eSports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Want to be a part of it? It's not as difficult as you may think!
This guide will explore the process of starting your own eSports team. We'll discuss everything from finding players to securing sponsorships. Are you ready to become a part of the eSports community?
Let's get started!
Getting Started with Creating a Team
The first step to building an eSports team is deciding what kind of team you want to create.
Do you want to focus solely on competitive play and aim for a world-class ranking? Or do you simply want to have some fun playing with friends? Maybe you're running a team to play against other teams from rival companies or businesses or universities and colleges.
Any is fine, but it's good to have an idea of what kind of goals you'll achieve with your team.
This way, you can find players that align with your team's values, and you'll work better together. For example, you might start a team for fun, where you could play with the team. If you're starting an eSports as a business, then you'll probably be the manager and won't actually play the game.
This is why it's important to know where you're heading before starting your journey.
Finding Players
Finding players is one of the most important steps in creating an eSports team. Since there are so many different ways to find potential teammates, it can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get there once you start piecing people together.
Of course, how many players you have will depend on what game you're playing. If you're playing League of Legends, then you'll need at least five players, one for each role, and that's assuming you find the right players.
You'll need to switch players out to fit your roster, and you may have substitutes on standby if required. It all depends on your approach to the game and what you're trying to achieve.
For example, are you trying to piece together an all-star squad, or do you want a star player where the other players support this mechanically-gifted player? It's up to you.
You may want to reach out to friends or family who have expressed interest in eSports or post on forums or social media networks for people looking for teams. Additionally, there are many online tournaments where you can find players who may be willing to join your team.
Reddit is a good place to talk, or you can look at game rankings and reach out to players directly if you think they're suitable. Just make sure you do your research beforehand to ensure they're a good fit!
Branding Your Team
As you're finding your players, it's time to start building your team's brand. This includes creating a logo, creating a creative name, and designing promotional materials like jerseys and other apparel.
Having a unique brand identity will help you stand out from the crowd and attract more attention to your team.
Finding Tournaments and Sponsorships
The next step is finding tournaments to compete in. This can be done by researching tournaments online, networking with other teams, or even reaching out to tournament organizers directly.
These can be whatever competitions you want, and you could even organize them yourself, especially if you're running an eSports team in your college, university, or among workplaces.
NCSA is a great place to start looking for eSports tournaments in your local area (USA only).
If you're opting to make a career out of your eSports, then you'll be in with a chance to earn money through the winnings of these tournaments.
Make Some Money
Running an eSports team will cost money, and you'll want to make it sustainable. If you're going for glory and you want to win competitions, you'll need good players, and they'll want a salary. You'll also want to pay for your marketing and branding.
Of course, if you're winning tournaments, then you'll earn money through the prize pool, but this will always be divided up. Then there are taxes, and there's no guarantee you'll win, so you'll have to pay salaries from another form of income.
One of the most popular ways to do this is to start looking for sponsorships to help with travel expenses or other costs associated with competing in tournaments. You can look for local businesses, eSports organizations, and even individual donors who may be willing to provide financial assistance.
Start Playing!
Once you've created a brand, found players, and begun searching for tournaments and sponsorships, it's time to start playing! With the right team and some practice, you can start competing in tournaments and build your team into a successful eSports organization.
So get out there and have some fun!
Remember: eSports teams don't have to shoot for the highest victory. As long as you're having fun, that's all that matters! Best of luck on your journey toward becoming a successful eSports team.
How do eSports teams earn money?
eSports teams can earn money in a variety of ways. While tournament winnings are the most obvious form of income, teams can also generate revenue through sponsorships and merchandise sales.
Additionally, streaming services like Twitch and YouTube Gaming offer avenues for teams to monetize their content. With the right strategy, your team can start earning money while having a great time competing in tournaments.
On top of this, streaming your player's content, selling merch and event tickets, and running social media profiles, such as Twitch channels and YouTube channels with curated content (like G2 has done here), can make you money, as can brand sponsorships once you have a big enough audience.
How to promote an eSports team?
Promoting an eSports team can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to get the word out. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are great ways to reach potential fans.
Additionally, you can create content such as highlight reels or interviews with players that will help attract viewers. Finally, attending local tournaments and interacting with the community can be an effective way to draw attention to your team.
How much does it cost to start an eSports team?
The costs associated with starting an eSports team will vary depending on the size of your team and the tournaments you plan to participate in. Some of the most common expenses include travel, equipment, salaries for players and staff, and software applications. Ultimately, it's up to you as a team owner to decide how much you are willing to invest in order to reach your goals.
Conclusion
Building an eSports team is no easy feat, but it can be extremely rewarding when done properly. By finding players, creating a unique brand identity, and promoting your team, you can get on the path to success in the world of eSports.
With the right commitment and dedication, you can start having fun competing with your team in no time!
Good luck on your journey toward becoming a successful eSports team!