Over time, playing games has been seen as a recreational activity and it still is. Starting from simple games on your mobile device to more complex ones. Most times when people get together to have fun, games are part of the activities listed out, and recently, game houses are being established to grant individuals and groups access to a large collection of games for a specific amount.
Becoming a professional gamer, however, takes more than just having an interest in playing or getting rid of boredom. It requires focus, consistency, practice, and a lot more. We interviewed Kipslim, a professional player of Call of Duty Mobile and here is what he had to say about going pro in the Esports industry.
Q: Please Introduce yourself
A: My Name is Oputu Eguonor and my Gamer name is Kipslim. I am a Pro gamer and a content creator.
Q: What game(s) do you play and how long have you been playing?
A: I play Call of Duty mobile and Apex Legends Mobile professionally, and I also play other games but just for fun.
Q: How would you describe your major highlights and achievements in Esports in the past?
A: My major highlight would be the people who watch me play and my teammates, they’ve all made it a wonderful experience. As for achievement, I can not be precise but we’ve won a high percentage of the major tournaments we take part in.
Q: How long did it take you from playing for fun to playing professionally?
A: Hmm, can’t say because I’ve been playing video games since I can remember, and I only started playing professionally when Call of Duty Mobile came out. But if you’re talking about a specific game. I’d say about a year.
Q: Which game would that be?
A: Call of Duty Mobile.
Q: What do you believe is the greatest challenge most gamers in Nigeria trying to go pro are facing today?
A: Internet and electricity issues, low-end devices.
Q: What would be your advice to anyone that is looking to play games professionally in Nigeria?
A: It’s really hard but if you love what you do then go for it. The first step would be to pick a game and become good at it because that is what playing competitively is all about.
Q: What would you say it takes to be a professional gamer?
A: When you make a reasonable amount of money by participating in tournaments and being very good at what you do.
Q: How long does it take for you and your teammates to prepare for a competition?
A: A few days, depending on the duration of the tournament.
Q: What’s your strategy for discovering and teaching yourself new tricks before an upcoming game?
A: Playing consistently and consciously trying to improve cus there’s always something new to learn that can improve your gameplay.
Q: Lastly, what would be your advice to gamers looking to go professional?
A: It’s not just about the money, try to enjoy every game.
Being a professional gamer requires consistency and despite the numerous challenges faced by Nigerian gamers, the outcome of their competitions is very encouraging. It doesn’t matter what you feel is holding you back, Wake up! Yeah collect your money, but no money without work so get better at what you do, and participate in more tournaments, by doing this, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a professional gamer in Nigeria, and who knows? Maybe outside the country too.
