How long would it take to become a professional level gamer?

[WalterCronkite]

How long do you think it would take to become a professional level gamer? I specifically want to try to train, playing 2D fighting games until I become a master, but I'm wondering if anyone had any experience or knowledge to share on the topic.

[Flake]

How long do you think it would take to become a professional level gamer? I specifically want to try to train, playing 2D fighting games until I become a master, but I'm wondering if anyone had any experience or knowledge to share on the topic.

The term "professional level gamer" implies that it is common for one to make a living playing video games. That is not the case at all. While there are a few instances such as Korean Star Craft players or Daigo of Street Fighter fame, playing games is not something many people do for a career.

That being the case, there is no answer for your question. I would suggest, however, that you keep gaming a hobby and figure out a way to realize your passion in a more marketable way.

[MrPopo]

You should treat it like you were trying to be a professional level basketball player.

[deathsled]

If you think it's something you have to train for and "try" to do then chances are you don't have the raw natural talent for it....

You either play at that level already and have been learning to master games like that your entire life or you don't.

[Hazerd]

Nike doesnt make game controllers

[fastbilly1]

Three tips:
Practice, practice, practice. If you want to be the best, you need to know every title you will be competing in, inside and out. Then you need to start going to tournaments. The tourney atmosphere is much different than online. But you really would to have to treat it like a job.

[dsheinem]

Nike doesnt make game controllers

[YoshiEgg25]

Nike doesnt make game controllers

It was critically panned for feeling "too light" and using cheap material. Nike replied saying it was business as usual.

[k.vlaros]

How long depends on your natural skill and the amount of practice you put in to it, I guess....

If you're thinking about a career and are still a young person, I'd advise you to learn a trade that can't be easily outsourced. Maybe auto mechanic. Or if you are very smart, whatever engineering field is most interesting.

[Erik_Twice]

As of now, electronic sports are a terrible source for a job. Other than Starcraft I doubt you can make a living out of any game, there's simply no money in all this. Hell, there's barely any money in Football if you think about it, only a handful of people out of millions of players will get anywhere.

If you think it's something you have to train for and "try" to do then chances are you don't have the raw natural talent for it....

Raw natural talent? Sorry but this stuff isn't free, you have to train and hard for it. You don't magically turn good at aiming and shooting and you don't learn to control space when you are born.

But don't quote me, talk with Daigo or Fatality and see what they think.