With the rise of esports as a mainstream phenomenon, many aspiring players dream of competing on the biggest stages whether it’s Valorant’s Champions Tour, Dota 2’s The International, or the Fortnite Championship Series. But while watching the pros dominate is thrilling, taking the first steps toward competing yourself can be both exciting and overwhelming.
If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the competitive scene, this guide is for you. Let’s break down how to qualify for major tournaments, the essential steps you’ll need to take, and practical tips for beginners looking to climb the competitive ladder.
Why Esports Tournaments Are So Competitive
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand what makes major esports events so difficult to reach:
- High skill threshold: You’re competing against thousands of players worldwide.
- Regional qualifiers: Most tournaments filter players through local or national competitions.
- Team synergy: For team-based games, individual skill isn’t enough you need chemistry.
- Meta knowledge: Staying updated on game updates, patches, and strategies is essential.
That said, with the right preparation and persistence, you can make it to the big leagues.
Step 1: Choose Your Game (and Master It)
Start by picking one game and committing to it. Focus is key when developing competitive skill.
Popular Competitive Games with Major Tournaments:
- Valorant – Riot’s 5v5 tactical shooter with a global tour
- League of Legends – One of the longest-standing MOBA competitions
- Dota 2 – Known for The International and its enormous prize pools
- Counter-Strike 2 – Tactical FPS with a deep pro scene
- Fortnite – Battle royale with solo and team-based events
- PUBG Mobile / BGMI – Especially popular in Asia
- Rocket League, Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Overwatch 2 – All with seasonal or world tournaments
Once you’ve selected a game, learn everything about it: mechanics, characters, maps, meta, and roles. Specialize in a position or playstyle that suits your strengths.
Step 2: Rank Up and Play in Competitive Ladders
In most games, ranked mode is your entry point to the competitive ecosystem. Climbing the in-game ladder not only improves your skill, but also makes you visible to other competitive players and recruiters.
Tips for Ranking Up:
- Practice aim and mechanics daily
- Study high-level gameplay (Twitch, YouTube, pro VODs)
- Focus on communication and team play
- Analyze your own replays to identify mistakes
- Keep a positive mental attitude (tilt ruins games)
Some tournaments require a minimum rank or matchmaking rating (MMR) to participate, especially in closed qualifiers.
Step 3: Join or Build a Team
If you’re playing a team-based title, solo skills aren’t enough. You’ll need to:
- Find a team through Discord servers, Reddit, or in-game LFG tools
- Build your own team with players who share your goals and schedule
- Establish clear roles, practice times, and communication channels
Even casual online tournaments will test your team’s synergy, coordination, and leadership. Start small and grow together.
Step 4: Compete in Online Tournaments and Community Events
There are hundreds of grassroots tournaments hosted weekly across platforms like:
- Faceit (for CS2, Valorant)
- Challengermode
- ESL Play
- Toornament
- Battlefy
- Game.tv (mobile)
- VLR.gg, DotaBuff, Tracker.gg (for scrims, stats, and communities)
These events help you get match experience, build a competitive mindset, and showcase your skills to a broader audience. You’ll also begin earning tournament points, experience, and recognition which can open the door to bigger qualifiers.
Step 5: Enter Official Qualifiers
Major esports tournaments typically use a tiered structure that begins with open qualifiers:
Common Tournament Formats:
- Open Qualifiers – Anyone can enter (usually online)
- Closed Qualifiers – Invite-only or based on performance
- Regional Leagues / Circuits – Seasonal ladders or events (e.g., VCT Challengers, DPC)
- Main Event / Finals – International LAN or playoff for the top teams
Stay updated on qualifier dates through official game sites, social channels, and esports news platforms. Make sure you meet the rank, region, and team requirements before registering.
Step 6: Build Your Profile and Network
You don’t just qualify with skill you also need visibility. Build your player brand:
- Create highlight clips and post them on YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter
- Stream your games on Twitch or Kick to build a fan base
- Join scrim servers and semi-pro leagues
- Engage with the community through Discord and forums
This not only helps you stand out to teams and scouts—it also improves your game sense by exposing you to better competition.
Step 7: Stay Consistent and Improve
Very few players qualify for majors on their first try. The road to the top requires:
- Practice schedules: Treat it like a job or sport
- Team reviews and VOD analysis
- Mental resilience: Bouncing back from losses
- Adaptability: Keeping up with meta shifts and patch updates
Even pro players fail to qualify sometimes but they return stronger. Your job is to learn from every game, grow steadily, and keep showing up.
What Qualifiers Look Like (Real Examples)
- Valorant Champions Tour (VCT): Begins with regional Challengers. Teams must win local events or get invited to closed qualifiers to progress to Masters and Champions.
- Dota Pro Circuit (DPC): Teams earn points throughout the season via Major events. Only the top-ranking teams get a shot at The International.
- Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS): Open qualifiers for all eligible players above a certain arena rank. Duos or Trios then compete through semi-finals and finals.
- Counter-Strike Majors: Structured around RMR (Regional Major Rankings) events where teams earn points and spots based on performance.
Knowing these structures helps you map your journey and plan your goals accordingly.
Extra Tips for Aspiring Competitors
- Keep your setup optimized: Smooth FPS, stable internet, and quality peripherals matter.
- Sleep, diet, and mindset: Your body and brain need to be in sync for top-tier gaming.
- Find a mentor or coach: Even amateur players can benefit from structured feedback.
- Don’t ignore school/work: Build time management skills early. Many pro players balance education and competition before going full-time.
Final Thoughts: Everyone Starts Somewhere
Qualifying for major esports tournaments isn’t easy but it’s entirely possible. The top players in today’s biggest events all started where you are: playing ranked, grinding solo queue, entering open brackets, and learning from failure.
The path requires time, dedication, and discipline. But for those who are passionate, competitive, and hungry to grow, the opportunity is real. Whether you dream of lifting a trophy at a LAN event or simply want to test your skills at the highest level, now is the perfect time to start building your legacy.
So pick your game, find your team, and get ready your journey to the big stage begins now.
