What are esports competitions?

Esports, or electronic sports, are competitive video gaming events. Think of it as traditional sports, but with controllers instead of bats or balls. We’re talking organized tournaments, often with substantial prize pools, featuring skilled players vying for victory.

Key Differences from Casual Gaming:

High Skill Ceiling: Esports demand exceptional reaction time, strategic thinking, and teamwork (in team-based games). Years of dedicated practice are needed to reach the professional level. It’s not just about knowing how to play the game; it’s about mastering its intricacies at a level most casual players can only dream of.
Strategic Depth: Professional esports often involves incredibly nuanced strategies and tactics. Teams spend countless hours analyzing gameplay, developing counter-strategies, and perfecting their execution. It’s a constant arms race of innovation and adaptation.
Professional Structure: Esports has a surprisingly well-defined structure, mirroring traditional sports. You have leagues, seasons, playoffs, and even dedicated coaching staffs analyzing opponents and guiding players. Teams often have sponsorships and brand deals, much like professional athletes.

Types of Competitions:

LAN tournaments: These are large-scale events where players compete in person, often in massive arenas with thousands of spectators.
Online tournaments: These take place online and are often qualifiers for larger LAN events. They are more accessible to a wider range of players but lack the electrifying atmosphere of a live event.
League play: Many esports have established leagues with regular seasons and playoffs, creating a consistent competitive environment.

Beyond the Game: Understanding the meta, analyzing opponent playstyles, and adapting your strategy on the fly are crucial skills that extend far beyond the game itself. The dedication, discipline, and teamwork required in esports translate to valuable life skills.

Is it hard to get into esports?

Breaking into professional esports is incredibly challenging, demanding exceptional skill and unwavering dedication. Think of it less like a career path and more like climbing an extremely steep mountain. Only a tiny fraction reach the summit.

Mastering Your Game: Raw talent alone isn’t enough. You need to dedicate countless hours to practice, focusing not just on mechanical skill, but also strategic thinking, game sense, and adaptability. Analyze your gameplay constantly; record and review your matches to identify weaknesses and refine your strengths. Understanding the meta and adapting to changes is crucial.

Building Your Foundation: Don’t expect to jump straight into pro leagues. Start small. Participate in local tournaments, online ladders, and community events. This allows you to gain experience, build your reputation, and network with other players. Consistent high performance in these smaller competitions will attract attention from teams and scouts.

Teamwork and Communication: Esports, especially team-based games, require exceptional teamwork and communication. Practice with a team, even if informally, to hone these skills. Clear, concise communication under pressure is paramount.

Physical and Mental Health: The competitive esports scene is demanding. Neglecting your physical and mental health will seriously hinder your progress. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize sleep. Consider strategies for managing stress and anxiety, as these can significantly impact your performance.

Networking and Self-Promotion: Building a strong online presence is vital. Stream your gameplay, engage with the community on social media, and actively network with other players, coaches, and team representatives. Highlight your achievements and show your dedication through consistent and high-quality content creation.

Persistence and Resilience: Expect setbacks. Losses are inevitable, but how you react to them defines your success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your strategies, and maintain a positive attitude. The road to professional esports is long and arduous, and only those with immense perseverance will make it.

How to participate in esports?

Let’s be realistic: becoming a pro esports player is brutally difficult. The odds are stacked against you. But if you’re genuinely committed, here’s a more nuanced approach than generic advice.

1) Game Selection: Strategic, Not Sentimental. Don’t pick a game because you enjoy it casually. Analyze the scene. Is it growing? Are there viable pathways for new talent? Is the player base large enough to support a sustainable career? Research prize pools, viewership numbers, and the overall health of the competitive scene for your potential title. Blindly following your favorite game might lead to a dead end.

2) Mastery Beyond Mechanical Skill: Mechanical skill is table stakes. Beyond reflexes, focus on strategic thinking, game sense, and adaptability. Analyze professional gameplay; understand high-level strategies, common team compositions, and meta shifts. Record and review your own matches, identifying weaknesses ruthlessly. Consider coaching to accelerate your growth.

3) Online Communities: Beyond Casual Chat. Engage actively, but strategically. Find communities focused on competitive play, not just general discussion. Analyze advanced gameplay, learn from experienced players, and network purposefully. Seek constructive criticism; don’t be afraid to ask questions, but be prepared to show you’ve already done the groundwork.

4) Amateur Tournaments: A Stepping Stone, Not A Destination. These are crucial for experience, but treat them like training grounds. Focus on consistent performance and learning from both wins and losses. Don’t get discouraged by early defeats; view them as opportunities for improvement. Analyze opponent strategies and your own mistakes.

5) Team Dynamics: Crucial For Success. Finding the right team is as important as individual skill. Look for synergy, shared goals, and a supportive environment. A team’s success relies on communication, cohesion, and mutual respect, as much as individual talent. Avoid teams prioritizing toxicity over skill.

6) Online Presence: Branding And Professionalism. This isn’t just about vanity. A polished online presence demonstrates professionalism and attracts opportunities. Create a consistent brand across platforms, highlighting your skills and accomplishments. Network strategically, building relationships with influencers and potential sponsors.

7) Athlete-Level Training: Discipline And Consistency. This means a structured training regimen, prioritizing physical and mental health alongside gameplay. Sleep, diet, and stress management are as crucial as practice time. Consider sports psychology techniques to enhance performance under pressure.

Why do people participate in esports?

It’s way more than just the games, you know? Esports builds incredible communities. Think about it: you’re collaborating with teammates, strategizing, working towards a shared goal. That’s massive for social skills development, especially for younger players. You learn teamwork, leadership – figuring out who’s the shot-caller, who excels at what – and organization, managing your time and responsibilities within the team. It’s a structured environment where you’re constantly honing these skills, skills that translate directly into real-world success, far beyond the game. The friendships forged in the crucible of competition? Those are lifelong bonds. It’s a supportive network, a sense of belonging, something seriously valuable in today’s world. You’re not just playing; you’re building a life, and that’s a massive part of the esports appeal.

Plus, the competitive aspect itself fosters resilience. You’ll face losses, frustrating moments, tough opponents – learning to manage those setbacks and bounce back is crucial for personal growth. It’s a powerful lesson in perseverance and self-improvement. This translates to improved focus, problem-solving skills and an increased capacity to cope with pressure – traits highly valued wherever you go.

Beyond the immediate team, you’ve got the wider community: fans, streamers, other players. It’s a vibrant ecosystem. You find your tribe, people who share your passion. That’s invaluable for anyone.

How do you get into esports competition?

Breaking into esports competition is a multifaceted process requiring strategic planning and persistent effort. Simply attending events, while valuable for networking, is insufficient. Target events strategically; prioritize those showcasing your specific game or role. Don’t just passively attend; actively engage with teams, players, and organizers. Observe team dynamics, analyze strategies, and network effectively. LinkedIn is a useful tool, but direct outreach requires a compelling narrative—highlight unique skills and demonstrable achievements, not just general interest. Generic messages will be ignored.

Volunteer work is crucial but needs focus. Don’t just assist; actively seek roles offering insight into tournament operations, player management, or content creation. Showcase initiative by proposing solutions or identifying areas for improvement. This demonstrates professionalism and dedication beyond simple assistance. Consider building a portfolio showcasing your skills—video editing, graphic design, social media management, or even data analysis, are all valuable in esports. This practical experience complements networking efforts, making you a more attractive prospect.

Competitive skill is paramount. Consistent high performance in ranked play is essential. Stream your gameplay, highlighting strategic thinking and exceptional skill. Build a personal brand; a strong online presence showcases your dedication and potential to sponsors and teams. Remember, esports is a business; demonstrate an understanding of marketing, branding, and audience engagement. Finally, understand the business side of esports: team structures, sponsorship deals, and revenue models. This knowledge distinguishes you from the purely skilled.

What is the biggest esports competition?

Defining the “biggest” esports competition is tricky; it depends on whether you prioritize peak viewership or total viewership over the entire tournament. While specific numbers fluctuate based on reporting methods, the League of Legends World Championship consistently reigns supreme.

The 2024 iteration shattered previous records, achieving a staggering 6.86 million peak concurrent viewers, solidifying its place as the most-watched esports event ever. This surpasses even the already impressive 6.4 million peak viewers of the 2025 World Championship held in South Korea.

Several factors contribute to LoL Worlds’ dominance:

Global Reach: League of Legends boasts a massive global player base, ensuring a vast potential viewership.
High Production Value: Riot Games invests heavily in the production quality, creating a cinematic spectacle.
Narrative & Competition: The tournament features compelling narratives, intense competition, and high stakes, fostering engagement.
Consistent Growth: Year-on-year, the Worlds Championship improves upon its previous success, attracting a larger audience.

While other esports titles like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive boast significant viewership, none consistently match the peak viewership and overall reach of the League of Legends World Championship. It’s important to note that these numbers represent peak viewership, and the total hours watched across the entire tournament also contribute to a comprehensive understanding of its scale. However, even in terms of total viewership hours, League of Legends Worlds generally holds a leading position.

Furthermore, the impact extends beyond viewership figures. The event’s cultural impact, sponsorships, and prize pools further cement its position at the apex of competitive gaming.

How do you explain esports?

Esports, or electronic sports, transcends casual gaming by structuring competitive video gaming into a professional spectator sport. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry encompassing a vast range of games, from MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2, to first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Call of Duty, and fighting games like Street Fighter and Tekken. Each game boasts its unique competitive ecosystem, strategy layers, and player roles, demanding specialized skill sets and in-depth game knowledge from both players and viewers. The spectator experience is heightened by professional broadcasting, including expert commentary, dynamic camera angles, and advanced analytics providing real-time insights into team performance, player statistics, and strategic decision-making. Beyond individual skill, team dynamics, coaching strategies, and even psychological factors significantly contribute to victory. This intricate blend of athleticism, strategy, and showmanship creates a compelling spectacle drawing millions of viewers worldwide.

Furthermore, the rise of esports has fostered a robust ecosystem of professional players, coaches, analysts, commentators, and support staff, creating high-stakes careers and substantial economic opportunities. Significant investments in infrastructure, including dedicated training facilities and cutting-edge technology, contribute to the continuous evolution and professionalism of the industry. The competitive landscape is constantly evolving with the introduction of new games, innovative strategies, and ever-increasing player skill levels, ensuring the ongoing excitement and appeal of esports to a global audience.

Do esports jobs pay well?

Yeah, so you wanna know about esports pay? Forget the averages, those are noob numbers. $34.21 an hour in California? That’s barely enough for decent loot boxes. The truth is, it’s a brutal grind. You’re looking at a massive skill ceiling; only the top 1% rake in the serious dough – think six-figure salaries and insane sponsorships. The $10.91 bottom end? That’s basically unpaid internship levels of misery. Most are scraping by between $20 and $46 an hour, and that’s if you’re lucky enough to land a team position. Don’t even think about “average” – that’s a lie. It’s a hyper-competitive market. You need insane skills, killer reflexes, a thick skin to deal with the pressure, and probably a backup plan. Streaming can supplement income, but that’s another full-time job in itself, requiring dedicated content creation. The only consistent big earners are the superstars, the legends. Everyone else is fighting for scraps in a cutthroat world. So before you jump in, be realistic about the odds. This isn’t some casual game; this is a war for survival.

Think of it like this: you’re raiding a dungeon, and the treasure is that six-figure salary. 99% of players are stuck fighting low-level mobs for pathetic gold. The top 1%? They’re already geared up in legendary armor, soloing world bosses. That’s the esports reality.

What do people do in esports?

Esports encompasses a multifaceted ecosystem beyond simply playing video games competitively. Professional players, akin to athletes in traditional sports, dedicate themselves to rigorous training regimens, honing their skills through countless hours of practice and strategic analysis. This dedication extends to team dynamics, requiring cohesive collaboration and effective communication strategies, often guided by coaches and analysts who leverage data-driven insights to optimize performance. The competitive landscape includes a tiered system, from amateur grassroots events to globally renowned championships with substantial prize pools and lucrative sponsorship deals attracting massive viewership. This viewership fuels a robust industry encompassing streaming platforms, dedicated media coverage, and merchandise sales, generating substantial revenue streams and creating numerous career opportunities beyond players, including coaches, managers, casters, analysts, and developers. The strategic depth of many esports titles demands sophisticated gameplay, pushing the boundaries of individual skill and teamwork, while the constant evolution of the competitive meta demands adaptation and innovation, ensuring a dynamically engaging spectacle for both participants and spectators.

What are the challenges of participating in eSport?

Esports is a brutal, unforgiving mistress. Raw skill and talent are the bare minimum for entry; think of it as the starting line, not the finish. Mastering game mechanics is table stakes – you’re expected to know every button, every animation, every subtle interaction within your chosen title. Beyond that, strategic depth is paramount. Understanding team composition, map awareness, and predicting opponent movements are not just helpful, they’re survival skills. This translates into advanced knowledge like utilizing specific hero synergies, exploiting map weaknesses, or countering common enemy strategies. You’ll need to constantly adapt; meta shifts are frequent, requiring ceaseless study and practice to remain competitive.

Beyond the technical, there’s the mental fortitude. Fast reflexes are essential, but they’re useless without the decision-making to utilize them effectively under pressure. The ability to remain calm amidst intense competition, process information rapidly, and adapt to unexpected situations is crucial. Think of it as a high-stakes poker game played at breakneck speed – your ability to read your opponent and manage your own emotional state will often be the deciding factor. This resilience isn’t innate; it’s honed through countless hours of rigorous practice, facing defeat after defeat, learning from mistakes and pushing past mental barriers. The ability to learn from loss, analyze gameplay objectively, and consistently improve is as vital as inherent talent.

Furthermore, remember the “soft skills”. Teamwork is frequently undervalued. Effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is essential for coordination and synergy. Understanding individual roles and responsibilities within a team, respecting teammates’ contributions, and contributing to a positive team dynamic are just as important as your individual mechanical skills. Finally, maintaining peak physical health is surprisingly important: consistent sleep, proper diet and managing stress are often neglected yet vital elements to consistent high-level performance. Neglect these, and your otherwise impressive skills will rapidly fade under the pressure.

Is esports a real sport?

Yo, what’s up, fam? Let’s talk esports. Think it’s *not* a real sport? Think again. We’re talking million-dollar prize pools, serious cash, people. Over 200 colleges are handing out scholarships – that’s legit college credit for gaming skill. It’s not just button-mashing; these pro players grind through intense practices, honing strategy and individual skills, just like any other athlete. It’s a demanding career path requiring dedication, discipline, and insane reflexes.

But here’s the kicker: esports has some *serious* advantages. Think about the accessibility. Unlike traditional sports, physical limitations are less of a barrier. Anyone with the skill and dedication can compete at the highest level. Plus, the global reach is insane. We’re talking a worldwide audience, instant feedback, and the ability to connect with fans from every corner of the planet in real time. The growth and potential are off the charts! It’s not just about gaming; it’s a burgeoning industry with incredible opportunities.

And let’s not forget the mental fortitude required. Esports athletes face immense pressure under the spotlight, requiring exceptional mental toughness and strategic thinking. This isn’t just about reflexes; it’s about teamwork, communication, and adapting to ever-changing situations. It’s a whole different level of competition.

What is the main purpose of esports?

Esports transcends mere gaming; it’s a crucible forging teamwork, strategic thinking, and competitive spirit. Think of it as a modern-day gladiatorial arena, but instead of swords and shields, we wield controllers and keyboards. The primary purpose? To cultivate a highly collaborative environment, a dedicated ‘digital battlefield’ where students hone their skills and develop essential life skills alongside their gaming prowess. A dedicated esports program offers more than just a place to play; it’s a structured ecosystem designed to nurture individual talent into a cohesive, championship-caliber team.

This dedicated space provides crucial advantages: consistent practice, readily available equipment, and a supportive community. The elimination of travel time for practices and matches significantly improves team cohesion and allows for more focused training. Think of the time saved – time that can be reinvested into strategic analysis, refining individual skills, and developing a unified team identity. This dedicated space is not just a room; it’s a strategic hub, facilitating efficient communication, immediate problem-solving, and a sense of shared purpose that transcends the virtual world.

Beyond the immediate competitive aspect, esports participation equips students with valuable transferable skills: communication, leadership, problem-solving under pressure, and resilience in the face of defeat. These are crucial assets applicable far beyond the digital realm, making esports a surprisingly effective pathway towards future success in various professional fields.

Moreover, the structured environment within an esports program promotes healthy competition, discipline, and time management. It’s a fantastic platform for personal growth, blending individual ambition with the collective drive to succeed as a team. This holistic approach distinguishes esports from casual gaming, transforming it into a truly enriching and formative experience.

Do people get paid for esports?

Yes, esports players can earn significant income. Major global esports events offer millions of dollars in prize money annually. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however.

Beyond Prize Money: Multiple Income Streams

Team Salaries: Professional esports players often sign contracts with teams, receiving regular salaries. These salaries vary widely based on skill, experience, game title, and team success, ranging from modest amounts for emerging players to substantial salaries for established stars.

Sponsorships and Endorsements: Top players attract sponsorships from gaming hardware companies, energy drink brands, clothing companies, and other relevant businesses. These deals can generate significant income through appearance fees, product endorsements, and social media promotions.

Streaming and Content Creation: Many professional esports players supplement their income by streaming their gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. This allows them to connect with fans, build their brand, and earn money through subscriptions, donations, and advertisements.

Investing in the Future: Some players also explore investing in esports organizations themselves, gaining equity in teams or leagues for long-term returns.

The Income Spectrum: It’s crucial to understand that income in esports is highly variable. While top players can earn millions, many professional players earn a comfortable living but aren’t necessarily millionaires. The majority of aspiring esports professionals, especially those in less popular games, face a challenging path to significant financial success, requiring dedication, skill, and often, a diversified income stream.

Are you an athlete if you play esports?

The question of whether esports players are athletes is complex and depends heavily on the definition of “athlete.” While traditional definitions focus on physical exertion, the reality of esports demands a different perspective. We can definitively say that professional esports players meet a significant portion of the criteria.

Defining “E-athlete”: A crucial element is official recognition. Simply playing an esport doesn’t qualify someone as an e-athlete. We define e-athletes as those who:

Compete in officially recognized esports titles.
Maintain an official ranking within their chosen game(s), demonstrating consistent high-level performance.
Are contracted to a team, signifying professional status and commitment.
Achieve significant results in reputable international tournaments, further validating their skill and dedication.

Beyond Rankings and Contracts: The physical and mental demands placed on professional esports players are substantial. They require:

Exceptional hand-eye coordination and reaction time: Often exceeding the capabilities of the average person.
Strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure: Requiring intense focus and mental stamina.
Teamwork and communication: Essential for success in most team-based esports.
Dedicated training regimens: Professional e-athletes train for hours daily, honing their skills and strategies, mirroring the dedication of traditional athletes.
Mental fortitude and resilience: The high-pressure environment of professional competition requires exceptional mental toughness to overcome setbacks and maintain peak performance.

Therefore, while the debate continues, focusing on professional players with official recognition and demonstrable dedication to their craft provides a clear and reasonable basis for considering them athletes. The physiological and psychological demands of professional esports are significant and should not be underestimated.

Is esports a real job?

Esports is absolutely a real job, and a multifaceted one at that. It’s not just about clicking buttons; it demands dedication, skill, and strategic thinking at a level most traditional jobs don’t require.

The Competitive Scene: This is what most people picture – professional players competing for massive prize pools and sponsorships. But the reality is brutally competitive. Only a tiny fraction reach the top. To get there, you need exceptional talent, unwavering discipline, and often, a team that functions like a well-oiled machine. This involves intense training regimens, constant analysis of gameplay, and adaptation to evolving meta-strategies.

Beyond the Pro-Scene: Many other opportunities exist. Think:

Content Creation: Streaming, video editing, and commentary are huge. Building a strong online presence and engaging audience is key. This requires understanding audience preferences, platform algorithms, and developing a unique brand.
Coaching and Management: Experienced players transition into coaching or team management roles, leveraging their expertise to guide and support rising talent. This requires strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of team dynamics.
Esports Journalism and Analysis: Covering the industry involves writing articles, creating podcasts, and providing insightful commentary on matches and player performance. Strong writing skills, knowledge of the game, and understanding of journalistic ethics are crucial.
Technical Roles: Game developers, software engineers, and network specialists are integral to the industry. Strong technical skills are needed for maintaining hardware and software, ensuring smooth gameplay, and improving the overall esports experience.

The Grind is Real: Regardless of the path you choose, it’s vital to understand the dedication required. Long hours, intense pressure, and potential burnout are realities. Success demands consistent hard work, self-improvement, and a resilient mindset. Network with others, build your skills, and always be learning.

Education Matters: While not strictly necessary for every role, relevant education can provide a significant advantage. Game design programs, business administration, and even sports psychology can offer valuable tools for success in this dynamic industry.

Develop your skill set in your chosen game.
Build a strong online presence and engage your audience.
Network with other esports professionals.
Never stop learning and improving.

Are esports healthy?

The health implications of esports are complex and shouldn’t be dismissed as simply “healthy” or “unhealthy.” While offering cognitive benefits like improved reaction time and problem-solving skills, esports participation presents unique challenges compared to traditional sports.

Physical Health Concerns:

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Prolonged periods of repetitive movements, particularly in the hands and wrists, significantly increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other RSIs. Ergonomics and regular breaks are crucial for mitigation.
Eye Strain and Vision Problems: The close-up focus required in esports leads to eye strain, dry eyes, and potentially an increased risk of myopia (nearsightedness). Regular breaks, proper lighting, and adherence to the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) are vital.
Sedentary Lifestyle: The sedentary nature of esports can contribute to obesity, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems associated with a lack of physical activity. Incorporating regular exercise outside of gaming is essential.

Mental Health Concerns:

Stress and Burnout: The highly competitive nature of professional esports can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and burnout. The pressure to perform at a high level consistently takes a toll on mental well-being.
Sleep Disruption: Irregular sleep patterns are common among esports players due to late-night gaming sessions and demanding schedules. This can negatively impact physical and mental health.
Addiction: While not inherent to esports, excessive gaming can lead to gaming addiction, characterized by compulsive behavior and negative consequences on various aspects of life.

Mitigation Strategies:

Regular Breaks: Implement short breaks throughout gaming sessions to reduce strain on eyes and hands.
Ergonomic Setup: Utilize ergonomic equipment, such as chairs, keyboards, and mice, to promote proper posture and reduce strain.
Physical Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into daily routines to combat the sedentary nature of esports.
Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Mental Health Support: Seek professional help if experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or burnout.

Further Research: Longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand the long-term health consequences of esports participation and to develop more effective preventative measures.

What are the most common injuries in esports?

Let’s be real, the “esports injury” talk is often downplayed, but it’s a serious issue. Forget the flashy plays; the real battlefield is your body. Years of intense competition leave scars, often unseen. The common culprits? Repetitive strain injuries are king, dominating the scene with:

Forearm, Neck, and Lower Back Pain: This trifecta is brutal. Hours hunched over a keyboard and mouse create chronic muscle strain, nerve entrapment (think carpal tunnel but worse), and ultimately, debilitating pain. Sciatica is a frequent companion, too.
Gamer’s Thumb (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis): This isn’t some noob affliction. It’s inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. Think excruciating pain with every click. Been there, dealt with it.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The classic. Pressure on the median nerve in your wrist leads to numbness, tingling, and weakness. It’s a slow burn, but it’ll cripple your game if ignored.

But it goes beyond these big three. We’re talking:

Eye Strain: Hours staring at a screen? Yeah, your eyes will pay the price. Headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes – all part of the package.
Postural Issues: Slouching becomes second nature. The long-term effects on your spine are far from pleasant. Think chronic back pain, spinal degeneration – not a fun endgame.
Mental Health Issues: The pressure cooker environment of high-stakes competition can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. This often gets overlooked, but it’s a major factor impacting player health.

Pro-tip: Prevention is key. Regular breaks, proper posture, stretching routines, and ergonomic setups are your best weapons. Neglecting this is a guaranteed loss.