Chances are you’ve watched an esports match without even realising it. Maybe it was a friend’s older sibling glued to a Fortnite tournament, or a clip of thousands of fans cheering on a League of Legends team in a packed stadium. Esports is competitive video gaming, played at an organised level, with real teams, real coaches, and real prize money up for grabs. It might sound like just a hobby, but it’s fast becoming a serious industry offering career opportunities, both on and off the screen.
What exactly is esports?
Esports covers organised, competitive gaming where individuals or teams face off in popular titles like League of Legends, Valorant, Dota 2, or FIFA. Matches can range from small local competitions to enormous international tournaments, some of which fill arenas and are broadcast to millions watching online. Unlike casual gaming, esports has structure including things like leagues, sponsors, coaches, and strict rules, much like traditional sport.
How big is the industry, really?
Esports has grown from a niche hobby into a global industry with a projected revenue of US$5.1bn in 2026. Analysts at Grand View Research project the global esports market will keep expanding at a growth rate of over 20% a year through to 2033, while Statista estimates the worldwide esports audience will grow to 924.9m users by 2030. That growth doesn’t just include players. It includes broadcasters, sponsors, event organisers, and marketing teams, all working to support the games and the people who play them.
What careers exist in esports?
There are professional esports players – they’re the people who compete in the games and tournaments. They are often part of a sponsored team, with income coming from prize money, salaries, and sponsorships; but the industry needs far more than that to function. Take a look at the diagram below for an idea.
So what are some other careers you might not have considered?
Coach or team analyst. They study gameplay footage, spotting patterns in opponents’ strategies, and helping players improve their performance and teamwork. TAFE Queensland offer a Certificate II in Sports Coaching – Esports if you’d like to get started or get an idea of what’s included.
Broadcaster or shoutcaster. Commentating live on matches, much like a sports presenter, they’re the hype-people who help audiences follow the action and understand the strategy behind it.
Event organiser. They plan and run tournaments, from booking venues to managing schedules and coordinating teams.
Content creator or streamer. Building an audience by playing games online, sharing tips, or reviewing new releases on platforms such as Twitch or YouTube.
Marketing and sponsorship specialist. Connecting brands with esports audiences, negotiating sponsorship deals, and running promotional campaigns.
Game designer or developer. Working behind the scenes to build the games and storylines that are essential for esports, from level design to balancing gameplay and all the bits in between.
Read more about possible career pathways in Esports here.
Building experience and finding your pathway
As we’ve established there are a lot more roles than just professional players to work in esports. Many roles value organisation, communication, and teamwork just as much as gaming skill and technological abilities.
Competitions are a natural starting point. Sign up for school or community gaming tournaments, or look out for local or online amateur leagues. Gain experience, test your skills and start building a track record. Even if you don’t win, taking part is resume worthy, showing initiative and gives you something to talk about in future applications.
Start gaining valuable work experience, that doesn’t mean joining a professional team straight away. Volunteer to help to run a school gaming club, volunteer at a local gaming event, or assisting with the technical side of a livestream are all great ways to build relevant skills. Reach out to local esports organisations or gaming cafes and ask if they need help with events; many are happy to take on enthusiastic volunteers.
Online experience could be helpful too. You could start YouTube channel, writing about games for a blog, or moderate a gaming community on Discord. These are all examples that demonstrate your commitment and will help you grow practical skills in communication, editing, or community management.
Networking is an often underestimated skill. By joining online communities, attending local gaming meet-ups, and connecting with players or organisers on social media you could meet people and open doors that formal applications sometimes can’t.
Courses and qualifications worth considering
If you’d like some formal training behind you, there are several options worth researching.
Some universities now offer specific esports degrees or business degrees with an esports or games industry focus, covering areas like event management, marketing, and games business strategy. If a full degree feels like a big commitment, short courses and microcredentials in game design, digital marketing, or streaming and video production could be a quick way to build relevant skills. For those more interested in the technical side of esports, a certificate or diploma in game development, computer science, or IT can open the door to design and development roles within the industry.
Whichever path appeals to you, it’s worth researching a few providers and comparing what each course actually covers before committing.
Ready to explore your next move?
Esports is proof that a passion for gaming can lead somewhere real, whether that’s on stage, behind a camera, or behind the scenes making it all happen. The best way to find your fit is to start small – join a competition, offer to help at an event, or simply start creating.
For more ideas on turning your interests into a career, check out our Jobs & Careers page for more inspiration and practical next steps.
