Working in the’esports It's possible without a piston. Thibault Pulcini is proof of that. Starting out on a student team, he is now a manager at G2 Esports, one of the largest competitive video game organizations in the world. He shares his journey and offers his unfiltered advice to those who want to get started.
The Journey of Thibault Pulcini, from the student team to G2 Esports
Thibault Pulcini works in the’esports since 8 years. He started out working for free before joining G2 Esports in 2021. He is currently the manager of the’women's team from Valorant.
«While I was still a mechanical engineering student, I coached a club team of League of Legends », ", he recalls.
Following his passion has led him to travel the world today: from the South Korea to Brazil, via the Turkey and the game's UNITED STATES. In November 2024, he was in Berlin, At Game Changers Championship.
Always going out of his way for his female players, he handles everything related to "out-of-game performance. This covers tasks administrative, commercial and organizational. «I create schedules, manage sleep routines and physical activity routines...» A position to which he devotes "90 % of his life.
What Recruiters Are Really Looking For in Esports
The esports industry is "closed with few places". That said, it is not out of reach. «There is a shortage of professionals with real skills.», ", Thibault observes. In fact, he's seeing more and more candidates from traditional industries Join the gaming community out of passion.
The esports scene in France includes several dozen active organizations, as well as national competitions such as the LFL (League of Legends France League) and events attended by thousands of spectators.
However, the number of salaried positions remains limited. Candidates capable of managing professional players, partnerships and events are rare and highly sought after.
Another, more critical observation: «Many positions are still filled through cronyism. This leads to a lack of professionalism in the sector. Too many people hold positions without having the necessary skills.» In his view, these are all opportunities up for grabs for those who are willing to put in the effort.
His key piece of advice can be summed up in one sentence: «In an interview, the most important thing is experience. If you don't have any, you have to create it.»
How to Create Experiences for Yourself When You're Just Starting Out
That's exactly what Thibault did. First, with a volunteer team of League of Legends, and then with the Odyssey Esport, a student team he helped found at the Gaming Campus. "A project with no real resources and no remuneration"., he admits, but which allowed him to add a line on his resume and to think of oneself as «semi-professional».
If you don't have any experience yet in competitive video games, here are the suggestions Thibault recommends:
- Join a amateur or community team on your favorite video game, even without getting paid.
- Setting up a student project, such as a crew or one tournament academic.
- Volunteer to help organize a esports event near you.
- Contact directly semi-professional teams to offer your help.
There are many doors—it's up to you to find the right one
The status of "professional It didn't take long for Thibault after that. The following year, the Gaming Campus has formed a partnership with the FC Nantes.
The soccer club is launching League of Legends and Fortnite, and Thibault was hired there to two years of work-study program as a manager. He then began to get involved in the professional esports scene and to build a network.
Upon graduating, he had two job offers. He chose to join G2 Esports. «My journey hasn't exactly been the easiest path to success. Not everyone in my class managed to make a name for themselves in the industry.», ", he honestly clarifies.
He also points out something that is often overlooked: a esports club has all the job positions found in a traditional company. Human Resources, business, accounting, communications… «You can get your foot in the door of the esports world through these more peripheral roles, and then work your way up internally to positions at the heart of the industry.» As in many careers we're passionate about, there isn't just one way in. It's up to each person to find their own path.
To learn more, you can check out G2 Esports, its players, and its competitions directly on its official website.
Check out the The Most Famous Esports Teams in the World.
English