Like any other sport, becoming a competitor in a video game is about practice and equipment. Since both of these aspects can be confusing for newcomers, it’s easy to go down a path of bad advice and end up wasting time and money.

Fortunately, the first steps into the eSports world don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Take the following into account, and you’ll be on your way.

Equipment

The best computer equipment isn’t cheap, with the highest tier costing thousands for single pieces in a set. Thankfully, most eSports titles have been developed especially with low requirements in mind, so you won’t have to break the bank to jump on it.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to aim for an average frame rate of 144 FPS to play at your best Exactly what this takes will depend on the game, but benchmark websites can help you, narrowing down exactly what you’ll need to hit the mark. This is the point at which pros like to play, so if you can achieve this level of performance, you’ll be set.

To utilize the 144 FPS target, you’re also going to need a monitor capable of outputting at 144hz. There’s a lot of variety in monitors that can reach this number, and we’d also recommend getting one with G-Sync compatibility so any dropped frames are handled without visual tearing.

The deals for monitors can change rapidly, so be sure to check reviews so you can save money. 1080p is also what most pros play at, so you don’t need to worry about 1440p or 4K, which can make 144 FPS much harder to hit anyway.

Finally, you also need to ensure you find the right input device like a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad that suits your game and style.

For these components, it can be best to first visit a physical store to check how the different models feel, before you go through with buying one. Remember that complicated doesn’t always equal better when it comes to input.

Practice 

A lot of getting better is going to involve playing actual games, but there are aspects around this that can be equally as important. The first is breaking play down into its components. If you’re playing an FPS, for example, this means spending time aiming, moving, and forging map familiarity one at a time.

This type of direct experience can then be fused, which will add up to a more comfortable overall play style. You should also record and review your wins and losses, to see what worked and what didn’t.

Aside from your own skill, you’ll also want to look at the professionals and the metagame. Forums can be great for this, but so can breakdowns from industries that surround the eSports arena.

A recent applicable example could be found in the Rio Major predictions surrounding teams like Vitality and Cloud9. Interpretations from industry pros give valid insight into how the game is evolving, and what components matter most.

No matter what level of player you are, there’s always a way to get better. As long as you are willing to learn from your mistakes, and put in the hours, you’ll keep improving, even if you don’t notice.

Backed by the right equipment, your competitive standing may even improve to the point where you can compete professionally. Just don’t be surprised if it takes some time, as being the best never comes easy.