What was your first job as a journalist?
In my first outing as an on-field reporter, I covered an inter-collegiate Chess tournament. Students from all over the country flew in for this national championship, and I was given the crucial task of capturing the human stories within the spectacle: the pressure behind each move, the quiet triumphs, and the sheer concentration in the room.
What's your favorite social network?
X for breaking news, LinkedIn for the industry pulse, Reddit for the unfiltered fan engagement, and Discord for interviews.
Why did you become a journalist?
For me, it was never really about choosing to be a journalist. It was more about finding the thing that let me do what I’ve always loved: telling the real stories behind the things people are passionate about. Some of my other interests, such as cinema and music, reflect that as well.
As for my beat, my passion for esports was the primary reason; the unbelievable skill, the human drama, and the sheer speed of history being made were compelling factors.
Moreover, I became an esports journalist since it felt like the only way to truly honor that passion. This job lets me pull back the curtain on the moments we all cheer for, to share not just what happened, but the real story of how and why it happened, straight from the players who make it all possible. It’s about building that bridge between the arena and the audience.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I’d say the best advice is a little counterintuitive: don't just start writing articles. Start listening obsessively.
Your primary tool as a journalist isn't just a pen or a keyboard: it's your curiosity. Talk to more people than you think you need to. Sit in forums and read every comment, not just the top ones. Follow that one niche analyst on Twitter whose posts only get 50 likes. The best stories seldom come from official press releases, but from the quiet observation in between the lines.
Also, be stubborn about your own voice. You’ll get a lot of advice about SEO, formats, and what’s trending, and that stuff matters. But what will make people remember your byline is the unique perspective you bring. What do you notice that others overlook? What story are you uniquely equipped to tell because of what you love? Nurture that. The technical skills will get you in the door, but your authentic voice is what will build your room.
And lastly, expand your network. Genuinely connecting with one new person, whether it's a fellow writer, a player, or an analyst, can go a long way. They could provide a fresh perspective as well as the most surprising opportunities or story leads.
A bonus would be to avoid a habit of using AI to write or even fine-tune your work. To continue growing as a writer and reach your ultimate potential, you must cultivate your skills organically. Any shortcut would just drastically slow down your progress.
