The esports industry is witnessing tremendous growth, and over time it is evolving into a multi-billion-dollar market that has millions of dedicated fans worldwide. As tournaments grow larger and broadcasts become more sophisticated, the demand for skilled professionals behind the scenes has skyrocketed. Among these key figures, one such demand is for an esports commentator.
If this job fascinates you, but you are wondering how one steps into this competitive field, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to start your journey as an esports commentator in 2025.
Types of Esports Commentators
Live Voice Commentator
When people think of esports commentators, they often picture the high-energy voices calling out intense plays in real time. It is true that live commentary is the most visible aspect of this profession. Their role is to maintain excitement and keep the audience engaged.
Pre-Game & Post-Game Presenter
A professional esports broadcast doesn’t just start when the match begins. Before that, there is an important task which is building anticipation and hype. Here come our game presenters. They highlight team statistics, interview players, and more such tasks.
Post-Game Analyst & Commentator
Apart from live commentary, there is also a growing demand for esports analysts who specialize in post-game breakdowns. They focus on highlighting statistics of players and performance trends, which is hardly possible to mention during the heat of live action.
It is generally seen that the best analysts have backgrounds as former professional players or coaches, but many have made a name in this field without such experience.
How Much Do Esports Commentators Earn in 2025?
So, how much can you earn as an esports commentator in 2025? Well, like any other job, the pay will vary quite a bit depending on your experience and the level of events you're commentating on.
For starters, an entry-level esports commentator might earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars per event to a few thousand dollars per month. Most of the opportunities at this stage are on a freelance basis.
As you gain experience, work for established organizations or popular tournaments could earn you between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.
How to Become an Esports Commentator
Know Your Game
You can’t commentate on a game you barely understand. A good esports commentator knows the ins and outs of the game, including its mechanics, strategies, and meta.
For this, you can watch professional matches and study team playstyles. Whether it’s CS2, League of Legends, or Valorant, understanding the core of a game will make your commentary insightful. Remember, making just noise is not called commentary.
Work on Your Speaking Skills
First and foremost, bring clarity to your voice. Speak in a way that’s easy to understand, even in high-pressure moments. The second thing is control of energy. Know when to hype up a moment and when to let things breathe.
The best way to get better is to start casting, even if it’s just for yourself. Grab a replay of a game and mute the existing commentators, then try commentating on your own.
Build Your Online Presence
For newcomers alike, consider this stage as your portfolio creation process. You can upload your best casting clips to platforms like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. Keep doing this with consistency. Try to entertain the esports community and audiences to get noticed. The more you get noticed, the higher your chances are of catching industry professionals' eyeballs.
Gain Experience at Small Tournaments
Remember that no one starts by casting The International or Worlds. Look for community tournaments and local events that need commentators. Additionally, you can also cold mail the small organizers via their social media and send your work sample. Secure the work even if it doesn't include any pay or bare minimum.
Focus on gaining real experience and making industry connections. You know what? Many well-known casters started in grassroots events before moving up the ranks.
That is pretty much all you need to know about becoming an esports commentator in 2025. Just a piece of advice: opportunities grow when you consistently put yourself out there and show dedication and patience.