Networking Tips: 8 Ways to Network in the Esports Industry

Whether you wish to make it big in esports or not, if you’ve ever wondered what to do, you know it’s not all about the head-shots and reflexes — it’s who you know. Networking through the esports community can lead to competitive gaming opportunities, sponsorships, and even that coveted place in a tier-1 esports team tournament.

But how do you make the leap from “that random in chat” to “that player everyone knows”? These eight simple, yet effective, strategies will help you up-level your networking. Spoiler alert, it does a little more than repeating “GG” in lobbies.

Get Started with Esports Events and Competition

Esports tournaments are, in a way, the Comic-Con of gaming. They’re more than just about winning; they’re about finding folks who care about game titles as much as you do.

Go to big esports tournaments or local LAN events, and don’t sit in the back. Chat with the players, team managers, and even the shout-casters. You never know — your future teammate or mentor might be waiting in the lobby, holding a soda.

Finally here is tip number 8, for you Spread the word of streaming as a tool for networking.

Streaming is not limited to displaying your insane skills or ridiculously bad failures. It’s also a means of engaging with other gamers.

After you go live, engage with your chat and other streamers. Collaboration streams are a thing, and they’re a great way to build connections. Also, if you’re good (or funny), someone might notice your stream in esports competition news.

Link Up with Esports Communities Online

Esports never sleeps in the online world. From esports league news forums to Discord groups for particular game titles, there’s no end to the places you can connect.

Dive into the comments, leave your thoughts, or even make memes (because really, who doesn’t love a good meme). Just don’t be the person who only shows up to promote yourself. Nobody likes that guy.

Participate in Workshops and Boot Camps

Some esports live events even offer workshops and boot camps, did you know? They’re like summer camp, except that instead of toasting marshmallows, you’re sharpening your aim and learning about team strategy.

These are definitely places to mingle with other players, and even catch the attention of coaches scouting talent. And who knows, maybe you’ll finally find out why your K/D ratio is cursed.

Promote Yourself as an Esports Social Media Network

Esports world events updates and players activities are being most active on social platforms like Twitter, Instagram etc. Keep track of your favorite teams and players, comment on esports tournament highlights and discuss esports event coverage with others.

Interacting (not spamming) with posts can also attract attention to you from the right people. Just refrain from sliding into DMs saying, “Hey, wanna 1v1?” —not the best opener.

Volunteer at Esports Events

If you are not looking to compete, you can volunteer to help out at future esports tournaments or esports qualifiers. You’ll meet players, organizers and perhaps even the people who set the esports event schedule. Plus, you’re going to get a sneak peek behind the scenes of how the scene works—good information if you’re serious about breaking in.

Keep Tabs on Esports News

Keeping abreast of news and results in the world of esports competition not only gives you something intelligent to talk about, it also proves that you have a vested interest in this industry.

The latest esports world championship or esports prize pool from the season’s biggest tournament can lead to great discussions with other fans. Dropping some fresh tournament stats is just about the best way to say, “I belong here.”

Be Authentic and Offer Value

Nobody likes a try-hard. When networking, just be yourself. If they ask for a good esports tournament stream, suggest one. Do not wait for returns to help others. Whether that’s sharing tips or hyping up a friend’s stream, your positive vibes will help make you memorable for the right reasons.

Final Re-spawn

Esports networking isn’t just about listing names; it’s about really getting to know the players, coaches, and fans. So go watch those esports live events or join those Discord servers or keep grinding. And keep in mind: So long as you’re not the MVP (yet), your personality can always be legendary