Out of all the otherly world crises, unemployment is one of the top international economic issues across the globe. With the rise of machine use and extensive competition, there are too many disadvantages in finding and maintaining quality jobs. And, youth unemployment is three times that of adults between the ages of 15 and 24.

Reportedly, the latest studies have estimated that global unemployment is expected to reach 208 million people by 2023, with a 5.8% unemployment rate. According to the stats by CMIE – Centre For Monitoring Indian Economy, "India's unemployment rate increased in April 2023 to 8.11 per cent from 7.8 per cent in March 2023. The unemployment rate has been on an upward trend since the start of the year, recording an increase for the 4th consecutive month". And as of June 19, 2023 update, the unemployment rate of India sits at 8.4%.

Unemployment has several underlying issues such as the increasing human population and robotic machines, decreasing manual work and productive environment, or could be the lack of adequate education and opportunities among the many reasons. This brings us to one of the most underrated and interesting career paths i.e. eSports and gaming.

Esports is an organized and professional electronic gaming competition, often known as eSports, e-Sports, egames, or electronic sports. It operates in the same way as traditional sports and primarily consists of teams playing usually in multiplayer-team tournaments for a monetary award. We all loved playing games growing up, but we never knew that this hobby could make us hold one of the coolest jobs.

In recent years, e-Sports gaming has been gaining popularity and recognition as a legitimate career option. Professional gamers are now earning millions of dollars and rupees in prize money, sponsorships, and advertising deals. This career path is relatively less travelled than any other workforce, although it offers a broad spectrum of opportunities and has little to no pocket expenses.

 e-Sports gaming as a career

 1. High Earnings Potential:

Being a professional gamer has many benefits, including the potential for high income. Famous gamers can profit from prizes, sponsorships, and advertising arrangements. This is especially valid for players who are good at well-known online games like Fortnite, Dota 2, and League of Legends.

2. Flexibility:

Another advantage of e-Sports gaming as a career is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional careers, professional gaming allows gamers to work from anywhere in the world. This means that they can travel to tournaments and events without having to take time off from work.

3. Global Exposure:

Professional gamers have the opportunity to compete in tournaments and events all over the world. This provides them with the opportunity to travel to different countries, meet new people, and experience different cultures.

4. Personal Development:

E-Sports gaming requires a high level of strategy, focus, and teamwork. As a result, professional gamers develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

5. Job Security:

Unlike traditional careers, e-Sports gaming is not affected by economic downturns and recessions. This means that professional gamers have job security and can continue to earn money even during tough times.

6. Accessible:

E-Sports gaming is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a computer or gaming console. This means that anyone can become a professional gamer, regardless of their background or location.

7. Celebrity Status:

Top gamers are treated like celebrities, with millions of fans and followers on social media. This provides them with the opportunity to work with major brands and companies, further increasing their earnings potential.

8. Exciting Career:

E-Sports gaming is an exciting and dynamic career that is constantly evolving. New games and technologies are constantly being developed, providing gamers with new challenges and opportunities.

9. Supportive Community:

E-Sports gaming has a supportive community of fans, gamers, and industry professionals. This community provides support, advice, and guidance to new gamers, making it easier to get started in the industry.

10. A Growing Industry:

E-Sports gaming is a rapidly growing industry with a bright future. As more and more people become interested in gaming, the industry is expected to continue growing, providing new opportunities for professional gamers.

Now that we have discussed the advantages of e-Sports gaming as a career, let's look at how to join this exciting and fast-growing industry.

1.    Choose Your Game:

Selecting the sport is your very first phase in turning into an esports professional. You ought to select any electronic game that you enjoy playing, are naturally talented at, and that fits your preferred playing style and tempo. You should also take into account the game's ubiquity, duration, size, and diversity in the esports community. You have the option to choose from any PC, mobile or console competitive gaming community to join where you can choose to play from various genres of first-person shooters, fighting games, strategy games, sports games, and more.

Currently, Mobile Legends, PUBG, Free Fire, Clash of Clans etc in mobile and

League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Fortnite, and Overwatch on PC are some of the most well-known esports games

 2.    Build Your Skills:

The first step to becoming a professional gamer is to build your skills. This means practising regularly, studying the game, and learning from more experienced gamers.

3.    Join a Team:

Joining a team is an important step in becoming a professional gamer. This provides you with the opportunity to compete in tournaments and events, gain exposure, and learn from other gamers.

4.    Participate in Tournaments:

Participating in tournaments is a great way to gain experience and exposure as a professional gamer. There are many online and offline tournaments available, so be sure to look for ones that are relevant to your game and skill level.

5.    Network:

Networking is an important part of any career. To advance your esports career and build your name and impact, you must network with other competitors, teams, organisations, sponsors, and fans as well as go to offline events like conventions, expos, or LAN parties. One can also utilise social media, blogs, podcasts, or streaming services to display your personality, abilities, and accomplishments and to engage with your audience and colleagues.

Playing games is not the only option here, you can opt to become a manager, a coach, an anchor, a technician or an investor etc related to this broad field. e-Sports is a career that is less explored by the masses. Many(mostly Generation X and older parents) are sceptical of this career path due to lack of awareness, societal pressure, orthodox mentality etc however, it is one of the top-tier scopes with potentially high-generating income sources. This career platform requires the same expected qualities from players just as from any other employee, all you need is your knack for nourishing your skill and talent in a specific field, your commitment towards your task, how well you work and manage around the crowds, and your love and passion for what you do.