Leagues

In order to get to the higher up pro tournaments, you're going to have to play in leagues and ladders. Though both ladders and leagues are similar they do have differences. In ladders you'll type in your gamer card on the website then play the specified game and game type for that ladder. Whoever has the most points and wins is usually on top. Think of ladders little bit like leader boards. Make sure to check in every once and a while to view your status compared to everyone else.

League games are scheduled and structured. You'll be playing against others in the league around your skill level. Games will start at specific times, game types, and specifications.  If you want to play in a team league then make sure that you can trust everyone on your team to be prepared and have a flexible schedule. Making sure that you have team players around your level is key. Solo leagues you are only responsible for yourself make sure to be on time J.

Tournaments

While leagues and ladders might find the most dedicated player; it will not always find the best. It is a tournament's job to do just that. Tournaments might last from one to three days maybe more. Most tournaments are single elimination with a loser's bracket. In tournies it is most important to give it your all for every round if you want a chance at some prize money. Most serious tournaments are LAN tournaments. If you have had practice in LAN you will be one up on the competition. The difference from lag to no lag can be life fighting in fighting on earth and fighting in  0 gravity.

The Difference between LAN and Online.

LAN which stands for Local Area Network allows for the best connection for competition gaming. If you're playing this type you won't have the comfort of your own home. In larger LAN tournaments everything is provided, but bring your own gear to practice and have a backup just in case.  Along with the fore said knowledge you might want to know what type of LAN you're playing on and other detailed specifics. Smaller events such as LAN parties might be less strict on the modded 360 policy.

Most casual players don't bother with the above types of tournaments, but many will try their had with online tournies from the safety of their home. Online tournaments will mess up occasionally for cause of latency. The hardcore test the latency before a tournament match, in the beginning, to decide if they wish to stick around any longer. Online tournaments are commonly the preliminaries for LAN tournaments, like the Gears of War tourney we had recently, April through May. While online isn't the best competitive experience in the world it will make great practice if you're looking to go further.

Both types have their ups and downs. Online tourneys are usually totally free and  without the worry of hauling your 360 somewhere else. LAN tourneys become the lair of the ones who know what they're doing which might be why all the big money tournaments are LAN. But while going into either type of tournaments know what you're playing. Knowing the game types, maps,  and limits plus the tactics that go with it will definitely give you the slight edge you might need.         

The State of Pro Gaming Now

The state that competitive gaming can easily be described as frantic. There are many established leagues and tournaments. There will probably be more leagues and tournaments to come, so  the best you could do in today's situation is keep your eyes open and your hands ready. Know if you're best at first person shooters, third person shooters,  racers, sports, and fighter games. Trends and specific games will come and go, but the basics will likely stay. Blockbusters like Gears of War, Halo 2, and Madden will be, for a time, the focal point of their genre. That is until the sequels roll around. The pros along with the hardcore keep tabs between games learning the subtle differences in patches and sequels to come.

Knowing Where to Look

Without further ado I give you the knowledge of fishing for game tournaments. Keep your eyes open wherever you go. Tournament locations may range from the Gamestop down the street to a big city football stadium. Gaming has grown and with them so have their tournaments. A good place to start off would be the forums of the official site of the game you play. Check Ubisoft, Halo 2, and Madden's official site if you want to know about tournaments that the game itself will sponsor. Many forums will have the information for some underground tournaments. Game magazines and websites should be your main sources. Xbox.com is definitely a good source for different types of online games tournaments held officially on Live.

Major League Gaming
Game Battles
Xbox Live
World Cyber Games
Gamer Saloon
Cyber Olympix
Gears of War Tournaments
Midnight Gaming

Know Your Pros.

Some players have already established themselves as well known pros such as Jonathan Wendel aka Fatl1ty in the PC pro-gaming world. On consoles there are some teams to look out for such as Carbon, Final Boss, Legendz, and FBI the Agency. Watching the pros can amount then more then just entertainment. If you're truly serious look and see why a team lost and what they could have done to do better, and when you get ready to play them its always better to know your enemy better than you know yourself.

Meet the Sponsors.

Don't forget the ones who invest the money to make these things happen. Microsoft's Xbox 360 tends to be a big sponsor of tournaments. Technology companies like Samsung, Philips, and Plantronics along with retailers like Gamestop, Circuit City, and Best Buy. Every once and a while if you're looking for a game to buy check Gamestop, or if you're looking for a camera, try buying one at Circuit City and make it a Samsung. In other words, a few bucks isn't a bad way to say "thank you"  to the sponsors of these tournaments.

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