BY
RYAN KOH

Video Editor

Hype Issue #88

Published on:

Feb 04

2026

KOH JING YI RYAN digs deeper into the viability of an e-sports career for youths in Singapore.

When one talks about career choices in Singapore, professions in banking, finance, or human resources are often seen as the conventional path. They are deemed stable, familiar, and are widely accepted as a ‘safe-bet’. Yet, as industries evolve, not all careers today fit neatly into this conventional mould.

You may have heard of Faker, one of the world’s most famous professional players in League of Legends, a 5v5 Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game. While e-sports may be reduced to “just gaming” by some, it has been officially recognised as a sports title in Singapore, growing into a serious industry with real careers behind the screens. 

This raises a pressing question for youths: can niche careers driven solely by passion, like e-sports, truly be sustainable in a society that values stability?

Beyond the Glitz and Glamour

To better understand what a career in e-sports is like, we spoke to Matthew “Simple” Tan, a 22-year-old professional e-sports coach who has worked with teams competing in Mobile Legends Professional League Singapore (MPL SG) and even coached the Nepalese national team at the E-sports World Cup (EWC) 2025.

Matthew “Simple” Tan coaching Team Nepal in EWC 2025. (Photo credit: Matthew Tan)

Matthew began coaching teams casually in Overwatch, before transitioning into an assistant coach for professional team, RSG Singapore, during MPL SG Season 8 in 2024.

Thanks to his unique job scope, which includes analysing gameplay and in-game drafting, he is used to long days that stretch well beyond the matches themselves. On tournament days, he wakes up before his players to ensure they are fed and only rests after everyone is prepared for the next day. While it is not officially part of his job, Matthew sees this level of care as necessary. 

“If something can be done better, I want to make sure it is,” he said. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Matthew rarely delegates. To him, coaching is as much about caring for his players as it is about tactics and drafts.

High Effort, Uncertain Pay

This level of commitment, however, is not always reflected financially. Matthew explained that in the game, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), the salaries of players remain unstable due to the lack of a league minimum wage. Compared to titles like Valorant, where minimum salaries offer players and coaches some financial security, MLBB professionals often operate with far less certainty.

Matthew “Simple” Tan coaching his team in MPL SG Season 10 qualifiers. (Photo credit: Matthew Tan)

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“E-sports is still growing,” he said. “It doesn’t have the history that traditional sports like football have.”

In Singapore, the challenge has become even more apparent. While e-sports salaries here may seem generous compared to those in other regions, Matthew admits it was not enough to get by. According to TodayOnline, even the best local e-sports athletes can only expect an average basic pay of about S$3000 to S$5000. However, in Indonesia, MPL players receive about IDR $7 million (S$526).

For now, coaching remains something he balances alongside his studies. “If you’re doing it for the money, it doesn’t really make sense,” he said, noting that many could in fact earn more in retail or food and beverage jobs. The real trade-off lies in flexibility and love for the game.

Life From the Player’s Seat

While coaching comes with its own set of responsibilities, life as a professional player is defined by a different intensity. Ryan “IronRyan” Tan, 20, a teammate of Matthew, shared that the toughest part isn’t just practice or competitions, but balancing e-sports with the rest of his life.

“Training typically happens at night after school and on weekends,” he explained. “Sometimes managing school work, tournaments, and personal life, like time with friends and family, can get really intense.” 

Deadlines, competitions, and late-night practices often collide, forcing difficult decisions. “Your only escape, sometimes hanging out with friends or family, has to be put aside to meet commitments,” he said.

Matthew (left) discussing with Ryan (right) about in-game plans during MPL SG Season 8. (Photo credit: Koh Jing Yi Ryan)

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Players focus on refining their own skills and mastering gameplay, often squeezing in extra ranked games outside of scheduled practice to stay sharp. Coaches like Matthew oversee the team, while players live through the grind day after day.

Passion as a Motivational Force

Despite the pressure, passion remains as the main driving force. “Passion is showing up to training, playing ranked games even when you’re tired, and constantly learning from your mistakes,” Ryan said. “It’s also about being humble, listening to advice, and putting in the work no matter what.” 

In his opinion, dedication can make the dream of going pro in e-sports a real possibility, even if the financial returns are not guaranteed.

Looking ahead, he is open to pursuing gaming full-time, though university and long-term stability remain priorities. “I won’t close the door to it,” he admitted. “We’ll see how the scene in Singapore develops in the next few years.” 

Perseverance and Perspective

For both coach and player, passion is the heart of their e-sports journey. Together, their stories show that pursuing e-sports in Singapore isn’t just about playing games. It’s about time management, resilience, and carefully balancing ambition with practical realities.

For youths dreaming of making it their career, the path is challenging. Salaries are often modest, and many players and coaches have to juggle e-sports with studies or part-time work. Yet, as Matthew and Ryan emphasise, the rewards of personal growth, unforgettable experiences, and the joy of doing what they love can be just as real as the trophies. 

“Chasing your dreams isn’t supposed to be easy,” Ryan said, “but you should still feel some joy in the work you put in, especially for the career you want to pursue.”