Live Streamer and Esports Player

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

The role

As a live streamer or esports player, you play competitive video games at a high level, either competing in tournaments for prize money or streaming your gameplay to an online audience who watch and chat with you in real time. If you compete in esports, you train for hours every day to master your game, play in team tournaments with prize pools that can reach thousands of pounds, and build a reputation in the professional gaming world. If you stream, you play games live online, entertain your viewers, and earn money from subscriptions and donations to your channel.

This career sounds exciting, and for some people it is genuinely their job. But it is very competitive - thousands of people are trying to do the same thing, and most do not make enough money to live on. Success usually takes years of practice, natural talent, and some luck. You also need to manage the business side - taxes, sponsorships, equipment costs - and deal with online harassment. Many successful streamers also do other work to pay the bills while building their audience.

Daily responsibilities

• Stream your gameplay live online while chatting with viewers and answering their messages.
• Practise your main game for several hours to sharpen your skills and reactions.
• Review recordings of past matches to spot mistakes and work out how to improve.
• Post clips and updates on social media to grow your audience and keep followers engaged.
• Reply to emails from sponsors or brands and sort out any deals or collaborations.
• Check and update your equipment, such as your PC, microphone and streaming software.
• Keep track of your income, expenses and taxes from subscriptions, donations and sponsorships.

Does a degree help here?

A UK education offers you access to top-notch resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights that can help you stand out in the competitive gaming scene. Whether it's through gaming-related courses or business studies, you'll gain skills that can elevate your streaming and gaming career.