The Compete-Plus-Build Method: E-Sports Success Lessons from Faker and OpTic Gaming
E-sports created a $1.8 billion industry in 20 years. Gaming went from bedroom hobby to packed stadiums faster than any sport ever.
Two people changed everything. Faker made $7 million playing League of Legends. Hector Rodriguez turned OpTic Gaming into a media empire.
Their secret works beyond gaming.
The Compete-Plus-Build Method
Most people pick one path. Get really good OR build a business. E-sports legends do both.
They master their craft first. Then they build around that mastery. This creates success that lasts.
Part One: The Compete Foundation (What Faker Did)
Faker didn't just play games. He treated every match like a science test.
He played 14 hours daily. But here's his real secret: he studied his losses more than his wins. Every mistake became a lesson.
Faker won 5 World Championships this way. More important: his skill became the base for everything else.
Your Action Step: Pick one skill in your job. Practice it 2 hours daily for 30 days. Track what you learn each day in a notebook.
This works because mastery gets attention. Attention creates opportunities.
Part Two: The Build Strategy (What Hector Rodriguez Added)
Rodriguez saw what Faker proved. Great performance draws crowds. Crowds create value.
OpTic Gaming didn't just win matches. They made content. Built community. Created culture around the team.
OpTic became the Dallas Cowboys of gaming. Fans bought shirts. Attended events. Followed players like movie stars.
Rodriguez knew this: competition gets you noticed. Building around competition makes you rich.
Your Action Step: Share what you learn once per week. Write a post. Make a video. Tell someone what worked and what didn't.
This builds your following while you improve. You don't need to be perfect yet. Just helpful.
How to Use This Method Today
Week 1: Start Competing
- Pick your core skill
- Practice 2 hours daily
- Write down 3 things you learned each day
- Focus on getting 1% better, not being perfect
Example: If you're in sales, practice cold calling for 2 hours daily. Track which opening lines work best.
Week 2: Start Building
- Share one lesson from your practice
- Post on LinkedIn, make a video, or tell a coworker
- Help someone else avoid your mistakes
- Ask what problems your skill could solve
Example: Post "3 cold calling mistakes I made this week and how I fixed them."
Week 3: Connect Skill to Opportunity
- Look for new ways to use your growing skill
- Talk to people in different departments
- Explore side projects that need your expertise
- Say yes to chances to teach others
Example: Offer to train new hires on calling techniques.
Month 2 and Beyond: Scale Your Success
- Document your best methods
- Build a system others can follow
- Create content that attracts opportunities
- Connect with others doing similar work
Real Numbers from E-Sports Success
E-sports prize pools hit $211 million in 2023. Top streamers make $40 million yearly. The industry employs 200,000 people globally.
This happened because players mastered their craft AND built around it. The same works in every field.
Like how Zaha Hadid mixed vision with smart risks to create impossible buildings, e-sports winners mix elite performance with smart building.
What You Can Expect
First month: Your skill improves faster than ever before
Month 3: People start asking for your advice
Month 6: New job opportunities appear that use your expertise
Year 1: You become known as the go-to person for your skill
The key is starting both parts early. Don't wait until you're perfect to start building. Faker shared his journey while still learning.
Most people only compete OR only build. Winners do both. They get great at something specific. Then they create value around that skill.
Similar to how young activists mix urgency with purpose to drive change, successful professionals mix excellent skills with smart building.
Your First Step Today
Pick one skill you use at work. Set a timer for 2 hours this week. Practice that skill with full focus. No phone. No distractions.
Write down what you learned. Share it with one person who could benefit.
This starts your Compete-Plus-Build journey. You don't need gaming talent or millions in funding. You need focus and consistency.
E-sports proves any skill can become valuable. Master it completely. Build strategically around it. Success follows.
Ready to turn your skills into career success? Get Mentors connects you with industry experts who've mastered the Compete-Plus-Build Method. Learn from professionals who turned focused practice into thriving careers.
Your journey from good to great starts with 2 hours of focused practice this week.