Esports has exploded into one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. From massive tournaments with multi-million-dollar prize pools to professional teams with celebrity investors, esports has gone from basement LAN parties to stadium-packed global events. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own esports team, you’re not alone. With the right strategy, resources, and dedication, building a competitive and sustainable team is within your reach.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to start your own esports team—from planning and funding to recruitment, branding, and competing at the highest level.
Why Start an Esports Team?
Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s first understand why starting an esports team is appealing:
- Passion for gaming – If you love competitive gaming, leading a team is a way to channel that passion into something bigger.
- Business opportunity – The esports industry is projected to surpass $4 billion by 2030, offering revenue through sponsorships, merchandise, streaming, and tournaments.
- Community building – Teams attract fans, creating a dedicated community around your brand.
- Potential for success – Even small grassroots teams can climb the ladder and compete at high levels with the right strategy.
Esports isn’t just fun—it’s also a legitimate business venture. But like any business, it requires careful planning.
Step 1: Define Your Vision and Goals
Every successful team begins with a clear purpose. Ask yourself:
- What is my long-term vision? Do you want to compete professionally, or focus more on content creation and streaming?
- Which games should we play? Popular esports titles include League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO, Valorant, Fortnite, PUBG, Rocket League, and Call of Duty.
- What makes my team unique? This could be your playstyle, branding, or focus on specific regions or demographics.
Your goals will shape the rest of your decisions. For example, building a professional Valorant team looks very different from creating a casual Rocket League community team.
Step 2: Choose the Right Esports Game
Not every game is suitable for an esports team. You’ll want to choose a game with:
- Strong competitive scene – Games with established tournaments and leagues provide more opportunities.
- Large player base – Popular games have more visibility and fan potential.
- Longevity – Avoid building a team around a game that may lose relevance in a year.
Top Esports Titles (as of 2025):
- League of Legends (LoL) – A global giant with massive tournaments like Worlds.
- Dota 2 – Known for The International and huge prize pools.
- Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) – The successor to CS:GO, with a massive FPS community.
- Valorant – Riot Games’ tactical shooter that has quickly grown into a global esport.
- Fortnite – Huge fanbase, particularly appealing for younger audiences.
- Rocket League – Accessible, fun, and highly competitive.
- PUBG Mobile & Free Fire – Mobile esports powerhouses, especially in Asia.
Pick a game where you understand the mechanics and meta, as this will help you manage and recruit effectively.
Step 3: Create a Business Plan
An esports team isn’t just about playing games—it’s a business. A business plan will give structure and attract sponsors or investors later on.
Key Elements of Your Plan:
- Mission statement – What does your team stand for?
- Team structure – Who’s in charge? Will you have coaches, managers, or analysts?
- Target market – Who are your fans? Hardcore gamers, casual fans, regional players?
- Funding and budget – How much money do you need to operate?
- Revenue strategy – Sponsorships, merchandise, streaming, tournaments, etc.
- Growth plan – How will you expand over time?
Having this blueprint will prevent you from making costly mistakes down the line.
Step 4: Secure Funding
Starting a team costs money. Expenses include player salaries, tournament fees, branding, equipment, and content creation.
Common Funding Options:
- Self-funding – Many grassroots teams start with personal savings.
- Sponsorships – Companies may fund your team in exchange for advertising.
- Investors – Angel investors or venture capital may back larger projects.
- Merchandise – Selling branded apparel can generate revenue.
- Crowdfunding – Platforms like Patreon or Kickstarter allow fans to support your team.
Start small if you have limited funds. Focus on building credibility, and sponsors will come later.
Step 5: Build Your Team
The most crucial step is assembling your roster. A team is only as strong as its players and staff.
Recruiting Players:
- Look for high-ranked players in your chosen game.
- Scout talent on platforms like Discord, Reddit, FaceIt, or in-game leaderboards.
- Conduct tryouts to evaluate skills, teamwork, and communication.
- Prioritize chemistry and dedication over raw talent.
Supporting Staff:
- Coach – Helps players develop strategies and improve.
- Manager – Handles logistics, contracts, and scheduling.
- Analyst – Breaks down opponent strategies and data.
- Content creators – Build your brand through Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok.
Even if you start small, having at least a manager or coach can make a huge difference.
Step 6: Branding and Identity
Your team’s identity is how fans will remember you. Strong branding separates professional organizations from casual groups.
Branding Essentials:
- Team Name – Memorable, unique, and relevant to gaming.
- Logo & Colors – Hire a graphic designer to create a professional look.
- Website – Acts as your digital headquarters.
- Social Media Presence – Build accounts on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Your branding should be consistent across all platforms. Think about how successful teams like Fnatic, Cloud9, and Team Liquid built instantly recognizable brands.
Step 7: Register and Formalize Your Team
If you’re serious, treat your team like a business. This means:
- Registering as a legal entity (LLC, company, etc.)
- Drafting player contracts to protect both parties.
- Establishing a code of conduct to maintain professionalism.
This step is especially important if you plan to work with sponsors or compete in official tournaments.
Step 8: Enter Competitions
The next step is competing in tournaments.
Where to Start:
- Online Tournaments – Websites like Battlefy, FACEIT, and ESL offer beginner-friendly competitions.
- Regional Leagues – Local leagues help build experience.
- Amateur Circuits – Many games have semi-pro circuits that lead to professional play.
Winning small tournaments builds credibility and can attract attention from sponsors and fans.
Step 9: Build a Fanbase
An esports team is nothing without fans. Even the best players need an audience to thrive.
Ways to Grow Your Community:
- Streaming – Encourage players to stream on Twitch/YouTube.
- Content creation – Post highlights, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Engagement – Interact with fans on social media and Discord.
- Merchandise – Branded jerseys and hoodies turn fans into ambassadors.
A loyal fanbase increases your team’s value to sponsors and helps sustain long-term growth.
Step 10: Monetize and Scale
Once you have a foundation, it’s time to turn your team into a sustainable business.
Revenue Streams:
- Sponsorships & Partnerships – The biggest source of revenue for most teams.
- Merchandise Sales – Jerseys, caps, and hoodies can bring in steady income.
- Streaming & Content – Monetize YouTube ads, Twitch subs, and brand deals.
- Tournament Winnings – Not reliable, but a nice bonus.
- Memberships & Fan Clubs – Patreon or subscription-based communities.
As your team grows, consider expanding into multiple games, signing more players, and building a full-fledged organization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping contracts – Always protect yourself and your players legally.
- Expanding too quickly – Start with one game before branching out.
- Ignoring branding – A team with no identity won’t attract fans.
- Overpaying players early on – Keep salaries sustainable until you have revenue.
- Focusing only on winning – Content, fan engagement, and community are just as important.
Future of Esports Teams
The esports industry is still evolving. Trends like mobile esports, AI-driven analytics, VR gaming, and blockchain-based fan tokens are shaping the future. Teams that adapt early will have a massive advantage.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own esports team is both exciting and challenging. It’s not just about gaming—it’s about leadership, branding, business, and community building. By following these steps—defining your vision, choosing the right game, building a team, securing funding, and growing your brand—you can create a team that competes and thrives in the booming esports industry.