What Are the Best Careers in Esports?

So, you play a lot of video games and have already convinced your parents that it is a ‘real career option,’ correct? So, congratulations for passing stage one! Gone are the days of esports simply being an excuse to burn hours on a couch:

it has evolved into a burgeoning industry, and now offers career opportunities that have the potential to pay the bills (and splurge on that super nice gaming chair).

Whether that be as a professional player, coach or some kind of behind-the-scenes function, there are all kinds of different paths to take. We’ll divide some of the greatest esports professions and find out where you fit right in!

Key Takeaways

• Professional Gaming is Just the Beginning – esports is so much more than simply playing video games. There are a myriad of different roles from shout casters to team managers, with something for everybody that possesses certain skills.
• Technical Roles are in Demand – E-sports companies are constantly on the hunt for inventive tech talent to develop and grow games, and they have a high demand for it — so if you’re a coder, designer or developer, you’re in luck.
• Behind-the-Scenes Magic Matters – Social media managers, event organizers, and production crew, who go unseen but are fundamental to the seamless execution of tournaments and streams.
• Marketing and Sales are Crucial – There are tons of brands entering into the esports scene, thus, it triggers the needs for marketers, PR officers, and sales manager to market the teams and the event.
• New Roles for Legal and Finance Pros – There is a spot for lawyers, financial experts and other professionals in esports as well, dealing with contracts, sponsorship deals, and budget planning.
• Follow Your Passion – Whether you love gaming, technology, or esports business, there is a place for you in esports. Search for a job that matches your skills, and advance your career in this industry that is booming!

Esports is thriving, and now is the perfect time to turn your gaming interest into a fulfilling career.

1.Professional Player

Most people dream of becoming a professional gamer for a living. Imagine being paid to play all day!

Even plenty of serious money tournament players will find it a nice side gig or amazing part-time gig if you know what you’re doing.

But that will only take place; here is the catch you will need to work out. A lot. The best players rake in thousands (even millions) with competitions, endorsements, and streaming.

But it also is a job though this is a really fun job if you are up for it!

And no, playing for “just a few more hours” still doesn’t count as “practicing” in your mom’s book.

2. Shoutcaster/Host

If you have a flair for the dramatics and enjoy getting a crowd hyped, become a shoutcaster or host! It’s like being a sportscaster, but for esports.

Let’s break this down into the two theoretically distinct roles involved:

• Play-by-Play Casters narrate the action as it happens.
• Color Casters provide funny and insightful commentary, breaking down what just went down.

It may sound fun, but be prepared to just talk for hours on end — typically quite loudly as well.

If you are the friend who just cannot stop chatting during games, this might be your time to shine!

3. Game Developer

Are you a fan of gaming but not so keen to be in the limelight? Future in game development may be the way to go.

Game developers are the masterminds behind every great esports title, from creating those characters to writing the code.

Valve, Electronic Arts and others are always on the lookout for creative coders. A good sense of storytelling organic with programming is a thing to cherish.

Bonus perk: You get to have something cool to tell the kids: I pretend to waste time on video games for a living! Sounds cooler than it is!

4. eSports Team Manager

In reality, a team manager is a real-world jack-of-all-trades for the team. It is their job to keep the team on track from handling contracts and establishing practices to travel plans and Group Therapy (good luck trying to keep everyone sane).

If you are organized, have people management skills, and enjoy spinning a thousand plates at the same time then team management could be for you.

Also, you get to psychologization the team be their therapist, sort of on the side.

5. eSports Streamer

If you are more of a one-man band type, stream instead. You stream, which just means playing games online live in front of an (ideally) captive audience.

When it comes to just personality, as long as you have a unique perspective on comedy or can pull some crazy in-game stunts, people will watch.

If you are regular with it, you can make money from things like donations, ads and sponsors.

Pro tip: Invest in a decent camera and microphone. People want to hear you rage clearly when you get owned.

6. Social Media Manager

Every esports team needs its own social media handler. If you know the ins and outs of Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram this is the job for you.

Social Media Managers keep fans in the fold, post highlights, and establish a team’s public-facing personality.

If you love the idea of working at a lower profile, puppet-mastering funny posts or making meme-perfect content, it’s a match made in social media heaven.

After all, esports teams need someone to handle their fans asking, “Hey, when’s the next stream?” twenty-four-seven.

7. Sales and Sponsorships

Now for our members of the approach club. Sales managers within esports close sponsors and market the team/event.

If so, you’ll not only be pitching esports as the new hot thing to companies, but if you’re a great salesperson and know your esports scene, it could end up being a really lucrative gig.

Be prepared to explain some things about what esports really is though! (No, Grandma, it’s not a team that plays “sports ball.”)

8. Broadcasting/Production Crew

There can be no game stream without wizards behind the curtain. It is the broadcasting teams that manage lighting, camera angles and sound that make the magic happen.

They are the unsung heroes who make sure that everything goes according to plan.

Video editing or production is a really cool approach you can have on the esports stage though without appearing on camera.

Just don’t count on anyone noticing you — they’ll be too busy watching the game!

9. Event Organizer

Have you ever wondered who organizes those massive esports events? Yes, you heard it right — all the heavy lifting is done by event organizers.

From preparing the venue, to liaising with teams, sponsors and broadcasters, they ensure that all is ready for the day.

Great for someone who is organized, enjoys planning, and works well under pressure of preparing a live event.

Pro tip: Expect lots of coffee. This job can get intense!

10. Legal and Finance Experts

Which means every large esports org needs someone to shuffle money and contracts around? Lawyers write contracts, mediate disputes, and make sure that the law is followed.

On the other side of things, finance pros are handling budgets and cash flow and expenses, etc.

If you have any legal or financial background, this is a great way to contribute to gaming.

What could be better than working in the niche field of esports? Also here, saying that you are an “esports lawyer” is definitely going to get people talking!

Ready to Play?

There are ample careers opportunities in esports arena. No matter if you are a born gamer, a people person, or a whiz at organization, you can find your niche in esports.

So pick up a gamepad (or a calc) and have a try—you never know how far your skills can get you in this rapidly-expanding universe!