How to Be Esports Commentator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 12, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Esports commentators have become an integral part of the industry. Their role is to provide entertaining and informative commentary to viewers, as well as to cast matches and tournaments. This has a direct effect on the growth of the industry, as commentators are able to help promote the game to a wider audience.

With more viewers, more sponsors are drawn in, increasing the prize pools and thus the overall success of the tournament. In addition, commentators can also provide an educational element to matches, teaching viewers about the strategies and techniques used by the top players. This can help to make esports more accessible to those who may not have been familiar with the game before, and open up new opportunities for aspiring pro players.

Steps How to Become

Become an Expert in Esports. To become an esports commentator, you will need to become an expert in the game or games you plan to commentate on. It's important to have a deep understanding of the game mechanics, strategies, and metagame. You should also be able to recognize the top players and teams in the scene.
Get Experience. Developing your own commentary style requires practice and experience. Start by watching esports tournaments and casting replays of matches with friends. Record yourself commentating and then listen back to identify areas that can be improved.
Find Opportunities. There are a variety of ways to get involved in esports commentary. Many major tournaments have casting competitions where aspiring commentators can submit their work for consideration. Additionally, you could reach out to local tournament organizers or streaming services to inquire about casting opportunities.
Network. Networking is incredibly important in the esports industry. You should be connecting with players, casters, and other people in the industry on social media. Attend local tournaments and make sure to introduce yourself to anyone who might be able to help you further your career.
Stay Up-to-Date. As esports continues to grow, you should stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the scene. Follow the big organizations and teams, as well as key players, on social media. Additionally, look for opportunities to stay informed about new games and strategies.

Esports commentary requires reliable and capable commentators to be successful. Being reliable means commentators must be consistent in their performance, turning up to events on time and being prepared. Being capable means they need to have a good understanding of the game they are commentating on and the ability to provide entertaining and informative analysis.

Commentators must be able to think quickly on their feet and be able to keep up with the pace of the game. Finally, they should have good communication skills, as they will need to engage with the audience and make sure that their commentary is interesting and informative. All of these skills combined will ensure that the commentators are reliable and capable, and ultimately provide a top-quality commentary experience for viewers.

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Job Description

Broadcast Host: Responsible for hosting a variety of esports broadcasts, including live streams and tournaments.
Event Organizer: Responsible for planning and organizing esports events, such as tournaments, leagues, and leagues.
Shoutcaster: Responsible for providing commentary for esports matches, usually live on stream.
Analyst: Responsible for analyzing data related to esports matches, such as player performance and strategies.
Social Media Manager: Responsible for managing an esports organization's social media accounts, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Video Editor: Responsible for creating content related to esports, such as highlight reels, montages, and recaps.
Content Writer: Responsible for writing articles related to esports, such as news stories and analysis pieces.
Streamer: Responsible for streaming live video of themselves playing video games, often accompanied by commentary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the Esports industry
Understanding of Esports tournaments and competitions
Strong communication skills
Confidence in public speaking
Ability to explain game mechanics and strategies
Ability to think on their feet and improvise
Creative writing skills to develop engaging commentary
Knowledge of the history of competitive gaming
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to engage and entertain an audience

Esports commentators are the backbone of any major esports broadcast. They are the ones who bring the excitement and energy to the game by providing in-depth analysis and play-by-play commentary. To become a successful esports commentator, one must possess a variety of skills, including excellent communication, analysis, and knowledge of the game they are commentating.

Good communication is essential when commentating as it allows the viewers to understand what is happening in the game as well as providing an entertaining experience. Analytical skills are also important as commentators need to be able to break down complex situations and explain them in a clear way. Finally, a deep knowledge of the game being played is necessary for commentators to understand the strategies that players are utilizing.

All of these skills combined allow esports commentators to provide an engaging and informative experience that viewers can enjoy.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an eSports commentator?
What elements do you believe are necessary for successful casting?
How do you keep up with the current trends in the eSports scene?
What strategies do you use to engage your audience?
How would you rate your knowledge of the various games and tournaments?
What methods do you use to prepare for a casting event?
How do you approach the task of researching a game or tournament?
How do you handle mistakes or technical issues during a live stream?
What unique qualities do you bring to commentating on eSports tournaments?
What challenges have you faced as an eSports commentator and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Streaming Software. allows to live-stream content to viewers. (eg: OBS Studio)
Video Editing Software. allows to create and edit videos for broadcast. (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro)
Broadcasting Platforms. allows for broadcasting of content to an audience. (eg: Twitch)
Voice Chat Software. allows for communication between commentators and viewers. (eg: Discord)
Audio/Video Capture Devices. allows for capturing of audio/video from various sources. (eg: Elgato HD60 Pro)
Audio Enhancement Software. allows for adjusting and enhancing of audio levels. (eg: iZotope RX)
Music Production Software. allows for the creation and production of musical content. (eg: FL Studio)
Research Tools. allows for research into game, team, and players. (eg: Liquipedia)
Graphics Editing Software. allows for the creating of graphics and overlays for broadcasts. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)

Professional Organizations to Know

Esports Players Association (EPSA)
World Esports Association (WESA)
Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC)
The International e-Sports Federation (IeSF)
Esports Industry Association (EIA)
Electronic Sports League (ESL)
Professional Esports Association (PEA)
International Professional Game Organizations (IPGO)
World Gaming Federation (WGF)
Global Esports Federation (GEF)

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Common Important Terms

Caster. Esports commentators, also known as casters, provide analysis and commentary on the gameplay of professional gamers during tournaments.
Shoutcaster. A shoutcaster is an esports commentator who provides commentary and analysis during a match or tournament.
Host. An esports host is an individual who introduces, interviews, and moderates events related to esports.
Panelist. Esports panelists are experts in the field of gaming who provide commentary and analysis on the professional gaming scene.
Analyst. Esports analysts are experts in the field of gaming who provide commentary and analysis on the professional gaming scene.
Content Creator. Content creators are individuals who create content about esports, such as streaming or writing about the games and players.
Streamer. A streamer is an individual who streams their gameplay of a game or tournament to viewers online, either for entertainment or to gain followers and sponsorships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Esports Commentator?

An Esports Commentator is a professional commentator who provides analysis and commentary for esports events and competitions.

How does an Esports Commentator help enhance the viewing experience?

An Esports Commentator helps to enhance the viewing experience by providing insight and analysis on the game, players, strategies, and tactics that are being used. They also provide a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to the event by engaging with viewers and creating a more entertaining atmosphere.

What kind of qualifications are required to become an Esports Commentator?

To become an Esports Commentator, one must have a deep knowledge and understanding of the game they are covering, as well as excellent communication and presentation skills. Other qualifications can include having a degree in broadcasting or media studies, or having experience in commentating other sports or events.

What types of esports events do commentators usually cover?

Esports Commentators usually cover a variety of esports events including tournaments, leagues, and online competitions. Popular esports games that commentators cover include League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.

How much can an Esports Commentator make on average?

The average salary for an Esports Commentator varies depending on their experience and the type of event they are commentating. However, salaries for experienced commentators can range from $30,000 to $100,000 per year.