TL;DR
- Esports offers multiple career paths beyond just playing or game development.
- Entry-level jobs in esports are limited compared to those in other industries, such as sports or entertainment.
- You can start by volunteering or joining internships to gain experience and build a strong portfolio.
- Stay active on social media platforms like LinkedIn and X (Twitter) to showcase your work and also attend esports events to make new connections.
- Newcomers will earn quite less, and they might even have to work for free before building a stable career in esports.
Being a player or part of game development isn’t the only career, as the esports industry is supported by thousands of professionals working behind the scenes. From the marketing of a game to the production of global events such as VALORANT Champions, BLAST.tv Major, or The International, every step of it offers an opportunity to be part of the thrilling world of esports.
However, due to ongoing instability, entry-level opportunities to enter esports are quite less compared to more established industries like sports or entertainment. That said, newcomers can break into the industry and build a successful career. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
We’re showing you all the ways that you can learn how to join esports, from the different career paths on offer, what to expect, and must-know tips to get ahead.
Esports career paths explained
Joining esports offers diverse career opportunities across multiple fields for people with a variety of skill sets. Whether you want to be on camera or support a team from behind the scenes, there’s a place for everyone.
You can be a professional esports player, part of a production crew, a talent scout, a marketing strategist, a performance coach, or even organize events. You can also take on tech-focused roles like software development, game design, or broadcast engineering. The best part? You don’t necessarily have to be good at games to make a career in this industry.
How to get into esports in 2026
There are no hard and fast rules to enter the esports business, but here are the best ways that will help you stand out and increase your chances of success.
Explore different areas
As mentioned earlier, esports offers a wide range of career options. So, we recommend that you start by understanding how the industry works, then choose a path that aligns with your interests and skills.
Gain practical experience
Every esports job out there needs a particular level of experience, and this industry is no different. Start by applying for entry-level positions or volunteering with organizations that will help you build your resume and industry connections as you work your way up.
Share your work publicly
Once you secure an esports job or start volunteering, building your portfolio from day one is essential, as it can help you showcase your best work. You can share it on social media or community platforms, and you may get approached for a life-changing opportunity.
Networking
In today’s market, you will need to learn networking in every industry and especially if you are thinking of working in esports. If you stay connected with industry leaders and consistently showcase your skills, they are more likely to recommend you for a role. Simply connect with them on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Discord, or meet them at events like DreamHack, Gamescom, VALORANT Champions, CS2 Majors, and more.
Can esports be a lucrative career?
Yes, but there are important factors to consider before you learn how to start an esports career. If you’re new to the industry, expect to earn less, or you might even have to volunteer. Moreover, the current esports winter and the release of advanced AI tools have made job stability a concern in multiple sectors.
That said, if you stay consistent and follow the tips on how to join esports brands that we have mentioned above, it will be easier for you to land a stable role.
When it comes to salaries, they can vary from a few hundred dollars to millions per year, depending on your role and experience.
Professional players and coaches competing in tier-one leagues can earn over $100,000 annually. In addition to this, they can get additional income through tournament prize pools, sponsorship deals, and content creation.
Dota 2 player Johan “N0tail” Sundstein has earned over $7 million across 69 tournaments and 342 matches, making him the richest esports player of all time. Other notable millionaires include Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen, and Luo “HuaHai” Siyuan, who are famed for their performance in Fortnite, CS2, and Honor of Kings, respectively.
Esports managers usually have incomes ranging from $28,000 to $113,000 per year. Game developers, on the other hand, typically make around an average of $80,000 annually, according to Glassdoor.
If you build your own esports organisation or brand, the earning potential can reach millions of dollars annually. For example, Team Liquid has earned over $50 million from prize pools alone, becoming the most profitable esports team in the world. This is even when excluding income from sponsorships, merchandise, and other revenue streams.
Conclusion
Breaking into the esports industry is surely challenging at first, but with the proper research, consistent effort, and a willingness to learn at every stage, it’s possible to have a successful career.
Whether you want to compete on stage, create engaging content, organize world-class events, or contribute behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone. Start by learning about the industry, gaining experience, growing your network, and showcasing your passion for the industry & your dream job opportunity might be waiting for you.
FAQs
What jobs can you get in esports?
You can participate in esports as a player, coach, event organizer, content creator, host, commentator, developer, or work in areas such as marketing and management.
Is esports considered a career?
Yes, thousands of professionals have built successful careers in esports across multiple roles.
Do esports players get paid a salary?
Esports players in tier-one leagues can easily earn over $100,000 a year, but surviving in tier-two circuits or below is extremely challenging.
Is esports a long-term career?
As long as you focus on gaining experience, building a portfolio, and networking with industry leaders, you can have a stable career in esports.
Is it hard to enter the esports industry?
Considering the highly competitive and passion-driven nature of the esports industry, it can be challenging to get your foot in the door, but by following our essential tips, you can give yourself a leg up on your competition.
How to start an esports team?
Starting an esports team at the lower casual level can be simple: you need a group of friends who are all skilled in one (or more) games and routinely play competitively. This could start online and then gradually transition to taking part in in-person events; however, success isn’t guaranteed, nor does it come easy, as it can take years to go pro and become financially successful.
How to join an esports team?
The best way to join an esports team is through networking. By establishing a following on social media, creating a portfolio highlighting your skills, published to platforms such as X, YouTube, Twitch, and Reddit, before requesting that you’re looking for a team. You may be head-hunted if you’re good enough, but chances are you will start semi-pro (or unpaid) before making it to the big leagues.
