When thinking of gaming, the common perception is that it is a casual, fun hobby enjoyed by millions across the globe. However, this is a stark contrast to the reality of an elite, pro gamer. Professional gaming is not just a matter of getting paid for winning a few ranked matches. Rather, it is a systemic, data-informed process that requires a player's dedication and a whole lot of training. Of course, it does raise the question of how exactly someone trains to play a video game, and three surprising pillars make up a pro's regime: Mechanical Mastery, Tactical Refinement, and Cognitive Conditioning.
The Operational Baseline: Infrastructure, Routine, & Resources
Before delving into each pillar, it is important to understand how crucial a fixed daily schedule and minimized variables are for pro gamers. It is no secret that these professionals are on the move all the time, and this further emphasizes the need for strict infrastructure, routine, and resource management. Specifically, if a tournament is happening in Tokyo and requires a 2-week-long stay, there should be an operational baseline. With infrastructure, having a high-spec PC or console set-up is vital, especially when it comes to scheduled training or practice sessions.
As such, booking a Japanese gaming hotel helps maintain that consistency. Similarly, payment systems differ from country to country, and athletes need to keep up with the simplest options as they travel. While the US accepts standard methods like PayPal and Apple/Google Pay, Germany has Klarna, and Sweden has Swish. Australia's PayID, for example, is quite popular for its simple sign-up requirements, needing only an email address or mobile number. As such, a gamer visiting the country would easily understand how does payid deposits work, especially when it comes to funding their gaming experiences.
Fast, secure, and hassle-free ways that are free of charge take priority. Even with travelling, purchasing plane tickets and/or booking accommodation should be simplified to alleviate stress. As such, platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner quickly come in handy by comparing options and presenting the cheapest or most relevant options. These elements all contribute to sustaining routine while effectively handling resources.
Systematic Mechanical Mastery
Naturally, not all pros are playing the same genre or title, which is why there are quite a few ways each gamer masters systematic or mechanical control. For shooter games, aim and recoil control drills are very common. Aim Labs and Kovaak are some examples of external aim trainers created to help FPS players practice and perfect their skills. These tools make it easier for pros to isolate specific aiming principles, such as flick, tracking, speed vs. accuracy, to help them achieve subconscious competence and muscle memory.
This bleeds directly into practicing for reaction time or cross-hair placement. For one, minimizing mouse or joystick movement is a vital part of achieving the perfect cross-hair placement. Similarly, fast reaction time is not something that can be naturally attained. Pros need to train themselves to catch, dodge, or counter even the slightest movement caught in their peripheral vision. There is an array of specialized programs or specific game modes designed for this exact reason, helping these professionals push their cognitive reaction limits.
Additionally, a warm-up and cool-down protocol is also necessary. Remember, many pro gamers are still gamers who enjoy the sport as a hobby. Alternatively, a casual game might just be played in preparation for a more serious match. As such, being able to tell the difference between a competitive game and a casual game becomes crucial. Knowing when to warm up (activating fast-twitch muscles and focus) versus when it's time for skill improvement (practice) is very important. To prevent mental fatigue spillover, a dedicated cool-down process is needed.
Tactical and Team Refinement
Beyond isolated, single-player training, a pro gamer also needs to know how to improve within the team dynamic. As a result, it is common for these players to analyze their POV positioning, find any flaws that could negatively impact the team, and then fix them. Decision-making time, utility usage, and map placement all contribute to this. Being aware of opponent tendencies, positioning, and spawn points also works in favor of players, showcasing just how much analysis goes on BTS (Behind-the-Scenes).
This also speaks to the importance of scrims. Many pro teams will engage in informal matches against one another with coaches to guide them. However, this is not just a simple warm-up session or friendly game; rather, it is an experiment with clearly laid out objectives. For example, Search & Destroy is a great mode for Call of Duty players to practice their strategy and teamwork. In a scrim of this mode, coaches might set the goal that Team A needs to ensure the bomb is planted at Site B within the first 15 minutes.
Communication and efficient call-outs tie into this. Scrims might be used to practice passing along information as accurately and concisely as possible. Some teams might need to practice call-out drills to ensure that certain developments are passed to other players instantaneously. There needs to be a reduction in verbal filler (so no random conversation or musings), and these drills can help streamline this process. Ultimately, this is a high-stakes sport, so communication needs to be strictly professional and of the highest quality at all times.
Cognitive and Physical Conditioning
As with any other sport, physical and mental conditioning are of utmost importance. Sports psychologists play a large role here in that they help with tilt management and mitigate any performance anxiety. Players need to learn specific breathing techniques or visualization methods to help them stay focused during a match. Even a split-second break in concentration mid-game can result in a loss, which is why pro gamers need laser focus at all times.
On the physical side of things, wrist and hand exercises are a vital part of training. Not only does this prevent RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), but it also helps gamers stay physically healthy. Their hands are their livelihood, which is why this conditioning matters so much. Beyond this, a balanced diet, hydration, and fixed sleep schedules are all contributing factors to a pro gamer's performance. Contrary to popular belief, gaming (especially as a professional) requires sustained focus that can only be achieved through healthy habits. Reaction speed, communication, and micro movements can all be negatively impacted otherwise.