My first gaming console was a Super Nintendo, but since I was very young at the time, I don't remember much of it. The first game I vividly remember playing was SSX Tricky which was a snowboarding game on PlayStation 2. 

So much has changed since then – consoles and games evolved and I joined the world of eSports to become a professional Halo player. Dedication paid off when I became a back-to-back World Campion in 2016 and 2017 and XGames Silver medalist the following year. 

If you are trying to become a professional gamer, remember that everything else in life should not be put to the side for this one goal. It is a vital to keep friendships and relationships with family, finish any type of schooling with effort, and to participate in other activities and hobbies. I did all these things growing up while becoming a pro. 

It’s also important to pay attention to hydration, get enough sleep (everyone underestimates the importance of a good night of rest), try to stay calm (frustration only leads to playing worse) and make you sure you have proper gaming equipment.

While it’s not an easy task balancing all of these things, if you put effort into all of them, you will see results in some way.