Esports in Ontario: Career Paths and Opportunities to Consider

What started as a mere pastime for many players now has become something bigger and massive in Ontario.

What started as a mere pastime for many players now has become something bigger and massive in Ontario. If we take a look at the latest data provided by Statista, we can see that already in 2029 the eSports market in Canada is predicted to pass the threshold of $185.2m in revenue. Plus, the number of users actively engaging in eSports games will also see an increase with the expected 15.2 million people in the same year. 

This shows how popular electronic games are in Ontario and how they slowly stopped being only a hobby and started to become a solid career for many young people. eSports enthusiasts now train, compete and even customize their in-game identity and gear using tools like Farmskins skin changer all for getting the best college-level scholarships and eSports career building chances. 

An Overview of Esports in Ontario

The popularity of esports games in Ontario began in the 2000s when platforms like Twitch and YouTube started to stream ongoing esports matches live. This resulted in a surge of pro gamers in Canada, including Ontario. 

Today, Canada has its own globally known esports teams, brands, companies and tournaments, where Ontario’s players can work and participate in various competitions. Esports holding organizations like React Gaming Group, Enthusiast Gaming, and OverActive Media are all in Canada. 

One important fact that contributes massively to the growth of the esports market in Ontario is the support of the government and various scholarships and grants offered at a federal level. Starting in 2022, Ontario has invested more than $1 million in various scholarships, covering video-game development, design, and even marketing programs. One such scholarship is offered by the University of Waterloo Games Institute with a total of $50,000 in funding. These scholarships greatly help to legalize esports as a formal career path and assist students in pursuing these roles.

How to Get into an eSports Career

Having a passion for esports is the most vital aspect you should have in order to enter the field and become a pro gamer. But it is not enough. Even if you spend most of your day polishing your gaming strategies, taking part in various matches, upgrading your skins through Farmskins platform and practicing, you still need some professional experience. Below, let’s take a look at the key steps and things you can consider for getting into the esports career easily.

• Level up your skills: If you are dreaming about going pro in eSports or just want to work behind the scenes, there are some cool ways to level up your skills. You can study something like a BA (Hons) in eSports or grab a diploma. If you are not a fan of campus life you can consider platforms like Udemy and Coursera for online courses. These programs cover esports basics and also give you a better understanding of how to design video games, manage teams and all the do’s and don’ts of esports ethics and rules.
• Take part in internships: Just like in any other sport or industry, internships are a great way to build real skills, find a mentor, and walk into a full-time job interview with quality experience. No matter what, you will learn something useful and you will likely be in a much stronger position to begin your career.
• Join online teams and communities: All the fun connected with esports takes place online. So, to be aware of the latest trends and all the news about your favorite teams and their gameplay techniques, you can join game-specific forums on platforms like Discord and Reddit. It is also a great way to gain experience and make connections in the industry.
• Participate in online tournaments: Look for online esports tournaments and matches both local and international and take part in them to test your skills and get recognition. Tournaments are the best way to get noticed by leading teams and esports companies. So, even if you don’t win you will get some valuable experience benefiting your future career. 

Main Career Prospects in Esports 

Esports is not only about professional gamers, it also includes some other directions and career opportunities you can consider. The main ones cover the following positions:

• Product Managers: Product managers help run a lot of things behind the scenes in eSports. They come up with marketing plans, post on social media, and help create new games or tools. They also check what players like, help organize events, and make sure everything works well. They often talk with sponsors and work with different teams. Sometimes, they even help design new apps or gaming gear for fans.
• Team Coach: People with professional backgrounds who have leadership skills and passion can also become coach to direct and train esports teams. They play a crucial role in team development and are in charge of team success overall.
• Software Engineer: If developing games is what you prefer you can consider becoming a software developer. Creating games, developing characters, and designing and creating prototypes are the basic things you should do within the frames of this profession.

Final Thoughts

Considering the attention Ontario has towards esports, it is likely the field will become even more popular and demanded among younger people. It is a quite profitable industry and players interested in esports can easily turn their passion into a rewarding career.