Game Station Setup: How eSports Professionals Do It

Professional eSports gamers instill in themselves a fiery passion for their craft. Yes, they enjoy playing their games. Yes, they drive towards competitive play. Yet, their attitude toward gaming helps define them as better people and sportsmen. They are humble, disciplined, excited to learn, and focused on their goals.

Do you want to be a pro gamer? It all starts by having an optimal setup of your game station. Your gaming setup creates the foundation for your gaming adventures. It is in this technological holy ground where you practice your games, interact with other gamers, identify opportunities, and more.

Let's share with you tips for setting up your gaming command center in your own home. More than that, we will provide you with insights into how pro eSports gamers act, behave, and prepare themselves for competition. Are you ready?

How to Set Up a Pro Game Station at Home

Being a competitive gamer starts at home. In virtually all cases, professional gamers have dedicated game spaces where they can hone their skills and improve their performance. Let's check out how pro gamers at home set up their command centers:

1. Gaming Desk and Chair

• Desk: Choose a spacious desk that can accommodate your gaming peripherals like your mechanical gaming keyboard, mouse, monitor(s), and additional accessories. 
• Chair: Invest in an ergonomic gaming chair that provides comfort and support during long gaming sessions. Look for adjustable features that allow you to play games in a proper, natural, healthy posture.

2. Monitor Setup

• Primary Monitor: Choose a large, high-resolution, low-response time main monitor for smooth and immersive gameplay. Consider a monitor with a high refresh rate (144Hz or higher) for competitive advantage.
• Secondary Monitor: This is optional but useful for multitasking. Use it for streaming software, communication apps, or monitoring system performance.

3. Gaming PC

• Powerful Hardware: Invest in a high-performance gaming PC with a powerful CPU, GPU, and sufficient RAM to handle the latest games at optimal settings. Here are some suggested specs you should check out: 
  - AMD Ryzen 9 5900X or Intel Core i9-12900K CPU
  - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT graphics card that can support ray tracing and high-refresh-rate gaming at 4K resolution.
  - 32GB DDR4 RAM at 3600MHz or higher
  - X570 or Z690 chipset motherboard: for extensive connectivity options, robust power delivery, and support for overclocking. Look for motherboards with premium features like PCIe 4.0 support, multiple M.2 slots, and high-quality VRMs.
  - NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD: A fast NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen4 interface enables lightning-fast boot times, game loading, and data transfer speeds. You can also use a 1TB SSD for the OS and essential applications, coupled with a 2TB or larger SSD for game storage.
• Custom Cooling: Install proper aftermarket CPU coolers, case fans, or liquid cooling solutions to maintain stable performance during intense gaming sessions.

4. Peripherals

• Gaming Mouse and Mechanical Keyboard: Choose a responsive, programmable mechanical keyboard tailored to your gaming preferences. Mechanical keyboards have tactile feedback, customizable key switches, programmable macros, multiple profiling, media controls, and other functionalities for improved gaming performance.
• Gaming Headset: Use a headset with high-quality audio and a clear microphone for communication during multiplayer games.
• Controller, Steering Wheel, or Joystick: Consider using a controller, steering wheel, or a joystick for racing or sports games. These give you better control and immersion when playing certain genres of games.

5. Lighting and Ambiance

• LED Lighting: Improve the atmosphere of your gaming station with LED strips or smart bulbs to customize lighting. Customize your computer peripheral's RGB lighting to match your preferences, game atmosphere, and mood.

6. Cable Management

• Cable Organizers: Keep cables tidy and organized by using cable clips, raceways, or cable sleeves.
• Power Strips and Surge Protectors: Use surge protectors to safeguard your equipment from power surges. Make sure all your devices are adequately powered.

7. Storage Solutions

• Shelving/Storage Units: Use shelves or storage units to keep gaming accessories, collectibles, and additional peripherals within reach but off the desktop.

8. Software Optimization

• Gaming Performance Software: Install optimization software to tweak graphics settings, monitor system performance, and update drivers for optimal gaming performance.
• Streaming/Recording Software: If you plan to stream or record gameplay, choose reliable software with features for capturing, editing, and streaming content seamlessly. Note that this requires another set of specialized equipment---and another hefty investment. 

9. Personal Touches

• Decor and Aesthetics: Customize your gaming station with posters, action figures, or artwork representing your favorite games or characters.
• Comfort Items: Add personal touches like cushions, blankets, or snack trays for comfort during gaming sessions.

Essential Things to Bring When Competing in an eSports Venue

All those long hours and hard practice are finally paying off! After gaining considerable experience playing in your game station, you're ready to duke it out with the best. When competing in an eSports venue, it's important to come prepared with the right equipment and mindset. 

1. Gaming Gear

• Gaming Mouse: Bring your preferred gaming mouse.
• Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: If allowed, customize your keyboard beforehand.
• Gaming Headset: Use a high-quality gaming headset for clear audio communication and immersive sound.
• Mousepad: Bring a large, smooth mousepad for consistent mouse movement.

2. Controller/Peripheral

• Bring your preferred controller such as a gamepad, joystick, or steering wheel.

3. Personal Comfort Items

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during intense gaming sessions by bringing a refillable water bottle.
• Snacks: Pack energy-boosting snacks like protein bars, nuts, or fruit to fuel your performance.
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing to stay relaxed and focused during matches.

4. Technical Equipment

• Chargers and Power Banks: Bring chargers for your gaming peripherals, smartphone, and other electronic devices. Bringing a power bank for backup power is highly recommended.
• Extension Cords/Power Strips: Bringing extension cords or power strips. An adapter is also useful so you can plug in different forms of power outlets.

5. Personal Hygiene Items

• Hand Sanitizer: Be clean and prevent the spread of germs by carrying hand sanitizer.
• Tissues: Keep tissues handy for quick clean-ups and maintaining personal hygiene.

6. Documentation

• Identification: Bring a valid form of identification such as a driver's license or passport for registration purposes.
• Confirmation Email: Bring printed or digital copies of your registration confirmation for entry to the venue.

7. Mindset Preparation

• Positive Attitude: Have a positive mindset throughout the competition. Focusing on enjoying the experience and giving it your best.
• Mental Preparation: Practice relaxation techniques, visualization, and mental exercises to stay calm and focused under pressure.

How to Set Up for an eSports Competition

Hold on to your horses! Before eyeing that trophy, sponsorship, or prize cash, it's important to properly set yourself up as a player in an eSports competition. 

1. Pre-Event Requirements

• Research the tournament: Familiarize yourself with the tournament format, rules, schedule, and any specific requirements or restrictions.
• Arrive early: Arrive early at the venue so you can register yourself. Make sure you have all your registration documents ready.
• Scout: Use the extra time to observe the placement of the computers, the Internet speed of the area, and other important details. Familiarize yourself with the layout and the facility.

2. Gaming Gear and Equipment

• Check your setup: Ensure that your gaming PC/console, monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, and other peripherals are in good working condition and properly configured for optimal performance. Wireless peripherals should be fully charged or has fresh batteries.
• Backup Equipment: Prepare backup gaming gear and equipment in case of technical issues or malfunctions during the competition.

3. Game-Specific Preparation

• Gameplay Analysis: Analyze gameplay footage, replays, and strategies to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
• Map Knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of game maps, objectives, spawn points, and common strategies to gain a competitive edge in matches.

4. Team Communication and Coordination for Team-Based Games:

• Team Practice: Coordinate practice sessions with your teammates to refine teamwork, communication, and coordination.
• Role Assignments: Define and understand your role within the team whether it's a support player, entry fragger, sniper, or shot-caller.

5. Mental Preparation

• Visualize Success: Don't be intimidated, Visualize yourself performing strongly and achieving your goals during the competition. Positive visualization can boost confidence and mental resilience as it often translates to actual performance.
• Focus Techniques: Practice concentration and focus techniques such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises to stay calm and composed. Believe us, playing the game---or the anticipation for your turn to play---is stressful!

6. Warm-Up and Practice Sessions

• Warm-Up Routine: Perform warm-up exercises to loosen up your muscles and joints. 
• Scrimmage Matches: Participate in scrimmage matches or practice games against other players or teams to fine-tune strategies and teamwork.

7. Player Briefing and Tournament Etiquette

• Attend Player Briefing: Don't miss player briefings or orientation sessions. This is an important time to receive important information, clarify rules, and address concerns.
• Respectful Behavior: Always maintain respectful behavior and sportsmanship towards fellow competitors, organizers, and spectators throughout the competition. Don't get salty if you lose or if things don't go your way. You don't want to be labeled as "that guy."

8. Adaptability and Flexibility

• Adapt to Changes: Be prepared for unexpected changes such as format adjustments, rule clarifications, or technical difficulties, during the competition.
• Stay Flexible: Stay flexible and open-minded in your approach to matches, strategies, and game scenarios.

9. Post-Match Analysis and Reflection

• Review Matches: Review match replays, analyze gameplays, and discuss your performance with teammates or coaches to learn from mistakes. Doing so also helps you identify areas for improvement.
• Reflect and Learn: Reflect on your overall performance, experiences, and lessons learned from the competition to further develop yourself as a player.

Pro Tips for Competitive Gameplay

Professional eSports players are not born. They are made through consistent practice, grit, and determination. Pro players use these techniques to excel not just in gaming but also in their character:

1. Practice consistently: This is the number one key. No one is born a winner. Skills are developed over time. Dedicate regular time to practice and improve your gaming skills. Consistent practice is essential for mastering game mechanics, developing strategies, and staying sharp.

2. Master game mechanics: Understand the fundamentals of the game including movement, aiming, and ability usage. Mastering the game's mechanics will give you an edge in competitive matches.

3. Study strategy and meta: Stay informed about the current meta-game including popular strategies, team compositions, and balance changes. Adapt your gameplay to counter prevailing strategies and exploit weaknesses in your opponents.

4. Communicate effectively: Communication is a very important key in team-based games. Learn how to make your point across to your teammates clearly and concisely to avoid confusion. Use clear details and simple words.

5. Develop map awareness: Map knowledge is crucial for strategic positioning and decision-making. Pay attention to the game's surroundings. Develop map awareness to anticipate enemy movements, control objectives, and avoid ambushes. 

6. Manage your resources: Learn to manage your resources such as health, ammunition, and cooldowns effectively. Use them wisely to maximize your impact in battles and avoid unnecessary risks.

7. Stay calm: Maintain a calm and composed demeanor, especially during intense moments in matches. Stress, anger, excitement, and other emotions can cloud your judgment and may lead to costly mistakes.

8. Adaptability is key: Be adaptable and flexible in your gameplay approach. Learn to adjust your strategies and tactics based on the changing dynamics of each match.

9. Maintain good physical and mental health: The rigors of competitive gaming can be stressful, especially if you have gained fame, gained sponsors, or there's a big prize involved. Take care of your physical and mental well-being to perform at your best. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a good diet.

10. Seek feedback and mentorship: Ask experienced players, coaches, or mentors for help so you can gain insights into your gameplay and areas for improvement. Accepting constructive criticism helps you refine your skills.

11. Stay humble: Embrace a growth mindset and acknowledge that there is always room for improvement. Accept that losing is always a possibility. Stay humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

Conclusion

Pro eSports gamers are a notch above regular players. They invest and put immense effort into creating a setup that allows them to practice and maximize their skills. They take time to analyze their games and opponents. They adopt a strong and healthy attitude towards gaming. We believe you have these too! Are you ready to become a real pro gamer?