We know it’s a dream for many fans, get good at a game, so good that you can play professionally and you could be set for life. It’s not just the fame that comes with it (though the prize money is definitely nice too), for many it’s a dream of being able to do something that they love for a career, play games. So, when offered the chance to become a pro player, everyone would jump at the chance right? Interestingly, it’s not always that simple as AimbotCalvin has highlighted recently.
The popular streamer is known for his high quality videos, as well as his exceptional playing skills at multiple titles. He has a real passion for games and Overwatch in particular. However, that wasn’t enough to make him snap up a pro deal that was on offer. Oh, did we mention the professional player contract came with the hefty paycheck of $150,000?
Many pro players and fans alike were shocked by this revelation but when asked about it, Calvin was very straightforward in his opinion. Rather than becoming a pro player, he just wants to continue streaming. Despite his incredible skill at Overwatch, among several other games, he has no desire to turn pro. Instead, he’d much rather continue streaming, and making original content for his fans and channel. He’s not revealed who offered the contract, though fans are definitely curious as it would have put him at the top spot alongside Sinatraa in terms of money earned in the league.
If you’re curious, the minimum salary for pro players starts at about $50,000. Certainly nothing to sneeze at, but Calvin and Sinatraa were offered three times this much. There would also be prize money to factor in, so, all in all, it’s a huge offer to walk away from. It’s also easy to see why a lot of people would want to make a career from professional gaming. AimbotCalvin however, is far more content away from all of that and it’s not the first time he’s dabbled with the idea of turning pro either.
He’s had the chance to try his hand at professional Fortnite playing it’s been revealed, and to break into esports in a big way, however, that has held little appeal and he once again did not take up the offers. His interests do not lie in money, indeed he is a big fan of the notion that life is not ‘all about the money’. Instead, he’d much rather channel his time and efforts into the freedom he currently has to play what and as he wants, and without the added pressure of trying to compete professionally all the time.
It’s an interesting choice, and while for many they’d consider it a very easy decision Calvin has certainly given everyone some food for thought. The prospect of a shiny, high paying contract is great, but would it suit everyone? Would playing professionally turn something that is fun and a great hobby, into something you’d come to regret spending your time on?
