It’s a brave new world out there and it’s never been a better time to be a gamer. What used to be considered a pastime reserved for people with no social skills is now a multibillion-dollar global industry with many of those same people now considered superstars among their tribe. 

With the advent of social media and the monetization of streaming channels, there’s a lot more to eSports than most non-gamers could ever imagine. Now considered a professional sport, the most talented players around the world have reached the status of famous athletes in their field.

Far from just playing games, excelling at eSports actually takes a lot of commitment, discipline, hard work, talent, and a variety of other traits. To understand what sets the best eSports athletes apart, here’s a look at five traits every professional gamer needs. 

1. Composure

While not a traditional part of eSports nor considered traditional gaming, iGaming is becoming just as popular in its own right. Essentially online gambling, digital casino games, and the professional players who consistently make bank from them all have one trait that traditional gamers can learn from. 

As the iGaming world continues to grow at exponential rates, new-age platforms that provide crypto casino no-KYC options are becoming very popular. According to crypto writer Kane Pepi, these contemporary platforms offer a wealth of benefits, such as anonymous registrations that forego KYC checks, instant payouts, generous bonuses, and a wider selection of games—in addition to the perks they offer since you can play with cryptocurrencies. 

However, to take advantage of these and make the most of gaming sessions, players have to learn to stay calm under pressure and exercise composure at all times—even if they’re on a losing streak. For example, the best poker and blackjack players know how to play tactically when betting, stretch their bankrolls, and make strategic decisions no matter how much pressure they are under. 

This is a trait that translates across any genre of gaming. In high-stakes eSports competitions, the action can be fast-paced and a match can turn in the blink of an eye. It’s in these moments that the players who can stay calm under pressure and exercise composure usually find a way to weather the storm.

2. Reflexes and Hand-Eye Coordination

Fast reflexes are also critical in gaming. Many games require split-second reactions. First-person shooters like CS:GO or Valorant test players' speed. Missing a shot by milliseconds can cost the match.

This takes hundreds of hours of practice with the best players usually taking years of carefully honing their reflexes until it becomes muscle memory. The best professional gamers usually boast reflexes and hand-eye coordination that can rival professional athletes from other sports. 

Players must track the screen while making precise movements. For example, hitting combos in Street Fighter or controlling the battlefield in StarCraft takes exceptional skill. Research shows that professional gamers often have reaction times as low as 200 milliseconds. This is faster than the average person's reaction time of 273 milliseconds. If you have quick reflexes, you might have what it takes.

3. Communication and Teamwork

Team-based games dominate eSports. Communication is key in games like Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege. Teams must share information quickly and clearly. They coordinate attacks, defend objectives, and make adjustments in real time. 

In eSports, the ability to work as a unit and coalesce around common goals is integral, which is a skill that can easily translate into other aspects of life, like work environments. Good communication builds trust among teammates. Without it, even skilled players can underperform. Teamwork also involves knowing your role. Not everyone can be the star player. Support roles are just as important as offensive ones.

4. Dedication and Discipline

It’s no secret that hardcore gaming purists take their games seriously. However, while passion is important, two other traits that are universal to all types of professional sports are dedication and discipline. To reach the top level, there’s simply no compromise when it comes to ensuring virtually every aspect of your life is geared toward honing your craft.

Across various sports, those superstar players who have reached the pinnacle of success all make it their mission to constantly train and keep working on improving their game. No matter how good they are, how accomplished, and how naturally talented, there is always room for improvement. 

Being a pro gamer takes commitment. Top players train for 8–10 hours a day. They study their own gameplay and learn from competitors. This level of dedication is hard to sustain without discipline.

According to a 2023 survey, 45% of pro gamers reported experiencing burnout at least once. Staying disciplined can help prevent this. Do you have the focus and drive to dedicate yourself to gaming?

5. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Games change all the time. Developers release patches that alter gameplay. New characters, weapons, or maps can shift the meta. Pro gamers must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Learning never stops in eSports. Players watch replays, study opponents, and refine their skills. 

They also exploit new strategies to counter opponents' tactics. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are key traits. In 2023, over 60% of professional gamers said they spent at least two hours daily studying the game outside of practice. If you enjoy learning and can adapt to change, you might excel in eSports.

Conclusion

Becoming an eSports athlete takes more than gaming skills. Between having composure when it matters most, honing your reflexes, having good communication, and being dedicated no matter the odds, reaching the highest levels as a professional gamer is only for the select few willing to do what it takes to get there. 

It’s a tough path, but the rewards are significant. With the global eSports audience expected to reach over 640 million by 2025, the opportunities are growing. If you have these traits, you might just have what it takes to join the pros.