Gaming dramas often paint a thrilling picture of competitive esports, where a talented player rises from obscurity to fame overnight. The truth? Reality is much harsher. While professional gaming is a real and highly lucrative career path, the road to success isn’t as glamorous as TV shows suggest. Some elements of these stories do hold truth, but many are exaggerated for dramatic effect.

Esports isn’t just about skill. Many pro players engage in strategic training routines, mental conditioning, and sponsorship deals. Some even supplement their earnings through alternative gaming-related opportunities, like content creation or streaming. The industry also intersects with betting and gaming platforms, such as Avia Masters casino game, where users can engage in skill-based betting games. But does any of this mean you can become a pro gamer like in dramas? Let’s break it down.

The Myth of Overnight Success

One of the biggest misconceptions perpetuated by dramas is that natural talent alone can catapult someone into the professional scene. In reality, esports careers require years of dedication.

Popular gaming dramas like The King’s Avatar and Gank Your Heart show protagonists climbing the ranks in highly competitive environments. While these stories capture the intensity of esports, they often simplify the struggle, making it seem like victories come easily with enough passion. Another good example is Love O2O, where the protagonist is a skilled gamer who easily dominates online competitions, though in reality, progression in professional gaming takes much longer.

  • Training Hours Matter: Pro players typically train for 8-12 hours a day, honing reflexes, strategies, and teamwork. The casual notion of “playing for fun” quickly disappears.
  • The Competition Is Brutal: Millions of players dream of going pro. Only a tiny fraction make it. The odds of reaching the top in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, or Counter-Strike are comparable to becoming a professional athlete.
  • Not Just Gameplay: Success requires networking, brand building, and adaptability. Many players transition to coaching, streaming, or analysis after their peak years.

While natural ability helps, perseverance and structured training are what separate casual gamers from professionals.

Can You Make a Living? Breaking Down the Pay

Esports earnings vary drastically depending on the game, region, and sponsorship opportunities. Unlike what dramas suggest, not every pro gamer is a millionaire. Let’s look at the financial reality:

  1. Tournament Winnings – Only top-tier players make significant earnings from prize pools. In 2023, the Dota 2 International had a prize pool exceeding $3 million, but that money was split among multiple players and teams.
  2. Sponsorships and Streaming – Many players rely on brand sponsorships, Twitch or YouTube revenue, and merchandise sales. A mid-level player can earn anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per month through content creation.
  3. Team Salaries – Established esports organisations offer contracts that provide stability. Players in tier-one teams can earn base salaries of $50,000 to $300,000 per year.

Dramas like You Are My Glory portray gaming careers as financially effortless, but in reality, many players struggle to stay afloat financially. Without strong personal branding and alternative revenue streams, the career lifespan of an esports player remains short.

The Role of Training and Mental Conditioning

Pro gamers don’t just play—they train like athletes. Cognitive skills, reaction time, and team synergy are honed through disciplined routines. Mental health also plays a crucial role.

  • Structured Schedules: Many teams follow rigid daily routines with scrimmages, reviews, and strategy meetings.
  • Sports Psychologists: Just like traditional sports, mental resilience is crucial. Burnout, anxiety, and performance pressure impact many players.
  • Physical Fitness: Surprising as it sounds, physical health affects gaming performance. Reflex training, posture management, and endurance exercises improve consistency.

Dramas often ignore this aspect, portraying gaming as something fueled purely by passion and instinct. Falling Into Your Smile, for instance, touches on teamwork dynamics but downplays the impact of stress and burnout in the industry. In reality, many players retire young due to the intense mental and physical toll.

Reality Check: What It Actually Takes

To make it in esports, the path is far from effortless. If you’re serious about pursuing gaming professionally, consider these key factors:

  • Master One Game – Instead of juggling multiple titles, top players specialise in a single game for years.
  • Join a Competitive Scene – Amateur tournaments and ranked ladders are where pros get noticed. Organisations scout rising talent from these events.
  • Study the Meta – Understanding game mechanics, patch updates, and evolving strategies is crucial.
  • Build a Brand – Even skilled players struggle without visibility. Streaming, social media, and networking help attract sponsors and teams.
  • Develop a Backup Plan – Careers in esports are short-lived. Many players transition into coaching, broadcasting, or game development.

The esports dream is real, but it’s not effortless. Only those who treat it like a full-time job, with training, discipline, and business acumen, stand a chance of making it big. If you enjoy dramas and want a glimpse of the industry, titles like The King’s Avatar and Falling Into Your Smile are worth watching, but remember—real esports requires much more than just talent and luck.