.
Staying focused during intense matches is essential. Managing stress and anxiety is important, too. Strategies like positive self-talk and progressive muscle relaxation can alleviate tension and promote mental clarity. Gaming may primarily involve personal and technical skills and abilities, but honing those abilities and being the best you can be all starts with keeping your mind and body in great shape. Take some time to eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and exercise to keep your mind clear.
Practice, practice, practice
The only sure way to get better at a game is to play it. Professionally, gamers still practice for roughly 12 to 14 hours a day, multiple days a week. Aside from regular gaming to practice, it would also be helpful to brush up on strategy. The best way to do this would be by reading strategy guides, watching strategy videos on YouTube, or watching professional streams. Reviewing old tournament footage to watch good plays or what to look out for can help you choose better winning tactics as well.
Constructing effective practice routines can be a big help in evaluating and elevating your skills. You can begin by tailoring your practice sessions to the specific game you’re focused on. Game-specific drills, such as aim training in first-person shooters like Overwatch or Valorant, can significantly enhance your performance.
Warming up before diving into intense gameplay is another great way to stimulate your reflexes and cognitive abilities. This can include quick aiming exercises or running up a game or two of quickplay before diving into longer events.
Practicing more can also help you unearth and work on some of your weaknesses. Addressing your weaknesses is a fundamental part of practice and improvement. Practicing can help with map awareness and decision-making under pressure, which will translate well when you’re in those high-intensity tournament rounds.
Research beginner-friendly tournaments
Not all games are created equal when it comes to welcoming new players. Some esports require years of practice or joining a team or gaming network, but you can look into beginner-friendly tournaments for the game you want to get competitive with. Getting into a beginner-friendly tournament will be a great way to get your feet wet before diving into the deep end. These tournaments usually have a lower skill floor for playing and easier rules and objectives to follow. For example, Valorant Raidiant Academy 101, which replaced Riot’s VCT Game Changers Academy, is a beginner-friendly tournament designed to help players gain opportunities to compete at the semi-pro and grassroots level.
Have fun!
The most important thing to remember is to have fun. A positive mind will help you play at your best. You will not win every match, but that is okay. Winning is important for any serious esports career, but at the end of the day, gaming is about having fun.
Practice, train, mentally prepare, make sure your equipment is good to go, and have fun. With these pillars you are sure to be prepared to face whatever is thrown your way. Preparation directly correlates with success for every esports player. You may not win every round or every tournament, but as long as you keep focused and take care of yourself you will go far.