Cover Photo: Yan Krukau
Maybe you’re grinding ranked matches late at night, outplaying half the lobby, and starting to wonder if it’s time to take your skills to the next level—the competitive level.
I get it. That leap from casual gaming to competitive play is exciting, but you need to remember that the eSports world is bigger, faster, and more competitive than what you’re used to. Tournaments fill arenas, prize pools can reach millions, and even amateur leagues are packed with players who have been training for years. Simply put, becoming a competitive player takes a lot of effort, and actually winning a tournament is an entirely separate challenge.
Here’s the thing: everyone starts somewhere. Every pro you’ve watched on Twitch was once just like you—a gamer with a dream, trying to figure out how to break in.
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko
You don’t need to spend a fortune on gear to get started. Along with the right mindset and some smart strategies, investing in reliable gaming hardware and a strong internet connection is important if you want to stay competitive.
A setup like the HP Omen 35L can handle the job with ease. Its 64GB RAM and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super graphics card let you play your favorite games for hours without performance issues.
For internet, we recommend XFinity; it provides low ping, super-fast speeds, and support from bilingual Xfinity servicio al cliente!
How can you even think about stepping into competitive gaming without the right gear?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some tried-and-true tips to help you reach your goal. If that sounds good, let’s get into the details.
Understand What Competitive Gaming Really Is
Photo: Alena Darmel
First, you need to understand the spectrum of competitive gaming.
There’s a huge difference between casual gaming and competitive play. When you’re playing casually, mistakes happen, but they rarely have serious consequences.
Competitive gaming, on the other hand, is a different beast. Every player you face often has years of experience, and mistakes can cost you the entire match—or even a tournament.
Even one error can be costly, so every move you make needs careful consideration.
Another critical factor is the rules.
In tournaments, you’re playing by strict regulations, whereas casual play is more flexible. This makes competitive gaming feel entirely different and often more challenging. Before entering a full-fledged tournament, make sure you understand the rules, format, and all the nuances of competitive play.
Pick the Right Game (and Stick with It)
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This is arguably the most important step in your gaming career. Here’s why.
There are countless games out there, and it’s tempting to try them all. You can enjoy them all casually, but competitive play requires focus. Constantly switching games slows your progress and makes you less competitive. Pick one game and dedicate yourself to mastering it. Your goal should be total mastery.
Popular options include games like Valorant, CS2, and others. But how do you choose the perfect game for your competitive journey?
First, understand how the game plays, its mechanics, and its required movements. For example, Dota 2 is vastly different from Valorant, so your personal preference and playstyle will guide your choice.
Next, research the game’s competitive scene: the size of the player base, the available tournaments, and the skill ceiling. Once you’ve done your research, you’ll have a clear idea of which games to pursue and which to skip.
Master the Fundamentals
Photo: Alena Darmel
After choosing your game, the next step is to master the fundamentals.
So, what are the fundamentals? Take Valorant as an example: your aim, map knowledge, and reflexes are the basics. These core skills form the foundation for all higher-level play.
Many players make the mistake of trying to be flashy without first mastering these fundamentals. They neglect basic skills, such as shooting accurately and reacting quickly to enemy attacks. As a result, they might entertain spectators but rarely become champions. Focus on the fundamentals first—it’s the only way to build a strong competitive foundation.
Last But Not Least: Watch and Learn From the Pros
Photo: RDNE Stock project
Observation is just as important as practice.
I once watched a gaming tournament video where a player said, “Play less, watch more.” I mostly agree, but playing at a similar skill level is necessary to implement what you learn.
To become competitive, you must become a keen observer. Watch tournaments or YouTube videos of pro players; you’ll pick up countless strategies and techniques. You can’t learn everything by playing alone. Learning by observation is key.
For example, I used to play PUBG Mobile on my smartphone and struggled to improve. Then I started watching Levinho, one of the best PUBG Mobile players, on YouTube. By studying his gameplay, my own skills improved dramatically.
You can do the same: pick your game and start watching the top players. Observe their strategies, positioning, and decision-making, then apply what you learn in your own matches.
Closing Thoughts
Breaking into competitive gaming requires dedication: understanding the scene, choosing the right game, mastering the fundamentals, and learning from the pros. Every professional started at the beginning, and with persistence and the right approach, you can climb the ranks too.
