The eSports scene is constantly growing, and the number of jobs in the  cybersports field also increases. Professional eSports teams hire coaches, consultants, psychologists and nutritionists who help them to train for different tournaments. So, even if you don’t see yourself as a progamer you can try yourself as an eSports coach. But which qualities and skills are required to train professional cyberathletes? 

Gaming  experience is required

As in other kinds of sport professional coaches usually are former professional athletes. To make up your way to a coach you first need to be an experienced professional gamer and take part in different tournaments and competitions. Expertise in different roles (as “hunter”, “support”, “junger” in MOBAs) will help you to improve the vision of the coach who thinks strategically. It is difficult to say how many hours you need to reach such a level of professional expertise, but it is definitely not an  easy way. 

Volunteer as a eSports coach for amateur teams

To qualify for a paid position you first need professional experience. Volunteer for eSports teams to gain it and prove gamers you are a specialist. Choose the team which is specialized on the discipline you are experienced in. So, it actually  seems to be clear, but it is important to be realistic. If you have taken part in CS:GO tournaments, don’t dare to train gamers for a competition in Dota 2. If you are a pro in Dota 2, stay focused on this game. Even if many MOBAs have similar mechanics and gameplay, each game has its own nuances and details. So, stay consequent and build up your experience. 

Get an official qualification as eSports coach

Even if this job doesn’t require a Bachelor or Master degree, or any certificates, you might benefit from doing a coaching qualification. Today there is a variety of opportunities in this field: such courses are provided by some universities, colleges, and coaching centers. A complete education in this field includes different  disciplines, which are related to management, economics and teaching. As a coach you also should have knowledge of nutrition the gamers need. The job of eSports coach is actually even more stressful as the job of the gamer. As a coach you must have great communication skills, be open-minded and be able to solve conflicts (they may occur in a team). As a coach you need to be even more motivated and disciplined as gamers to ensure them in “down” days. 

So, to have a highly rewarding and well-paid job you might benefit from professional education and qualifications in coaching, psychology and management. To help gamers build their skills the professional coach must be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and have a psychological approach to all the team members. Will the gamer give his best in a tournament as a “support” player? Which skills are important for  each gamer in the team to achieve the best results in the future tournament? The skills and expertise of a coach have a big impact on the future team results. 

Increase game knowledge

Building up your experience as a coach doesn’t mean you should not improve your gaming skills. Games are also being constantly updated, and to help players build their skills you must constantly increase your knowledge of games. Always analyze game data to better understand how your team is performing and try to focus on nuances average gamers usually ignore. And it is the best way to progress up and to lead your team to big success. 

So, the beginning of the career of eSports coach may seem very tough. Amateur team usually can’t afford many specialists, and the coach must be a combination of psychologist, eSports teacher and sometimes also plan an eating schedule for the team. However, this career is a great way to try yourself in a new role and maybe  move to other fields of eSports scene later.