The Harsh Reality of Becoming a Professional Esports Player
Being an esports enthusiast opens up unique opportunities. Recently, I had the chance to interview Coach Lee Seung Eun, also known as “Firebathero,” a legendary player in the Korean Starcraft: Brood War scene. Little did I know, this encounter would open my eyes to the harsh reality of pursuing a career in professional gaming.
A Star on the Rise
Firebathero made a name for himself in 2006 with his flashy and innovative Terran gameplay in Starcraft: Brood War. He was known for defeating top players like BoxeR and his over-the-top win ceremonies.
A Struggling Career
However, Firebathero faced a deep slump in his career in 2009, getting eliminated from multiple tournaments. He took a break from professional gaming to complete his paramilitary service, which ultimately marked the end of his career as a StarCraft player.
A New Beginning in League of Legends
In 2014, Firebathero became the coach of BigFile Miracle, an amateur League of Legends team. Despite the team’s promise, they struggled in the competitive scene, failing to qualify for major tournaments. Financial difficulties forced Firebathero to crowdfund to keep the team running.
The Challenges of Running an Amateur Team
Running an amateur League of Legends team is no easy feat. It requires significant financial support for gaming houses, player salaries, equipment, and other expenses. Firebathero did not have the same financial backing as some teams in North America, so he turned to crowdfunding to cover the costs.
Unfortunately, even with the success of their crowdfunding campaign, Quvic Gaming (formerly BigFile Miracle) still faced financial struggles. Firebathero had to personally cover many expenses and even considered disbanding the team if they didn’t perform well in upcoming tournaments.
A Missed Opportunity
Despite efforts to secure a sponsorship, Quvic Gaming was unable to attract sponsors due to their lack of success in the competitive scene. The team’s defeat in a critical tournament led to their disbandment, leaving Firebathero and the players in a difficult position.
A Happy Ending
Although Quvic Gaming disbanded, some of the players went on to join other teams and eventually made it into the LCK (Korea’s professional league). Firebathero himself found a coaching position in China with World Elite. Despite the challenges, their dedication and hard work paid off.
The Lessons Learned
The story of Quvic Gaming reminds us of the numerous challenges faced by amateur teams and their support staff. Pursuing a career in esports requires immense dedication and sacrifices. Players must give their all, while coaches and support staff work tirelessly behind the scenes. It’s essential to appreciate their efforts and never take their kindness for granted.
Aspiring professional gamers should remember that it’s a competitive world and success is never guaranteed. Hard work, determination, and gratitude towards those who support you are key to succeeding in the pro stage.
esports, League of Legends, Firebathero, Quvic Gaming, amateur team, esports career, crowdfunding, Korean gaming scene.