While many PNW athletes expect their sports careers to end at graduation, some eSports team members are hoping for futures in gaming.
“My end goal is to get signed by an organization and go pro,” said junior Mihajlo Labovic.
But Labovic admits that he has a backup plan.
“I’m also studying Electrical Engineering, so I want to balance professional esports with part-time school to have a backup plan,” he said.
Last year, Esports Insider – an event and media company in the industry – reported that professional eSports players can earn millions of dollars a year, while many make hundreds of thousands.
Labovic believes the key to his hoped-for future is balance.
“It’s all about time management and discipline,” he said. “I prioritize my gaming schedule around school and make sure I stay physically active to avoid burnout. I also set boundaries, like taking breaks to spend time with friends and family. I plan study sessions in advance.”
Freshman Jay Moon, who is captain of PNW’s Overwatch team, admits that he thinks about a future in gaming. But he said that he tries to focus on the present.
“My current goal as a captain is to create a team that communicates well, plays well, and wins as a team,” he said. “Even if we don’t win, I would like us to grow as a team.”
As for the future, Moon said he would like to be a coach, not a player.
“I would like to work with a school in the future to help coach a team,” he said. “I see people struggle with Overwatch. I like to show people how the game works, especially as the game grows in popularity. I want to show them how competitive play works, how tournaments work, and how to play as a team.
“It’s not just about Overwatch, which is a huge game in the industry, but I’d like to help people in general get into eSports,” he said.
Labovic has a formula for achieving a career in eSports.
“Put in the hours, but make those hours count,” he said. “Focus on improving specific skills each session. Watch your own replays and learn from mistakes. Also, be consistent, stay disciplined, and don’t forget to take care of your physical and mental health.
”But most importantly, keep a backup plan – whether that’s school or another skill,” he said.
