Signs It Might Be Time to Take Your Gaming More Seriously
Every player’s had that one match… the one where everything clicks. Crisp aim, perfect reads, and teammates are actually complimenting your plays. Maybe you’ve even been accused of smurfing… but when should you consider making the jump from being a casual player to becoming a competitive grinder? When should you consider taking your potential skill as a player more seriously? While there’s no magic moment where the universe taps you on the shoulder and hands you a contract, there are some signs that it might be worth investing more time into your growth as a player.
This was something that the guest on the most recent Aimlabs Podcast, Soham “valens” Chowdhury had posed to former professional Counter-Strike player Jimmy Lin, when he asked, “How did you know you were good? When did you become dedicated?” The question has a lot of potential answers, but there are some clues that you might have a future worth exploring.
One big indicator? You consistently dominate in ranked. We’re not just talking streaky wins or one-off MVPs… you’re climbing the ladder in games like VALORANT, Counter-Strike 2, or Rainbow Six Siege, and the grind actually feels manageable. If you’re regularly outperforming teammates and the opps, and holding your own in higher lobbies, it might be time to start playing with more intention: analyzing your replays, working on mechanics, and maybe even finding a team.
Another sign is that you’re already putting in the hours and enjoying the process. The path to pro isn’t just about talent… It’s about loving the grind. That means aim training and working to improve your mechanics, watching your VODs with a critical eye, and actually getting excited about scrims and practice time. If you find joy in improving just as much as you do in winning, you’ve got the right mindset to see how far you can take it.
Community involvement matters too. Are you getting noticed in PUGs or smaller tourneys? Maybe on a local server like Jimmy did when he was rubbing elbows with the original Evil Geniuses? Have you caught the attention of pros or content creators in the ranked lobbies? That kind of traction can be a signal you’re on the right track, and a great reason to start taking your gameplay and networking more seriously. Pro scenes in games like Overwatch 2 or Marvel Rivals are always evolving, and early adopters who put in the work can find themselves ahead of the curve.
Ultimately, going pro isn’t a decision you make overnight… It’s a process of testing your limits and seeing how far your passion can take you. So if you’re showing promise, loving the climb, and eager to level up, it might be time to treat your training like it matters. Just remember, you don’t have to be hell bent on kicking off a pro gaming career to work on improving your game. Getting better does not require career goals, and if you focus on stepping up your game in general, you might just be surprised at the opportunities that develop down the line.