How do you find the next esports superstar?

Esports is a booming industry that attracts millions of fans and players from around the world. But how do you spot the next esports superstar, the one who can dominate the game, captivate the audience, and earn the big bucks? In this article, we'll explore some of the factors and methods that can help you identify and nurture the next generation of esports talent.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 4 contributions. Learn more

1 Talent scouting

One of the most obvious ways to find the next esports superstar is to scout for players who show exceptional skills, potential, and performance in the game. You can use various tools and platforms to track and analyze players' stats, rankings, achievements, and playstyles. You can also watch live streams, replays, tournaments, and events to see how players handle different situations, strategies, and opponents. Talent scouting requires a lot of research, observation, and evaluation, but it can pay off if you spot a hidden gem or a rising star.

Add your perspective

Ilias Pajoheshfar

Founder of Resolve Esports & SYFN
Report contribution
One of the most important factors when deciding whether to sign a player is to understand their goals and see whether they align with the organisation's. An ambitious project requires ambitious players, a professional project requires mature and focused players, and any team requires a balance of experience, similar ambitions and ultimately the kind of cohesion you can only attain once you understand exactly who the player is. Take your time, get to know the person and trust your gut.

Like

2 Personality and branding

Another important factor to consider when looking for the next esports superstar is their personality and branding. Esports is not only about playing the game, but also about engaging with the fans, sponsors, and media. You want to find players who have charisma, confidence, and communication skills, as well as a unique and memorable identity. You can look for players who have a large and loyal following on social media, streaming platforms, or websites, or who create original and entertaining content. Personality and branding can help players stand out from the crowd and attract more opportunities and attention.

Add your perspective

Ilias Pajoheshfar

Founder of Resolve Esports & SYFN
Report contribution
When it comes to personality, there are three factors to be considered. How will their personality impact the team, how their personality will resonate with the fans, and how their personality fits with sponsors and brand identity. There is no right or wrong answer when understanding who the fans will love. Some are loved for the exact same reasons that may cause others to dislike them. First, ask whether the player fits with your brand. Some brands pride themselves on professionalism, others are entertaining, and some are competitive. A big personality can be great for brand exposure, especially if they already have an audience. It's about understanding the goals of your organisation, and those of the player, and whether it's a good fit.

Like

3 Teamwork and leadership

Esports is also a team sport, especially for games that require coordination, cooperation, and strategy. You want to find players who can work well with others, who can adapt to different roles and situations, and who can lead by example. You can look for players who have experience and success in playing with teams, who have positive and constructive feedback from their teammates and coaches, and who have a clear vision and goal for their esports career. Teamwork and leadership can help players excel in competitive and professional environments and inspire others to follow them.

Add your perspective

4 Passion and dedication

Esports is a passion-driven industry, where players need to love what they do and be willing to invest time, energy, and resources to improve and grow. You want to find players who have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the game, who are always eager to learn and challenge themselves, and who are committed to achieving their dreams. You can look for players who have a long and consistent history of playing the game, who have overcome obstacles and setbacks, and who have a strong work ethic and discipline. Passion and dedication can help players overcome difficulties and reach new heights.

Add your perspective

Ilias Pajoheshfar

Founder of Resolve Esports & SYFN
Report contribution
In my experience, intrinsically motivated players are the best to work with. They love the game and performance drives them. It's important to note that they often lack balance and will need guidance on have a healthy lifestyle alongside esports. This guidance will usually be well received as many intrinsically motivated players will go above and beyond to become the best. Find those who already exhibit these kinds of behaviours. This might be through learning about sport science and injury prevention, or regularly reviewing their own gameplay, or those who have already built up reputations as hard workers in other teams. Passion really does drive esports and can be incredibly clear who is there to be the best.

Like

5 Potential and growth

Esports is a dynamic and evolving industry, where players need to keep up with the changes and trends in the game, the scene, and the market. You want to find players who have potential and growth, who can adapt and innovate, and who can anticipate and seize opportunities. You can look for players who have shown improvement and progress over time, who have experimented with different approaches and techniques, and who have explored new avenues and platforms. Potential and growth can help players stay relevant and competitive and create their own legacy.

Add your perspective

6 Support and guidance

Esports is a challenging and demanding industry, where players need to cope with the pressure and expectations of the fans, the sponsors, and themselves. You want to find players who have support and guidance, who can rely on their family, friends, mentors, and peers, and who can seek and receive help and advice. You can look for players who have a supportive and positive network of people around them, who have mentors and role models who can teach and inspire them, and who have resources and opportunities that can enhance and enrich their esports journey. Support and guidance can help players balance and enjoy their esports career and achieve their full potential.

Add your perspective

Ilias Pajoheshfar

Founder of Resolve Esports & SYFN
Report contribution
For many, video games started out as a way to escape the challenges of the real world. Esports provides a strong sense of accomplishment and a way to be social without necessarily leaving your comfort zones. For many, gaming might also be looked down on by family members and cause domestic problems. Once an esports athlete accomplishes the difficult task of going pro, the pressure and attention can be incredibly overwhelming. I don't think it's necessarily fair to suggest looking for players who already have positive networks of people around them, but rather helping players who don't already have that to cultivate them. This might be through involving and educating the families, as well as understanding and addressing their concerns.

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How do you find the next esports superstar?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Talent scouting

2 Personality and branding

3 Teamwork and leadership

4 Passion and dedication

5 Potential and growth

6 Support and guidance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Esports

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Esports

More relevant reading

How do you find the next esports superstar?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Talent scouting

2 Personality and branding

3 Teamwork and leadership

4 Passion and dedication

5 Potential and growth

6 Support and guidance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Esports

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills