How to Become an Esports Commentator: A Beginner’s Guide
Esports commentary is not easy, but if you have a passion for gaming and a love for storytelling, it’s one of the most exciting careers you can pursue.
Esports isn’t just about the players. It’s about the hype, the emotions, and the unforgettable moments that keep millions glued to their screens. And that’s where esports commentators—also known as casters—come in. If you’ve ever watched a high-stakes BGMI, Valorant, or Free Fire match and thought, "I could do this,"—you absolutely can. But esports commentary isn’t just about talking fast and getting excited; it’s a craft. Let’s break it down.
What Does an Esports Commentator Do?
Think about sports like cricket or football. The commentators don’t just tell you what’s happening—they bring life to the game. They create narratives, break down strategies, and make sure you feel the intensity of every clutch play.
Esports works the same way. Casters keep viewers engaged by mixing real-time updates, analysis, and high-energy reactions. There are three main types of esports commentary:
1. Play-by-Play Commentary
This is the fast-paced, moment-to-moment style of casting. Play-by-play casters describe exactly what’s happening on-screen as it unfolds.
Example: In a BGMI match, a play-by-play caster might say: "Team Soul is dropping near Pochinki, but GodLike is moving in fast—this could turn into an early fight! Oh, and there it is! The shots are already flying!"
It’s all about quick reactions and keeping up with the action.
2. Color Commentary
If play-by-play is about the present, the colour commentary is about the context. These casters provide insights, background stories, and predictions.
Example: "Jonathan has been a universal MVP in BGMI, but can he dominate BGIS 2025? Historically, he thrives in high-pressure situations, but today’s match-up might test his limits."
Colour casters add depth to the broadcast, making sure viewers understand the significance of what’s happening.
3. Hype/Shout Casting
This is all about energy. When a crazy clutch happens, when a team secures a last-second victory—this is where shout casters turn a good moment into an unforgettable one.
Example: "1v4 situation for Scout—this could be IMPOSSIBLE! He gets one! TWO! NO WAY, HE GETS THREE! IT’S JUST ONE MORE! HE DOES IT! SCOUT PULLS OFF THE 1V4 CLUTCH! WHAT A MONSTER!"
If you’ve got a booming voice and love getting loud, this might be your thing.
How Much Do Esports Casters Make?
Esports commentary can pay well, but only after you’ve built a reputation.
- Top casters (who’ve done official events) charge ₹20,000–₹50,000 per day.
- New casters often start for free or get small payments for exposure.
- Once you gain recognition, you can charge ₹5,000–₹10,000 per event, and it only goes up from there.
How to Start Your Career as an Esports Commentator
So, how do you get into casting? Here’s what you need to do:
1. Learn the Game Inside Out
If you want to cast BGMI, Free Fire, Valorant, or any other esports, you need to know everything about it. Study the teams, players, strategies, and history. Watch tournaments, read analysis, and stay updated.
2. Start Casting—Even If No One’s Watching
Nobody is going to hand you a casting gig on day one. You have to create your content first.
- Record yourself casting tournament highlights.
- Stream practice casts on YouTube or Instagram.
- Breakdown clutch plays and analyze matches.
Your first videos will not be perfect—and that’s okay. Just keep improving.
3. Network with Tournament Organizers
Want real gigs? Start reaching out to the people who run the tournaments. Here are some major esports organizers in India:
- Tesseract Esports
- Nodwin Gaming
- Upthrust Esports
- Skyesports
Send them samples of your commentary, ask if they need casters for smaller events, and be persistent.
4. Take Any Opportunity—Even Unpaid
Most new casters start for free. It sucks, but it’s how the industry works. Your priority is experience, not money. Once you’ve done a few gigs and people recognize you, you can start charging.
5. Find Your Style
Don’t just copy existing casters. Maybe your strength is a detailed analysis. Maybe you have a super hyped energy. Maybe you’re funny.
Find what makes you unique and lean into it.
The Future of Esports Commentary in India
Esports in India is booming, and the demand for skilled commentators is rising. Right now, names like Ocean Sharma, Mazy, Spero, and Ankiiibot dominate the scene—but the next big caster could be you. This is just the beginning. In the next article, I’ll break down exactly how to land your first casting gig and start making money in esports commentary.
Esports commentary is not easy, but if you have a passion for gaming and a love for storytelling, it’s one of the most exciting careers you can pursue. Start small, keep improving, and put yourself out there—because the next time a big tournament needs a commentator, it might just be you on the mic.
