Ever watched a Rocket League or League of Legends tournament and thought, “That could be us”? You’re not alone — that dream drives thousands of gamers to take their passion to the next level.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start an esports team, you’re stepping into one of the fastest-growing arenas in the video game world. With the esports industry expected to reach over $4.3 billion globally by 2025, there’s never been a better time to turn casual matches into something more serious — like building a real competitive gaming squad.
But how do you go from casual gameplay with friends to forming a professional esports organization that can compete and grow?
Whether you’re in middle school, high school, college, or just a gamer with big dreams and stable Wi-Fi, this guide will walk you through exactly how to start an esports team — step by step — even if you’re starting from scratch.
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Start an Esports Team
1. 🎯 Choose Your Game (Start Specific)
Start with one specific game you and your potential teammates love and are skilled at. Building an esports team for every game sounds fun, but it’s not strategic.
Popular games for new teams:
- Rocket League
- League of Legends
- Valorant
- Brawl Stars (yes, mobile teams are legit now!)
- CS:GO
- Overwatch
📌 People also search for: How to make an esports team Brawl Stars — Yes, it’s very possible. Mobile esports are exploding in popularity and easier to access for beginners.
2. 🧑🤝🧑 Recruit Passionate Team Members
You’re not building just a team — you’re building a family of gamers with one mission: competing in tournaments and winning.
Here’s how to recruit players who are in it for the long haul:
- Post on Reddit (especially in r/Esports and game-specific threads like r/LeagueOfLegends)
- Use Discord servers dedicated to your chosen game
- Scout in online leaderboards
- Ask in school computer labs or gaming clubs
📌 People also search for: How to start an esports team Reddit — Reddit is a goldmine for finding committed players and collaborators.
3. 📜 Define Roles & Expectations
Break down your team members into key roles:
- Captain / Shotcaller
- Strategist / Analyst
- Content Creator (Yes, content is king in esports!)
- Social Media Manager
- Coach or Mentor (even if unofficial)
Make sure everyone’s clear on what’s expected, how often you’ll practice, and how you’ll track progress.
4. 🧠 Gain Experience Before Going Pro
Before you leap into the pro scene, your team needs real competitive gaming experience.
Start by:
- Joining amateur tournaments on sites like Battlefy, Toornament, or FACEIT
- Competing in school leagues
- Hosting scrims against other startup teams
Tip: Even traditional sports athletes go through practice seasons. Treat your esports team the same.
📌 People also search for: How to start an esports team at school / in middle school — Many schools now support or are open to esports programs. Ask your school to help set up a team or provide space (like computer labs).
5. 🧩 Register Your Team and Handle the Legal Stuff
If you plan to go serious or professional, make it official:
- Pick a team name and register it
- Create a simple website or landing page
- Open a dedicated team bank account
- Register for tournaments and platforms (like ESL, FACEIT, Challengermode)
📌 People also search for: How to register an esports team — Look for your country’s esports federation or tournament platform rules.
6. 💸 Understand the Cost of Starting an Esports Team
You don’t need millions — but you will need a budget.
Basic costs may include:
- Game licenses
- Uniforms or jerseys
- Entry fees for tournaments
- Internet upgrades
- Video and content creation tools
- Website or branding expenses
💡 Estimated startup cost for an amateur team: $500 – $5,000
📌 People also search for: How much does it cost to start an esports team — It depends on your goals, but starting lean is totally fine.
7. 🌍 Grow Your Esports Organization
Once your team is active, it’s time to grow your esports organization like a brand:
Growth strategies:
- Post gameplay clips and team updates on social media (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts)
- Collaborate with streamers or other teams
- Start a content creation channel — behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, and vlogs
- Reach out to local gaming stores or brands for sponsorships
📌 People also search for: How to grow an esports organization — Your team isn’t just a squad, it’s a startup brand.
8. 🧑🎓 Start an Esports Program at School (Bonus)
If you’re in high school or college, consider starting a school-supported esports program:
- Present esports as part of STEM and teamwork development
- Get a teacher or coach to sponsor the team
- Use computer labs for training
- Apply for local grants or tech donations
📌 People also search for: How to start an esports team at school — Many schools are adopting esports clubs. You could be the one who brings it to yours.
9. 🌟 From Amateur to Professional
Going pro isn’t about luck — it’s about persistence.
Once your team has:
- A set roster
- Consistent scrim results
- Tournament experience
- Content and brand visibility
… you’re ready to apply to semi-pro leagues or reach out to scouts. Some games, like League of Legends, even have academy paths.
📌 People also search for: How to join an esports team — If you’re looking to join one instead of starting one, start by showing your rank, past teams, and content on a portfolio.
📚 Pro Tips to Succeed Long-Term
- Treat it like a business, not a hobby
- Always communicate clearly and respectfully with teammates
- Track your team’s stats and progress
- Stay up to date with patch notes and meta shifts
- Attend local gaming events or LAN parties
✅ Final Thoughts: Your Esports Journey Starts Now
Starting an esports team isn’t about being the best on Day One. It’s about building a squad, learning the game, and evolving as a team. Whether you’re starting at school, through Reddit, or with your online friends — your professional esports team begins with a single bold step.
You’ve got the blueprint — now go build something amazing.