If you follow technology and have a passion for the gaming industry, you’ll know esports is rapidly expanding, attracting new players and fans worldwide. Gone are the days when playing console games at home alone or with one friend was as good as it got. Today, you can game alone or test your skills against players and opponents across the United States and beyond. Modern gaming is fast-moving, engaging, and available to millions. Gamers connect and play their favorite titles online.
While most players like to challenge friends and family on popular titles like the new soccer game EA FC or Fortnight, the cream of the crop aims much higher. The best gamers now play competitive matches in competitions and leagues to find the top performers. Professional esports give gamers an opportunity to showcase their talents while targeting huge sums of cash. The prizes available to the winners of top esports tournaments are staggering, enticing a steady stream of new gamers.
As a gaming fan, you can follow esports on television, online, and at the best live-streaming apps. The leading sportsbooks offer odds on the most popular fixtures. You can study the form, read how-to guides, search for the best promotions, and wager on the result. The esports schedule is thick and fast, so there’s always a game about to begin or a tournament already in full swing.
Take your seat
Watching professional esports using your Android or iOS device is great fun. It helps you keep pace with the competition results, games, and players at home or when on the move. Broadcasters send live pictures directly to your handset using HD-quality live streams, allowing you to watch esports anywhere and at any time. All you need is a reliable Wi-Fi connection or available data. Download an esports live stream to your device, and there will be no stopping you this season.
Perhaps watching is no longer enough, and you wish to jump the fence and join the party. Are you good enough to compete on the professional esports circuit? If you believe you’re supremely talented at playing a particular game, you could find a space on the esports tour. Gaming for a living while earning a great income sounds too good to be true, but it’s a viable option for the best players. Learn the ropes, build connections, and enter qualifying tournaments. If results go your way, you could see your life change overnight.
Making it in professional esports is every bit as difficult as breaking into traditional sports and playing at a professional level. Pro boxers don’t make it by chance, and neither do football players who aspire to strut their stuff in the NFL. Breaking into the big leagues requires more than talent. You need commitment, dedication, an unrelenting self-belief, and the willingness to keep learning. Those qualities are essential to anyone eager to impact esports this year.
We will now highlight some of the industry’s best players as evidence of what it takes to reach the top. Keep reading as we introduce readers to esports trailblazers and the best-emerging talent. Esports is going from strength to strength this year, and it’s the perfect time to throw your hat into the ring.
Google Images Creative Commons Licenses
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok
Often hailed as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, Faker has achieved legendary status within the esports community. As a mid-laner for T1 (formerly known as SK Telecom T1), Faker has dominated the professional scene since his debut in 2013. With three World Championship titles under his belt (2013, 2015, 2016), Faker has solidified his reputation as a formidable force on the Summoner’s Rift.
Beyond his individual accolades, Faker’s strategic prowess, mechanical skill, and leadership have set the standard for aspiring League of Legends players worldwide. His innovative playstyle and ability to adapt to ever-changing metagames have earned him widespread admiration and respect from fans, teammates, and rivals alike.
Johan “N0tail” Sundstein
As the captain and support player for OG (formerly known as Monkey Business), N0tail has left an indelible mark on the Dota 2 scene. With two consecutive victories at The International (TI8 and TI9), N0tail has cemented his legacy as one of the most successful Dota 2 players in history.
Known for his versatility, creativity, and unorthodox strategies, N0tail has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in Dota 2. His leadership and innovative drafting have propelled OG to unprecedented success, earning them a place among the elite teams in the competitive scene.
Lee “INnoVation” Shin-Hyung
Few players can match INnoVation’s dominance and consistency in StarCraft II. As a Terran player for T1 (formerly known as SK Telecom T1), INnoVation has amassed an impressive list of tournament victories and accolades throughout his career.
With multiple GSL championships, IEM titles, and a WCS Global Finals victory to his name, INnoVation has established himself as a force in the StarCraft II scene. His meticulous macro management, flawless mechanics, and strategic brilliance have earned him the admiration of fans and peers alike.
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf
In the fast-paced world of Fortnite, Bugha has emerged as a breakout star, capturing fans’ hearts with his exceptional skill and competitive prowess. At the age of 16, Bugha made history by winning the Fortnite World Cup Solo Finals in 2019, securing a staggering $3 million in prize money.
Known for his calm demeanor, precision aim, and strategic gameplay, Bugha has quickly become one of the world’s top Fortnite players. His victory at the Fortnite World Cup catapulted him to stardom, earning him widespread recognition and establishing him as a role model for aspiring esports athletes.
Lee “Rogue” Byung-ryul
As one of the most accomplished StarCraft II players in history, Rogue has achieved unparalleled success on the global stage. With multiple GSL championships, IEM titles, and a WCS Global Finals victory, Rogue has solidified his reputation as a top-tier Zerg player.
Known for his innovative strategies, aggressive playstyle, and exceptional multitasking, Rogue has consistently outmaneuvered and outclassed his opponents in the fiercely competitive world of StarCraft II. His resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a place among the all-time greats in esports history.