So, you’re staying in your mom’s basement playing No Man’s Sky for the past six months and think you can become a pro-gamer. Chances are, this is probably something shouldn’t be telling your dad you’re trying to pursue right now. This isn’t to say that becoming a pro-gamer isn’t a realistic goal and that you can’t make a great living at it, but it really doesn’t help in the bragging rights department when you haven’t actually put in the work to make your ambitions come true.

The reality is that you can become a pro gamer—anyone can. That’s the beauty of gaming, after all, because all of the pro-gamers on the circuit today are just like you. These are average, run-of-the-mill people who developed the right skills and talent to help them win.

And you can be a winner, too. Here’s how:

1. Narrow down the game

There are hundreds of games out there and you’ve got to narrow down the one you’re going to master. You can’t go at this devoting an hour to playing this one and that one. You’ve ultimately got to narrow it down to that one game that you’re going to get really, really good at. It’s hard to do, because you enjoy gaming and, let’s face it, they’re all fun! But, when you decide to go pro, it’s time to get serious about the one you’re going to master.

2. Practice

This is fairly obvious, but practice does make perfect, you know. But, practice also takes time, so you really need to dedicate yourself to developing the skill it takes to be a pro. No more Saturday nights down at Norkie’s pub on Third Street – you’ve got work to do. You also have to be able to compete, no matter how you’re feeling, or if you’re tired or under the weather. They’re not going to reschedule a competition based upon your health, you know. So practice, practice, practice, even under a variety of conditions (like being sick, hungover, etc.) to prepare for gaming under any circumstance.

3. Balance your time

Becoming a pro-gamer takes time, and in the meantime, you’ve got to support yourself by paying your bills and meeting other life obligations. In other words, don’t quit or neglect the day job you have just because of all the gaming benefits you expect to come.^[1] Right now, you need that job and it requires discipline to know just when to concentrate solely on your future gaming career. You need to keep this in perspective, so when you’re at work, concentrate on work. But during the time you’ve scheduled for practicing your gaming, tune out the world to practice your craft. Turn off the phone, radio, or any other distractions and totally devote that time to this sport.

4. Know what’s staying hot

You’ve got to use some common sense here and stay on top of the games that aren’t just hot this month, but also know and anticipate the ones that will stay hot.^[2] Some of this is marketing 101, fads come and go, and the gaming industry is no different. You’ve got to be able to distinguish the games that are the latest on the bandwagon and which games are going to be the surefire classics for months and years to come. There is no point in devoting hours and hours mastering a game that is only going to die out in popularity and relevance in a month or two later.

5. Network

If you’re going to be a pro-gamer, you need to know the circuit and the competition, so get to know it early on.^[3] Attend the competitions, read the gaming magazines, and really get to know these guys. When there’s a guy who’s on fire, don’t envy his success, rather watch for the attributes that got them there in the fist place. The value here is that you not only get to know who you’ll possibly be facing, but by moving in these circles, you’ll develop the attitude it takes to win.

Featured photo credit: Derek Bridges via flickr.com