All MLG events are broken down into two tournament groups. The events always begin with an Open Tournament. This is the portion of the tournament that is open to the public to enter. If you have never been to an MLG event before or have never placed in the Top 8 at one of our previous events, you can expect to start by entering the Open Tournament.
By placing highly enough in the Open Tournament, you might win the chance to play in the Championship Tournament. Players must prove themselves ahead of the large, open field for a chance to play with the top players in the Championship event. This is where the players who are considered “Pro” compete, and where you have the opportunity to win prize money. If you or your team performs well enough over the course of the season to be ranked in the top 16 overall (and you are 14 years old or older and sign [or have your parent/ legal guardian sign if a minor] the MLG Players Association Agreement), you will receive professional status and the perks that go along with it.
Many people ask MLG staff members what it takes to be a signed Pro player. For MLG, the guidelines explained above are our primary requirements for a player to become a Pro. Simply, to become a Pro gamer, you need to perform well enough at events to be ranked in the Top 16 overall on the tour, be 14 years old or older and sign (or have your parent/ legal guardian sign if a minor) the MLG Players Association Agreement.
However being talented and dedicated enough to become a Pro player does not come so easily. Despite the image that many people have of gaming, being one of the top players on the MLG Pro Circuit requires a significant investment of time and practice, as well as some uncommon levels of talent. So if you are determined to become a Pro player, don’t be surprised to find that many others like you want to train for it like they would a sport or another competitive activity.
Something important to note as well is that the vast majority of the Pro players on the tour do not just sit at home and play games all the time. The best players on the tour are the ones who manage to balance their gaming training with a social life and other activities such as a sport or creative endeavor. For instance, the famous Ogre twins from Halo 2’s Final Boss play soccer actively, and the SSBM Champion, Ken, goes to school for art and animation.
