
This guide will break down the essential elements of esports event management while also showcasing how BCE (Big Creative Education) is leading the way in esports education, helping students develop the practical skills they need to succeed in this booming industry.
The esports industry has seen exponential growth over the past decade, with an ever-increasing number of tournaments, gaming conventions, and live streaming events. Esports continues to captivate global audiences. The behind-the-scenes magic that makes these events successful relies heavily on event managers who understand the nuances of this fast-paced, tech-driven world.
For aspiring event managers, esports enthusiasts, and students considering a career in esports event management, mastering the skills and strategies to plan and execute esports events is crucial.Â
Understanding the Basics of Esports Event Management
The Rapid Growth of Esports
The esports industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report, the global esports market was valued at over $1 billion in 2020 and continues to grow year over year. In the UK alone, esports and video games have seen a significant rise in popularity, with millions tuning in to watch live-streamed competitions across platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming.
With this growth, the need for skilled event managers in esports has become more pronounced. Effective event management plays a crucial role in delivering a seamless experience for both players and viewers.
The Importance of Event Management for Esports Events
Effective event management ensures that all elements of an esports tournament, from scheduling to production, ticket sales and on-site logistics, run smoothly. With millions of dollars in prize money on the line and a global audience watching in real-time, there’s little room for error. Esports and competitive games event managers are responsible for orchestrating the entire event, making sure all the moving parts come together to create a memorable experience.
BCE: Your Pathway to Success in Esports Event Management
At BCE, students are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the esports industry. The college’s specialised esports course combines industry-relevant training with hands-on experience, preparing students for the fast-paced and dynamic world of esports event management.
Why Esports Event Management is a Promising Career Path
The esports industry has evolved into a multi-billion-pound business in the UK, providing a wealth of career opportunities. Esports event management is one of the most exciting and growing career paths within this space. From overseeing the logistics of major tournaments to managing live-streamed broadcasts and ensuring events run smoothly there’s no shortage of exciting job roles available to those with the right skills and qualifications.
The UK Esports Industry
In the UK, esports is experiencing rapid growth, with major events such as the ESL UK Premiership and the British Esports Championship drawing large crowds. The esports market is expected to continue expanding as brands and companies increasingly recognise the commercial value of esports sponsorships, live events, and digital content.
Rising Demand for Event Managers
As the demand for esports events rises, so does the need for qualified event managers who can effectively organise and execute these events. Skilled event planners who can manage multiple facets of an event—from budgeting and logistics to marketing and technology—are essential for ensuring the success of any esports event.
Career Pathways in Esports Event Management
A career in esports event management offers a wide range of opportunities. From entry-level positions to senior event management roles, there are multiple pathways for aspiring professionals:
- Esports Event Manager: Overseeing the planning, execution, and overall logistics of an esports tournament or event.
- Tournament Organizer: Specialising in organising and coordinating competitive esports tournaments, from grassroots to professional events.
- Event Producer: Managing live-streaming, production, and broadcasting aspects of esports events.
- Venue Manager: Coordinating physical event spaces, handling logistics, and ensuring the venue is equipped to meet the needs of participants and audiences.
These roles require a unique combination of event management, marketing, and technical skills, all of which can be developed through a specialised education in esports event management.
How to Plan an Esports Event
Planning an esports event is a detailed, multi-step process that involves everything from defining your event’s objectives to executing it flawlessly on the day. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to plan a successful esports event:
Types of Esports Events
Esports events can take on many forms, from small local tournaments to massive global competitions. The most common types of esports events include:
- Local Tournaments: Small-scale competitions held at gaming cafes, schools, or community centres.
- Regional Events: Competitions that feature teams or players from a specific region or country.
- International Championships: Large-scale, high-profile events that attract top-tier players and teams from around the world, such as The International (Dota 2) or the League of Legends World Championship.
Each type of event will require different levels of planning, resources, and technology.
Step 1: Defining the Event Objectives
Understanding your event’s objectives is crucial. Are you hosting a competitive tournament for professional players, or is the event aimed at providing entertainment and engagement for casual gamers and fans? Defining your goals early will help you determine your target audience, the scale of the event, and the types of sponsorships or partnerships to pursue.
Step 2: Creating a Budget
Budgeting is one of the most important aspects of event planning. Esports events require significant investment in technology (such as servers and streaming equipment), venue rental, staff, and marketing. A well-thought-out budget will allow you to allocate resources effectively and ensure that your event stays within financial constraints.
Step 3: Selecting the Right Venue and Equipment
The venue and equipment selection are crucial for an esports event. Considerations include:
- Venue Size: Does the venue have enough space to accommodate both the players and the audience?
- Technology: Will the venue support the necessary technology for live streaming and broadcasting? Do you need high-speed internet and advanced gaming setups?
- Logistics: How easily can participants and spectators access the venue? Is the location suitable for travel?
Step 4: Building a Team
An esports event is a team effort, so it’s important to recruit skilled individuals for various roles, including:
- Tournament Organisers: They manage the structure and flow of the tournament.
- Tech Staff: Ensure that all gaming and broadcasting technology is functioning properly.
- Volunteers: Assist with general logistics, such as registration and crowd management.
Key Elements of Esports Event Management
Marketing and Promotions
Marketing is essential for attracting both players and audiences to your event. Leverage social media, esports communities, and streaming platforms to promote your event. In addition, consider collaborating with influencers or esports teams to broaden your reach.
Day-of-Event Execution
On the event day, everything must run smoothly. Key tasks include managing schedules, coordinating live streams, ensuring players and staff are in the right place at the right time, and handling any unforeseen issues.
Post-Event Analysis
After the event, gather feedback from participants, sponsors, and attendees to understand what went well and what could be improved. Analysing key performance metrics (such as viewership numbers and engagement rates) will provide valuable insights for future events.
Skills and Qualifications Needed for Esports Event Management
To excel in esports event management, you need a combination of organisational, communication, and technical skills. These include:
- Organisation: Managing schedules, coordinating teams, and ensuring all logistics are in place.
- Communication: Effectively communicating with stakeholders, teams, and sponsors.
- Technical Expertise: Understanding the technical aspects of streaming, broadcasting, and gaming hardware.
At BCE, students develop these skills through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world experience.
How BCE Prepares Students for Careers in Esports Event Management
BCE’s esports courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the esports industry. The college’s curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including event management, esports marketing, production, and broadcasting.
Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including gaming equipment, streaming technology, and dedicated spaces for event planning and coordination. Moreover, BCE’s strong industry connections ensure that students have opportunities for internships, live event experiences, and networking with professionals in the esports sector.
Testimonials from BCE Alumni: Many BCE alumni have gone on to work at prestigious esports companies, organising events and tournaments for major gaming titles.
For more information on how to start your career in esports event management, visit BCE’s Esports Education Page.
Conclusion
Esports event management is an exciting and fast-paced career path, offering numerous opportunities for growth in a rapidly expanding industry. With the right training and hands-on experience, you can be part of the action that makes esports events happen. If you’re passionate about esports and event management, BCE’s specialised courses will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Are you ready to kickstart your career in esports? Explore BCE’s esports event management courses today and begin your journey towards becoming a leader in the esports industry.