8 Esports Careers You Didn't Know Existed
The esports industry has exploded in popularity over the last decade, evolving from a niche community to a mainstream sector worth billions.
While most people are familiar with professional gamers, coaches, and commentators, the industry is far more diverse than it appears.
In this blog post we’ll dive into seven lesser-known but equally vital esports careers you probably didn't know about.
Career #1: Esports Psychologist
Job Description
An esports psychologist works closely with players to improve their mental game, focusing on stress management, focus, and team dynamics. This role is crucial for teams looking to gain a competitive edge, as mental fortitude often separates good players from great ones.
Required Qualifications
A degree in psychology is generally required, along with a deep understanding of the esports or game sector. Some psychologists even have specialized training in sports psychology.
Potential Salary
Salaries can vary widely, but expect to earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience and the level of competition you're working with.
Career #2: Esports Event Planner
Job Description
Esports are often compared to traditional sports events in scale and fan engagement. An esports event planner is responsible for logistics, including securing venues to coordinating with sponsors and ensuring a smooth and seamless fan experience.
Required Qualifications
A background in event planning or management and a passion for esports are essential. Strong organizational and communication skills are a must.
Potential Salary
Event planners in the esports industry can expect to earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on the scale of the events they manage.
Career #3: Esports Nutritionist
Job Description
Physical well-being is just as crucial as the mental strength associated with the Esports psychologists. An esports nutritionist works with players to develop customized meal plans, ensuring they are fuelled for peak physical and mental performance.
Required Qualifications
A degree in nutrition or a related field is required. Experience working with athletes can be a significant advantage when applying.
Potential Salary
Esports nutritionists can earn between $45,000 and $85,000 per year, depending on their level of expertise and the calibre of teams they work with.
Career #4: Esports Data Analyst
Job Description
Data is king in the modern world, and esports is no exception. Esports data analysts analyse match statistics, player performance, and other vital metrics to provide insights to teams, coaches, and organizations.
Required Qualifications
A strong background in data science or analytics and proficiency in data visualization tools and programming languages like Python or R is essential.
Potential Salary
The salary for this role can range from $60,000 to $120,000 per year, reflecting the industry's high demand for data expertise.
Career #5: Esports Legal Advisor
Job Description
With big money involved, legal issues are bound to arise. Esports legal advisors help navigate contracts, intellectual property rights, and other legal matters unique to this digital arena.
Required Qualifications
A law degree is a must, along with specialized knowledge in areas like contract law, intellectual property, and digital media.
Potential Salary
Legal advisors in esports can command salaries ranging from $80,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on their experience and the complexity of the issues they handle.
Career #6: Esports Community Manager
Job Description
Community managers act as the bridge between the organization and its fans. They manage social media accounts, engage with the community, and often coordinate with marketing teams to roll out promotional campaigns.
Required Qualifications
Strong communication skills are essential, along with experience in social media management and a deep understanding of the esports culture.
Potential Salary
Community managers can earn between $35,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on the size and reach of their organisation.
Career #7: Esports Journalist
Job Description
Esports journalists cover the industry from various angles, from reporting on significant events to conducting interviews and writing feature articles. This role is crucial for keeping the community informed and engaged.
Required Qualifications
A background in journalism or degree in communications is generally required, along with a passion for esports and excellent writing skills.
Potential Salary
Esports journalists can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on their level of experience and the platforms they write for.
Career #8: Freelance Gaming Marketplaces
Job Description
Third-party gaming marketplaces like igitems.com offer a unique career for those looking to carve out a niche in the esports industry.
These platforms allow individuals to provide services like video game coaching, selling in-game items, or even freelance casting and analysis. Unlike traditional careers, these roles offer a high degree of flexibility and are perfect for those looking to turn their passion for gaming into a side hustle or full-time gig.
Required Qualifications
Qualifications can vary widely depending on the service you're offering. For example, if you're looking to become a game coach, a high skill level in your chosen game and the ability to teach others are essential. A deep understanding of the game's economy and market trends is beneficial for selling in-game items.
Potential Earnings
Earnings in this sector are often performance-based and can range from a modest side income to a lucrative full-time salary, depending on your expertise and the demand for your service.
Why These Careers Matter
These lesser-known roles are the backbone of the esports industry. They contribute to the scene's growth, professionalism, and sustainability, ensuring that it continues to thrive. As esports gains mainstream acceptance, the demand for these specialized careers will only grow, offering many opportunities for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Did any of these careers catch your eye? Do you have any more to add to the list? Let's keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and remember to subscribe for more insightful content like this.
