In recent years, video games have gained immense popularity. Today, it is no longer just a time pass, and tournaments are organized at local, national, and international levels. 

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From virtual ludo championship tournaments to counter strike and other action games, the scope of eSport championships is diverse.

Many such tournaments come with good prize money, and those who start competing early will have an edge in the long run. It is understandable that when the stakes are this high, there will be some uncertainty and things will look challenging. For a gamer, it is important to hold their nerves steady and compete with an open mind.

Competitive gaming is very different from gaming at home as the opponent can now see you. This often makes even the most seasoned gamer conscious of their game. eSports is nothing like conventional sports tournaments either.

This makes preparing for such tournaments look like a Herculean task where neither the rules of video gaming nor that of sports tournaments apply. To help you prepare for your first eSports tournament, we present a detailed guide.

Get Yourself to Do It

If you are participating in an eSports tournament for the first time, you may be a little concerned about the uncertainty of what lies in store. 

From minor concerns like whether there will be enough space for you to set up the keyboard and mouse in a way you like to bigger ones like accommodation woes, you will have several things running in your mind. 

There may also be a lingering doubt on whether you are good enough or if you should practice for a few more months before jumping to professional gaming. 

Understand that all these doubts will exist as long as you are afraid to make the jump. It is only when you get yourself to participate in such tournaments that will you see for yourself where you stand and work on improving your game.

Plan Your Changes

Your first eSports tournament will be close to your heart, and it is understandable if you want to give it your best. Unless necessary, try to avoid making any significant changes to your regular schedule. 

Only if that gaming tournament is held at a time when your body does not function well, should you consider making amendments to your sleep schedule.

For example, if you are comfortable in gaming past midnight but need to participate in a tournament that begins at 8 am, adjust your schedule for a few days. 

This will help ensure that your body functions during the hours of the tournament. While changing your schedule, make sure you give your body ample rest.

Sleeping less than your regular hours or playing twice as much to improve your practice will take a toll on your body’s rhythm. This will have a detrimental effect on your game and may lead to you not being able to perform well.

Set Realistic Targets

While hard work is the key to succeeding in eSports tournaments, you need to set realistic goals for yourself. Understand that the purpose of such games is to have fun. 

When you participate in a tournament (especially if it is your first), do not set out with the goal of winning it. No one becomes a pro immediately, and your aim should be in participation.

If you do manage to win your initial games, treat it as a steppingstone to walk further on the path of success. If not, carefully evaluate what the seasoned players do to prepare themselves for such championships. 

As you participate in more and more such eSports championships, you will learn the finer nuances of competitive eSports and thereby improve your game.

Familiarise Yourself with The Rules

While you may be well acquainted with the ludo board and be an expert in playing the game virtually, you need to realize that there may be specific rules to the tournament you are participating in. 

From amendments to the conventional rules of the game to etiquettes like no in-gaming chat, no verbal abuse, or no fraternizing with the enemy, the rules may be diverse. 

To avoid facing the embarrassment of being called out during a live game, make sure you are aware of the rules.

Carry Your Food

While most eSports tournaments provide food to its participants, it is a good practice to carry your food. Try to avoid any form of food experimentation on the day (or the day before) a tournament. 

Having your regular meal helps to keep the body at ease and avoid any digestion or uncomfortable feeling that can take a toll on your performance.

Overconsumption of caffeine affects the reflex of an individual and is highly discouraged before an eSports tournament. The only exception is when you are in the habit of consuming high quantities of CocaCola, RedBull, or coffee in your everyday time. 

In such a situation, the ideal course of action would be to systematically cut down on caffeine and not give up suddenly on the day of the tournament.

Have a Friend Tag Along

It is a good idea to have a friend accompany you to an eSports game. Ideally, choose a friend who is not participating in the tournament as they can be a voice of reason and help you see sense when things go out of control.

From helping you locate the venue of your next game to catching a quick bite before the tournament, you will be amazed to see how having a peer can work wonders. However, be respectful of the help they are offering and treat them to a nice meal after the tournament (irrespective of whether you win or lose).

An eSports tournament helps you widen your horizon and meet new people. Such experiences help in character building and improve your gaming skills. Not only does it fine-tune your competitive skills, but it helps you in preparing for future tournaments. 

As the tips discussed in this article help you prepare for one eSports tournament after another, we wish you the very best in your gaming pursuits.