Esports Caster & Host

What about hosts?

Hosts act as the main presenter of a tournament or event. They will usually take the stage, hype the audience up, introduce teams and may be required to interview players and other experts, like a TV presenter.

There can be crossover between casters and hosts, and different tournaments may utilise different formats. Some hosts also work as casters.

Both casters and hosts will need to have great communication skills and be able to use their voice to keep the audience engaged. They will also need to keep the show going and be able to cope with any technical problems that occur mid-broadcast. For that reason they will work closely with the production team.

Esports can be intense and broadcasts can go on for many hours, so having energy and being able to pace yourself are important aspects to consider too.

Should you get a permanent contract or go freelance?

Having a contract for a permanent role will mean a more secure, regular wage coming in each month, but going freelance may give you greater freedom and a higher potential salary. However, while it’s not easy going freelance, as work may be sporadic, many event organisers in esports will pay to hire a caster/host for a daily or per-event basis.

Getting paid on time can also be a challenge as a freelancer, some invoice payment terms from companies can be several months. Not knowing when the next paycheque is coming in can be difficult to manage.

Ultimately it’s a balance you have to weigh up. There aren’t many full-time roles around and it’s a competitive space, so carve your niche to set yourself apart.

What are the hours like?

Casting and hosting are demanding roles. Globally successful casters and hosts may be required to fly from city to city, and country to country, and be on the road for months at a time, depending on which tournaments are running and when.

Because of this, hours can vary greatly. There may be some weeks of downtime and other periods where you’ll be constantly working. The busiest week-long events might be 80 hours (including travel), while quieter weeks or long weekends might consist of 25 hours or so. It can vary from game to tournament.