Things you should have done already (or need to do!)
By now you should have already knocked a couple things off the chopping block; and if you haven’t, that’s fine, this will just be a review of the things to come. By this point in your journey you should be a dominating force in your chosen game and have hours and hours of practice in it. You should also be a top tier rank in whichever game it is that your striving to succeed in! Another huge thing to think about is the fact that you need to already be involved in your games community. If you have not made a name for yourself, and your up to this step, it’s time to make one! People in your given games community should and definitely need to recognize you as the dominating force you are. A great way to make this happen is by chatting in game and also being involved in forums. Also social media plays a huge role here.
The next step
So now you’ve got these steps done and it’s time for your transition to start. Your first step is finding a team, or if your in a solo game, you MAY be ready to enter into a tournament (but let’s not get to far ahead of ourselves). In order to find a team, you now have to go to your community and make it known that your are available. Remember, they should want you! Tell players that are at your level, ask for others to spread the word, and possibly even contact some teams; but do not just sit back and wait for a team to come to you! This goes for solo game gamers as well!
Found a Team, Started a Team or Flying Solo, Now What?
If you found a team, this step may already be done for you, so if so, your off the hook. Your next step in making your transition if you start a team or fly solo is to find a manager and some sponsors (remember there are other variables and you may have to enter tournaments or events before these are acquirable depending on your known skill level and game). Like I said, there are a couple different scenarios that could play out, and how your schedule works may be a little different, but regardless these are two very important factors in being a pro gamer. If you don’t want to be bothered with these steps, because I admit they are difficult, then you probably should backtrack a step and find a team that will provide these things for you.
If you do decide to stick to your gut and don’t decide to join a team, it’s time for a few decisions:
1. Are you going to be the manager as well? (And do you have what it takes?)
2. Should you enter into a few tournaments (and possibly win a few actually) before you begin looking for sponsorship’s?
Once you decide these things, you can then move forward.
Managing a team or yourself
If your decide to manage yourself or a team, your definitely need to be ready to put time and work in that don’t strictly involve being a player. Getting a team logo, website, marketing, and everything that involved entering into tournaments and providing for the rest of your team now fall in your hands (and some of this may still be your job even if you do get a manager, so don’t rule it out!). Once you get to this step, follow through with it, and everything begins flowing, your job as a pro gamer now becomes winning tournaments and keeping your name out there!