During the past two decades, video games were primarily enjoyed as entertainment, and only occasionally were they considered resembling sports competitions. However, the situation has shifted considerably in recent years: tournaments that pit gamers against each other have become widespread. The professionalisation of games and players resulted in new job opportunities, and hefty amounts of revenue have poured into various game development companies.
So, what is e-sport exactly? E-sport is a form of sport in what’s known as cyberspace. It’s a fast-growing competition with people worldwide competing in different games, and unlike traditional sports, they don’t rely on physical support teams, equipment or venues. Instead, e-sports take place entirely in the virtual world of video games, such as League of Legends, Call of duty, Overwatch or Counter-Strike, to name a few.
While it may seem confusing for something that happens inside a computer to be considered a sport, e-sports games have been growing in popularity over the last ten years. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re getting ready for your first tournament or maybe simply searching for some extra ideas. Well, no need to worry, we’ll teach you all you need to know to ace your first gaming event.
Your first gaming tournament can be a bit overwhelming. The whole experience is different from most competitions that you’re used to. And there are way more details than you’d expect on the execution side. Thrill and excitement are guaranteed if you’ve decided to compete in your first gaming tournament.
With intense competition, a new level of gaming skill and an estimated 109 million viewers, what’s not to like? However, to improve your chances of earning first place and maybe saving you from some of the painful mistakes that first-timers make, this article gives you some tips on how to nail your first gaming tournament.
Preparation Is The Key
The most crucial aspect of an e-sport tournament is to prepare ahead of time, as with any other competition. If possible, watch past matches via live stream to get a sense of what you’re getting yourself into. Consider each moment a learning opportunity and utilise all available resources to practice.
Double-Check Your Equipment Before A Significant Competition
It is usually a good idea to double-check your equipment the bay before and on the day of the tournament: Get your mouse cleaned, your keyboard oiled (yes, this will help with those clicks), and make sure there’s nothing wrong with your headset — it’s a massive distraction if there’s static or something else interfering with your sound! Make sure to warm up your fingers and wrists, practice reaction speed by playing games during ‘time out’ periods, practice hand-eye coordination and use proper pacing techniques.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It’s true that one of the essential things you can do is practice! You should participate in tournaments regularly to be familiar with the rules and know what to expect. This will also help you hone your talents so that when the pressure is on, you’ll learn how to handle it. The more tournaments you compete in, the more you’ll become acclimated to the flow of things and the less apprehensive you’ll be during the actual competition. Furthermore, if you set aside time every day to immerse yourself in the latest releases and discover how many points you can accumulate! You’ll definitely be surprised at how far you can go.
Get Some Adequate Sleep The Night Before The Competition
This step may appear apparent, but many people overlook it. Gamers usually stay up late the night before a tournament playing video games, and then they play for hours on end during the match, and guess what? They don’t do well. They lose focus, can’t concentrate on the game, and are exhausted when their matches come around.
Getting plenty of sleep is another crucial step to guarantee your win. The better rested you are, the more energised you will be when it comes time to play your matches.
Avoid Anything Too Fancy On Stage
You might think it’s cool to pull off that one crazy combo move that you’ve practised a million times, but it won’t impress anyone if you whiff on it or mess up and lose the match because of it. You’ve practised hard to master the game and determine what works best in live tournaments. Just stick to that game plan!
Please keep it simple until you become accustomed to performing in front of an audience, and concentrate on winning.
Avoid Overeating The Day Before The Tournament
Like most gamers, you probably have a routine that you follow before tournaments. You know: eat a big meal, warm up your fingers, repeat your strategy out loud over and over again. And while all of those activities are excellent for keeping your mind in the game, there’s one thing that you might be overlooking: Don’t eat too much before the game.
Most games last about three hours, which seems like a lot of time when you’re planning your pre-tournament diet. But once the buzzer goes off and it’s time to get to it, three hours fly by faster than you can say, “The blue team will undoubtedly win.” So, if you want to stay fresh and concentrated throughout the competition, we suggest eating right before the game—or, better yet, avoiding overeating altogether if possible. It’ll keep you feeling light and ready to succeed!
Supplement With CBD
CBD is gaining momentum in the health and wellness space because of its natural therapeutic properties. It comes in an immense variety of products, from CBD capsules, oils and gummies to topicals and vapes, all of which are marketed to help promote natural relaxation without causing extreme “high” sensations and other notorious side effects.
Adding CBD to your daily routine may be a game-changer, helping appease the stresses and tensions you may feel before, during and after a gaming competition. CBD is thought to assist the body’s endocannabinoid system in regulating various processes, including mood, sleep and appetite, to stabilise the body and usher into a state of equilibrium called “homeostasis”. When your body is in full harmony, it will be easier to set your mind in focus and your body in complete coordination when gaming.
Be Confident With Your Skills
Are there any screens or other equipment that could block your view? And what kind of seating will be available for spectators? Make a mental note of potential hazards or distractions that could throw you off your game. If you’re going against someone who seems more confident than you, try to stay calm and focus on what’s happening in the game. If it helps, think about all the time and energy you’ve put into preparing for this moment!
Final Thoughts
We genuinely hope you find the information we’ve provided helpful somehow. The methods outlined above may appear daunting, but you will win your first gaming tournament and walk away with that trophy with enough practice and excellent luck! Don’t hesitate to ask for help and tips from others; there are always individuals ready to help, regardless of your level of experience, which can significantly enhance your skills! So, take the time to talk about your games with others and have an open mind regarding other players’ techniques. Here’s wishing you the best of luck in your future tournaments!