How to Play Games to Earn Money

Determine what kind of games you excel at. If you're an excellent poker player, there are millions of dollars to be won at various websites playing online poker. If you consider yourself a gamer, it's important to know that a variety of video games will offer competitive tournaments allowing you to make money. Games such as World of Warcraft, Halo 3, and Guitar Hero are all featured in competitive gaming tournaments.

Hone your skills in a particular game. Video game tournaments rarely (if ever) require a person to play more than one game competitively. Instead, it's best to become exceptional at one type of game. Remember that only the best gamers can make significant amounts of money by playing games.

Familiarize yourself with competitive gaming organizations, such as Major League Gaming (MLG). MLG hosts online tournaments in games such as Halo 3, Gears of War 2, Call of Duty 4, FIFA Soccer, and Madden Football. The prize pools for these games usually range from $20 to $1,000 depending on the size and type of the tournament.

Get noticed. Participate in tournaments held throughout the year in cities like Anaheim, Dallas, and Orlando. These tournaments are where the largest money prizes can be found. The absolute best players earn hundreds of thousands of dollars each year playing visible, popular games such as Halo 3 competitively. If you consistently do well in online gaming tournaments, you'll attract the attention of MLG and various gaming sponsors, and possibly receive an invitation to a live tournament.

Set realistic goals. If you consistently beat your friends in a particular video game, it doesn't necessarily mean you're good enough to compete with the best. Most online games feature a ranking system to show you where you stand among other players. Only the players at the top of a ranking ladder will be able to earn a living by playing a game.