Today’s competitive landscape is filled with games that are constantly evolving, whether it be through new gameplay mechanics or an entirely new meta. As gaming becomes more accessible, the eSports scene has grown in size and scope. In the last few years alone, the industry has grown from a $493 million market in 2017 to a projected $1.1 billion market in 2019.

With so many games and platforms to choose from, virtual competition has become a natural outlet for all types of players—veterans included. Whether you enjoy first-person shooters or strategy games, there is something for every kind of gamer out there. Think you don’t have what it takes to compete? Think again! There are plenty of ways you can get started in the world of virtual competition, and here are just a few options we recommend exploring:

How to get started in US Army eSports

When you’re just starting out, the best thing you can do is play the game and understand its mechanics. For example, if you’re interested in competing in a first-person shooter, you need to be familiar with the controls, game types, and maps associated with that game. This can seem like a lot, but it’s essential to immerse yourself in the competitive scene and see where you fall within your skill level. This way, you’ll be able to gauge how competitive the game is and decide if it’s something you’d like to pursue.

Play the game and understand its mechanics

Once you’re familiar with a game, it’s important to start networking and finding other gamers who are also interested in competing. Joining Discord servers, Reddit forums, or any other online communities where players congregate can be a great place to start.

Those competitive in games are often committed to their virtual sports and will likely be willing to share their insights and provide helpful tips on improving your gameplay. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in eSports, it’s crucial to understand that competition can be a full-time job. Therefore, you must fully commit to your game of choice and be willing to put in the hours and hours of practice necessary to succeed.

Network and find other gamers who are also interested in competing

If you’ve found that the game you’re interested in is particularly competitive, it’s a good idea to start practicing and training even if you’re not interested in competing professionally. You will improve your gameplay, gain valuable experience, and be better prepared if you decide that you do want to take your game to the next level.

Train and continuously improve your skillset

If you’re serious about taking your gaming career to the next level, you must continuously improve your skill set. Therefore, it’s essential to get familiar with the best practices and regularly engage in self-assessments to identify areas of improvement. You can also seek professional coaching, attend training sessions, or schedule competitions against other players in your skill level to test your capabilities constantly.

Decide which competition you’re going to enter next.

Once you’re ready to take the plunge and compete in a real-world event, it’s vital to decide which competition you’re going to enter next. As eSports continues to grow in popularity, there are many different types of competitions to choose from. In some cases, you may be able to join an open tournament that is not associated with a particular brand. This is a good way to get your feet wet and see if competitive gaming is something you really enjoy. There are also brand-sponsored competitions that you can enter, like the Army eSports Open. This open tournament is ideal for those interested in competing but unsure where to start.

The eSports industry is growing rapidly, with more and more people signing up to be professional gamers every day. It is important for veterans to understand that this is a viable career path and a great way for them to build skills and earn a living. When you’re just starting out, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the competitive scene and see where you fall within your skill level. Once you’re ready to take the plunge and compete in a real-world event, it’s important to decide which competition you’re going to enter next.