Get Better Fast: Competing at the Professional Level
By Lies | Published: September 15, 2009 5:35pm EST
 Competing at the Professional Level with SK
The road to becoming a dedicated MLG professional player is much traveled these days, but not everyone begins in the right place. To find a team, you need to meet people you not only play well with, but also get along with. If none of your friends are at your skill level, look to MLG’s GameBattles.com to find teammates who are looking to compete online before attending events. I cannot say enough how important it is to meet people and network within the community. Be a good sport, play with passion, and respect other teams; you never know when a former teammate may have the opportunity to recommend or speak well of you. Preparing for professional play means understanding each and every aspect to winning games. These include essentials like proper communication, selfless playing, avoiding distractions, and playing your “own game.” Don’t let other players get into your head, don’t get down on yourself, and remember that you have the potential to win each game, no matter who you’re playing. During team scrims or practice, make sure you’re playing as if it was an event. This way, when you reach the later rounds of the tournament, you’ll be ready to prove that you’ve got what it takes. A key difference between professional and amateur players is decision making. Each decision at the pro level needs to be made with the entire team in mind, which requires quick thinking, but also knowledge of your teammates' decisions as well. While the latter will come with time as your team chemistry builds, the easiest way to make smart, quick decisions is by watching tournament gameplay on VoD. In doing so, you can learn when it is best to wait for help, push across the map, or even avoid shooting the other team so as to not give away your position. Another important factor is communication, which is what helps your teammates make the right decision. While at tournaments, try to take note of how players respond to certain callouts. You’ll notice that precise communication can make all the difference in a single game, and allows for your team to be in the best position to cap a flag or grab the sniper. Let your teammates know when you can help them, so that they can back down, and help your team get the advantage required to win games. Once you get to the top, you’ve literally reached a whole new level. Getting to the professional level is only half the battle, and you’ll soon realize that you need to work just as hard to stay there. Practice will help keep your skills sharp, but it’s also important to watch your own gameplay and look for mistakes or poor decisions. Believe it or not, you’ll still make them after years of being pro, and watching your theater or VoD with an open mind can make the difference between a rising star and a stubborn teammate. Equally important is watching the gameplay of other teams and players. Pick up on new tactics they are using, and also learn from their mistakes. There are plenty of resources available to players looking to compete professionally. Make the most of them and you’ll be on your way to becoming an MLG Pro. |
