Is it really possible to have a career playing online games for money?

Ever since we climbed down from the trees, the human race has been divided into the sensible and the adventurous, the humdrum and the dreamers. Once upon a time, it was the ambition to be a rock star or a famous actor that had parents tearing their hair out. The internet has provided a new avenue for thinking outside the box on careers, and these days you can get rich as YouTube star or an Instagram Influencer.

But perhaps the biggest thrill is reserved for online gaming fans. Smart players now have a number of avenues to explore in order to monetize their hobby. It turns out that parents may be wrong that all the time their teenager spends in front of their computer screen is wasted. In fact, little Johnny and Julie could be shaping up for their future career. Let’s take a look at the world of playing games for money, and see if it really is possible to live the dream.

Swimming with the Sharks – Online Poker

Poker has been around much longer than the internet, of course, but it’s provided the perfect home for the old skills-based card game. Nowadays, there are so many online poker rooms to choose from that all good players can buy into a tournament and hopefully turn a profit. There are plenty of professional poker players who make startling amounts of money, but even if you’re not up to that grade it’s perfectly possible to have your sole income from online poker. Just make sure that you have a little resilience, as a big loss can be emotionally challenging if it represents a week’s average income.

Chancing your Arm – Gambling

Poker is a game of skill, and while there is luck involved, it’s possible to learn the game well enough to make a regular income. But can the same be said for games of pure chance, like online slots? In most cases, the answer is probably not. While it’s fun to spin the reels, slots are mainly just a form of entertainment. However, if you play a jackpot slot, you could end up with a life-changing amount of cash in the bank. Some lucky players have won tens of millions of dollars in progressive jackpot payouts, and if that happens to you then you may never have to work again. Probably best to have a backup plan though.

Playing the Field – Esports

There was a time that playing video games served no discernable purpose apart from letting off some steam, but these days there’s serious money to be made. Esports has taken off in a big way, and the hobbyists have turned pro. It’s now considered to be a legitimate sport, with leagues and big money competitions played all over the world. Forbes reports that the average League of Legends Championship Series salary is in excess of $320,000 per annum, which is a lot more than most office workers could dream of. If you’ve got what it takes, it’s certainly an avenue worth pursuing.

Of course, even making money by playing games takes a lot of time and dedication, but for many, it will be worth it to make a living doing something that is also fun, entertaining and challenging. If you’re a risk-taker, a career in playing games online could be just the thing.