We Asked A Professional Gamer How She Keeps Her Head in the Game

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a professional gamer, we’ve got the insight you were looking for. 

We chatted with Amber Wadham aka PaladinAmber about how she unwinds after a long session of streaming, and debunking some of the common misconceptions people have about esports. 
 

YEAR13: There are some people out there that might raise a bit of an eyebrow at the term ‘esports’, but it can be pretty mentally and physically involved, right?

AMBER: I think the reason people don't quite understand esports as a “sport” is because people’s perception of sports are mostly physical. Unless you’re talking about F1, but even still, the drivers train exceptionally hard. I think mental sharpness and focus are super important for esports, and that requires both your mind and body being in really good shape. It’s definitely mentally taxing because it relies on mentality and focus.
 

YEAR13: Streaming for hours at a time must be pretty emotionally exhausting. How do you unwind?

AMBER: Live entertainment is like a roller coaster. Some days it’s really good and leaves you on a high, and some days you can walk away feeling really deflated. So I just like to switch off and stare at the sky for a little bit whether it be evening or daylight. It helps me put a lot into perspective and take a moment for myself.
 

YEAR13: Do you find that getting out there and playing non esports helps you competitively?

AMBER: I think playing any sport can translate really well to playing esports. And I also think playing video games can actually increase focus and reaction time for professional athletes.
 

YEAR13: We know that you’re a big advocate for mental health awareness. Can you speak to how participating in sports can help improve mental health and reduce stress?

AMBER: Whether you're doing it professionally or just for fun, it’s an outlet. I don’t think telling someone who is going through a rough time to get out and be active is always the right approach. I think encouraging someone to find an outlet that works for them is more helpful.
 

YEAR13: Some young people might not feel like they’re athletic enough to get into organised sports. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved in sports but doesn't know where to start?

AMBER: No one is good enough at anything at first and that’s the secret to it. Everyone is just doing their best and that’s more than enough. You don’t have to be top of your class, or the best striker at first. You just have to show up for yourself, and the rest will follow the more you show up! Everything in life is a skill and you can only refine or work on those skills with practice.
 

YEAR13: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in getting involved in sports, but might feel a bit discouraged or intimidated?

AMBER: I would say, just do it! Do the thing or play the sport you want to play. I’d be very surprised if you try something for six months and don’t look back at the end and say “wow I’m so glad I did that.” As young women or girls in every industry we have to be loud, and we have to be proud, so we can continue to uplift each other!
 

YEAR13: If you had some advice for your Year 12 self, what would it be?

AMBER: Don’t give up, don’t let others live rent free in your head, and breathe. Because I think a lot of us feel like we’re in a rush to make decisions and to fit into categories that we don’t quite want or understand. So take time, get outside, breathe some fresh air and play on.