Video game tournaments can be grueling, with some players spending upwards of 12 hours playing games each day. If you’re planning on competing in a gaming tournament, it’s important to be prepared.
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience.
Eat Healthy
You want to keep your energy up during a long tournament, and that means eating healthy. You also want to stay fuller for longer, so you don’t get hungry mid-game.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which will give you a quick sugar high followed by an energy crash. Instead, focus on complex carbohydrates and proteins, which will give you sustained energy and reduce hunger pangs.
It’s also important to stay hydrated. From centrifugal pumps to metering pumps, many equipment are designed so you have access to water in your home, and you should take advantage. It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re spending hours in front of a screen, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
Get Plenty of Sleep
You want to be well-rested for a long gaming tournament.
That means getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night in the days leading up to the event. It can be tempting to stay up late, but you’ll perform better if you’re well-rested.
If you absolutely have to stay up, balance that out by taking naps. A power nap can help improve your alertness and focus.
Warm Up
Just like athletes, gamers need to warm up before competition.
That means spending some time playing the game you’ll be competing in so your hands and mind are ready for action.
When practicing, focus on the specific tasks you’ll need to perform during the tournament. For example, if you’re playing a first-person shooter, practice your aim and reflexes. If you’re playing a strategy game, focus on honing your skills in managing resources and making efficient decisions.
Practice Stretching Exercises
You might be tempted to just power through a long gaming tournament, but it’s important to take breaks. Sitting in the same position for hours can lead to stiffness and fatigue. That’s why it’s important to practice some stretches for the event.
Here are a few simple exercises you can do:
- Shoulder Rolls: Sit up straight and roll your shoulders forwards 10 times, then backward 10 times.
- Neck Stretches: Gently tilt your head to the side, holding for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
- Wrist Stretches: Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back towards your wrist, holding for 10 seconds. Repeat with the other hand.
- Back Stretches: Sit up straight and place your hands on your knees. Lean forwards, keeping your back straight, and hold for 10 seconds.
Following these tips will help you better prepare for a long gaming tournament. By eating healthy, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and warming up your mind and body, you’ll be in peak condition to compete.
