Professional-What?

Following my previous article about the silent-running / duckhopping situation, this new editorial post refers to the professionalism of the Counter-Strike scene and e-sports in general. In fact, it is legitimate to ask ourselves what is a pro-gamer? If there is one question that stands out more than others and that can be applied to any game seen in competitions, it would be this one. Usually, pros are people that have an uncommon ability to perform a task, an extensive knowledge on a specific topic or a mix of both. In all of these cases, they usually make a living out of this talent, but also have responsibilities that match the wages and exposure they receive. Whether they are a doctor, a lawyer or an international football player, professionals represent an image, a group of different entities that share a similar goal. There are standards to exceeds, rules to follow, people to please. To me this is no different for pro-gamers. High-expectations on results, brand representation for sponsors, fans to get stoked; this is all about being a pro.

Nowadays, we see the gap between the casual gamers and amateurs expanding. However the one separating those amateurs and the professionals is getting smaller every day. That said, more teams call themselves (and really believe) pro-gaming organization. Of course, it’s not hard to find a ventrilo or a server company ready to sponsor you. Does that make you a pro? I think that the most important aspect is omitted: Sacrifices! Do you spend those extra hours practicing? Do you take the time to get in touch with the fans? Do you share what you know with the community? Do you absolutely follow the rules stated by the leagues and tournaments? If you answered yes to all of the above, then you’re on the right way.

Playing in front of a big crowd is one of the sacrifices that might be required.

It’s exciting, but can be difficult to perform well in those conditions.

The professionalism of a Counter-Strike team is all about being on time for their matches and practices, interact properly with fans, medias and referees, use a good sportsmanship attitude at all time, ave a passion for the game and a respect for those that have the same passion but less aptitudes. In fact this is just as important as how you flank bombsite B, smoke mid or clutch that 1 vs 5 situation while you’re in an eco-round.

To respect rules, staff, media and supporters is part of the job

During the last WCG Grand Final, I’ve been a witness of a lot of different way to act and react to different situation. Most spectators and participants will remember this event as the silent-run disputing fest it was, however I think we are not remembering the best moments. In the middle of all this un-sportsmanship behavior, some teams actually showed that they were real professionals, in the glory of in the defeat. Teams such as Emulate, NoA, Amazing Gaming, PGS, ate-t7, EG, Four-Kings and fnatic (they did dispute in the beginning, they stayed professional throughout the process) are good examples. They had a positive attitude the whole tournament and they made sacrifice in order to play their games in time despite the previous delays, do their best with the not-always-ideal conditions of a big event like WCG, cooperated with the staff and medias present at the tournament, etc. On top of this, if you take a closer look at this list, you can see that the top 3 teams are in that list, 2006 champions are stated and all the mentioned teams are great examples of successful organizations. You’re not professional only because you’re good. To say the truth, professionalism makes you that good.

A good example or professionals: Team NoA, Emulate & Amazing Gaming (Top 3 WCG 2007)

If you achieved such a high level of ethic, only then you should ask yourself the million-dollar question: do you have the awe-inspiring ability to perform in the key moments? Then maybe you are already a pro without knowing. Although what is important to remember is: To be a pro-gamer is not only to compete at the highest level. A pro-gamer is all about the attitude, the work ethic, the respect you show to your peers and how you do compete at that level.