As esports continues to evolve into a structured and professional industry, the demand for skilled and knowledgeable coaches has never been higher. Whether working with amateur teams, professional organisations, or individual players, esports coaches play a crucial role in improving gameplay, fostering teamwork, and developing winning strategies.

But how does someone break into esports coaching? Unlike traditional sports, there are no standardised coaching qualifications, making the path to success somewhat unclear. This guide will break down what an esports coach does, the skills required, and the steps you can take to start your coaching career.

What Does an Esports Coach Do?

An esports coach is responsible for much more than just teaching mechanics and strategies. They analyse gameplay, mentor players, and create structured training plans to optimise a team’s performance.

Core Responsibilities of an Esports Coach:

Developing Team Strategies – Studying the game’s meta and formulating winning tactics. Training Players – Improving mechanical skills, decision-making, and communication. Reviewing Gameplay – Analyzing past matches to identify strengths and weaknesses. Building Team Chemistry – Ensuring players work well together and communicate effectively. Managing Player Well-being – Addressing mental and physical health concerns, sometimes in collaboration with sports psychologists.

Coaches may also specialise in different areas, such as strategic coaching, performance analysis, or player development, depending on their expertise and the team’s needs.

Do You Need to Be a Pro Player to Become a Coach?

One common misconception is that only former pro players can become coaches. While high-level experience can help, it is not a strict requirement. Many successful esports coaches never competed professionally, but instead built their careers through game analysis, strategy expertise, and strong leadership skills.

What Matters More Than Being a Pro Player?

Deep game knowledge – Understanding the mechanics, meta, and competitive landscape. Strong communication skills – Being able to clearly explain strategies and provide constructive feedback. Leadership and motivation – Keeping players engaged and helping them improve. Analytical thinking – Reviewing gameplay and identifying areas for improvement.

If you lack pro experience, you can still become a great coach by mastering these skills and demonstrating your value to teams.

How to Start Your Career as an Esports Coach

Breaking into esports coaching requires dedication, networking, and a willingness to learn. Here are five essential steps to get started:

1. Choose Your Game and Specialization

Before diving into coaching, decide which game you want to focus on. Different esports titles require different coaching approaches—for example, coaching a MOBA team (League of Legends, Dota 2) involves strategy and teamwork, while coaching an FPS team (CS2, VALORANT) focuses on mechanical skills and tactics.

Consider your strengths:

Are you better at analysing strategy or improving mechanics? Do you prefer working with individual players or full teams? Are you interested in mental coaching and player well-being?

Finding your niche will help you market yourself effectively and find the right coaching opportunities.

2. Gain Coaching Experience (Even Without a Team)

Many aspiring esports coaches struggle to get their first opportunity, but you don’t need a professional team to start gaining experience.

Ways to Build Coaching Experience:

Offer free coaching – Help lower-ranked players improve and collect testimonials. Create educational content – Post strategy breakdowns on YouTube, Twitch, or social media. Join amateur teams – Many grassroots organisations seek volunteer coaches. Analyse pro matches – Break down professional gameplay and share insights.

Building a portfolio of coaching work will make it easier to attract higher-level teams and players.

3. Learn from Established Coaches and Resources

Esports coaching lacks standardised qualifications, but many resources can help you develop the necessary skills.

Where to Learn Coaching Skills:

Watch pro coaches in action – Follow esports coaches on Twitch, YouTube, and social media. Read esports coaching guides – Websites like British Esports, Esports Coaching Academy, and IFoEC offer valuable insights. Study leadership and psychology – Understanding team dynamics and motivation is crucial. Take esports coaching courses – Programs like the Esports Coaching Academy provide structured learning.

Continuous learning will set you apart from other aspiring coaches.

4. Network and Build Industry Connections

Esports is a relationship-driven industry, and networking is often the key to landing coaching opportunities.

How to Network in Esports:

Join esports communities – Engage in Discord servers, Reddit, and forums for your chosen game. Attend events and tournaments – Both online and offline events are great for meeting players and teams. Connect with grassroots organisations – Many amateur teams look for dedicated coaches. Offer feedback and analysis on social media – Engaging in discussions can attract attention from teams.

Building genuine relationships will increase your chances of getting hired by a team.

5. Apply for Coaching Roles and Start Climbing the Ladder

Once you’ve gained experience, studied coaching techniques, and built a network, it’s time to apply for coaching roles.

Where to Find Esports Coaching Jobs:

Esports job boards – Websites like Hitmarker, Upwork, and Fiverr list coaching opportunities. Team applications – Many amateur teams post openings on Discord and Twitter. Freelance coaching – Offer one-on-one coaching on platforms like Metafy or ProGuides.

Starting small is perfectly fine—many pro coaches began in amateur leagues before working their way up.

Final Thoughts: Coaching in Esports Is a Long-Term Journey

Becoming an esports coach doesn’t happen overnight. It requires game expertise, leadership skills, and persistence. Whether you’re helping amateur players grow or leading a pro team to victory, coaching in esports is an incredibly rewarding career for those who are passionate about the industry.