Gamers on Steem, and Steemians who enjoy gaming..heres a little food for thought. A lot of people don't realize that theres a pro side of gaming and those that do, well they really don't realize how easy it can be if your decent to good at a game. Someone once told me if you like a game then there is more than likely millions of others that do to, I heard this when I started messing around on the challenge websites for the Halo games. With that said he had a the guys nickname was Hood Ninja 367, the way I see it is if there are millions of people dedicated to playing this game or any game at night, in the day during their free time and even when they are suppose to be busy then that obsession they have regardless to how small or big it may be equals marketing, promotions, money, money, and more money so with that said gaming console developers, game makers, game distributors and anyone else connected to the gaming world was going to be interested in something that can attract people.. with that said , it was the birth of the the idea for Professional Gaming Leagues, and all the other organizations out there calling themselves Pro: M.LG, P.L.G and ESL. I'll stop there but there are MANY.
For starters to get into Pro gaming now it seems like all you have to do is sign up on a website and call yourself Pro, well not really however the websites that actually have leagues, tournaments, and ladder matches generally pull a lot of attention, so the best place to start is on one of these many websites.. the short list here is a perfect example:
http://gamebattles.majorleaguegaming.com/
https://www.gamersaloon.com
https://www.vg247.com/tag/xbox-tournaments-with-virgin-gaming/
Worldgaming.com/tournaments
By winning and building credibility on these types of websites ensures you get a Rep going and once you do that and I've heard as I'm sure everyone here knows posting YouTube videos always helps for attraction with that said in Xbox one go to the screen recording record your game and then from your Xbox you can literally upload it to YouTube and even edit all the information. (PlayStation, WII, and other consoles I can't tell you because I don't know sorry)
Once that Rep has been started or built in to a brand some what like you do here on Steemit.com just focus on improving your game and always make sure to 
Yes.. PWN.... as long as your handling it and keeping at it you will make it and it will seem like little to NO real effort, I say this because this is a game you enjoy playing to the point of wanting to go pro.. so then unless you get sick of it from all the screen time I'm pretty sure that you can and will have a good time.
Sponsor time.. this can be as hard as you let it.. What I mean by that is if your a hard gamer then you constantly have to replace controllers,.. well more so if you have an obsession with your controller you have to change out the buttons for me its the Left Stick, Left Bumper, and Left trigger.. if you have to replace these buttons then there is probably a shop or store you frequent or order from and there is a pretty good chance they enjoy your business so they know whop you are local shops can be sponsors, any website that wishes to can sponsor.. Sponsors are the organizations, people, businesses, groups, and communities that back you the big name ones usually arm you with tools of your chosen trade such as remote controllers, mics, systems, gaming gear clothing, and a bunch of other cool stuff while at the same time a smaller and new running sponsor may give you just what you need in order to accomplish the game in a winning manner. These sponsors usually pay you even if the grand prize or winners get paid.
What does a sponsor gain? Some of the following: public attention, their logo on your stuff, their brand being pegged all over the gaming place usually since they are contributing to its growth, and other stuff. Just a few sponsors in the gaming world
with out even saying anything you all know Red Bull Sponsors Almost Anything, Microsoft, Sony, yahoo, HP, 343, E-sports, monster energy drink. Posted below are a few links to Sponsorship:
*http://energydrink-us.redbull.com/en/contact-sponsorship
*https://www.monsterenergy.com/gaming
Becoming or being a Professional Gamer as its called can be amazing, I, myself have played in several tournaments, and on M.L.G a few times in 2010, 2011 but military life kind of proceeded over any other outside goals I had at that point in time. However I did get to meet a lot of really cool people, learned a lot, got some cool gear, and made some friends so although I didn't get into the High Lights of Gaming I did get to see some of the experiences and watched as some very very dedicated people (much more than me) tried their best and put everything they had into it. With the above said I really hope this post can help someone achieve something that they were just stumped about, and if it does I wish you the best of luck ask away if you have any questions.
Pictures/Links: ESL logo picture from the ESL brand website)
Picture of Stadium: ign.com
pwned picture is from: xygaming.com
Red Bull Image: Red bull sponsorship image
I have no affiliation with any of the organizations above.