Esports has slowly transformed from a hobby into a full-time career, with a lot of professional gamers earning well over the average salaries of engineers and doctors.
While it may seem fun to be a professional gamer, you actually have to put in tons of hours to maintain your skill level. Here is our take on how many hours professional gamers play.
Key Takeaways
- Professional gamers play significantly more hours than the average gamer, with an average of 7 to 9 hours per day, and some playing up to 12 to 14 hours a day.
- While sustainability may vary for each gamer, 8 hours of gameplay, including breaks, is the sweet spot for most players. It allows for necessary practice without burning out.
- Long hours of gaming can have potential downsides, including physical and mental health issues. Thus, taking breaks and maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for maintaining a long career in professional gaming.
How Many Hours Does The Average Professional Gamer Play?
When it comes to regular gamers, most average gamers play for around two to three hours a day. However, that’s not even close to what the average professional gamer plays.
An average professional gamer will play anywhere from 7 to 9 hours every day. Average professional gamers usually play for six days a week, which brings their weekly total to around 42 to 54 hours every week.
However, this gameplay time also includes short breaks like getting something to eat or getting up and stretching for a bit. Some gamers take longer breaks while others stay laser-focused on the game that they are playing.
The Most Hours That Professional Gamers Play
Professional gamers are like full-time athletes. However, while professional athletes for conventional sports like football and basketball will train for three to four hours a day, certain professional gamers play for over three times that.
When we look at the most amount of hours that gamers play, it is way up there at around 12 to 14 hours. That’s over 80% of the average waking hours. This is also one of the main reasons that most esports gamers retire soo early.
However, this is not bad for some gamers as they enjoy playing video games. Just take a look at live streamers that stream their gameplay for well over 8 hours.
What Is A Sustainable Amount Of Game Time In A Day?
When it comes to sustainability, the answer is different for every gamer. Certain gamers can play for long hours without breaking a sweat, while other gamers can only play for five or so hours, including breaks.
On average, 8 hours, including breaks, seems to be the sweet spot. With 8 hours, you don’t get burned out and also get the necessary amount of practice.
However, there are a ton of professional gamers that play well over 8 hours. Not only that, but certain casual gamers also sometimes play for over 8 hours. But that’s not a daily routine for average gamers.
The reason for these insanely long gaming sessions is that professional gaming is one of the only professions that a person chooses because they love it. Gamers that love to play games don’t care how long they play because they are having fun.
How Much Should I Play To Become An Esports Pro?
If you are thinking of becoming a professional gamer, you will need to spend at least 8 hours every day playing video games. Any lower than this will not allow you to make improvements or at least maintain your skill level.
However, if you love competitive gaming, then this won’t be a problem for you. Just make sure that you have a stable side income that can support you before you start getting paid for gaming, and make sure not to go overboard with the number of hours you play in a day.
Conclusion
On average, a professional gamer will play anywhere from 7 to 9 hours a day. However, certain gamers play up to 14 hours a day, which is not great for mental health.
FAQ
How many hours do professional gamers play a day on average?
On average, professional gamers play anywhere from 7 to 9 hours every day.
What is the most amount of hours that professional gamers play?
Professional gamers play the most, around 12 to 14 hours daily.
Is it sustainable to play video games for long hours every day?
It depends on the individual. While some gamers can sustain long hours of gameplay, others may experience burnout or health issues. On average, 8 hours of gameplay, including breaks, is the sweet spot for most players.
How much should I play to become an esports pro?
To become an esports pro, you must spend at least 8 hours playing video games daily. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance and stay moderate with the number of hours you play in a day.
Why do professional gamers play for long hours?
Professional gamers often choose gaming as a profession because they love it. They don’t mind playing for long hours because they are having fun and improving their skills.
What are the potential downsides of playing video games for long hours?
Prolonged sitting can lead to health problems such as back pain and obesity. Additionally, gamers who play for long hours may experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Taking breaks and maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for avoiding these potential downsides.
