**So I hop in the car, head to the arcade, and check in at the registry. I’m feeling alright at first, but as my turn approaches, the inevitable happens. My legs feel like jelly, I’ve got knots in my stomach, and my hands are drenched with sweat, not to mention trembling like mad. At this point, I feel like I’m going to toss my lunch and the thought of forfeit becomes very tempting. Head’s spinning, mind racing, and the clock is ticking. Did they just call me up? What’s my name again? Wait, what am I doing here? Aw man…
It may sound a bit dramatic, but that’s how I tend to get when the pressure is on. I quickly become a nervous wreck and it’s definitely something I need to overcome. Anyone else get this way? If so, any advice on how to shake the jitters? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated! I can’t be the only one xD At least, I hope not O_o**
I’ve only participated in tournaments with a large group of friends and this also happens to me. There are sometimes prizes or cash on the line so that makes it even worse lol. What I try to do is clear my head and think of a strategy before taking on my opponent. I like to play with music & headphones so I can get into a groove while fighting (don’t know if this is allowed at huge tournaments). I also try to zone out everything else around me. Stay focused and play smart so you won’t make mistakes as often. Try these out and always think positive! The last thing you want is to end up with a “quick sand” effect where you feel you are in over your head.
**It might be simple, but I agree with both of you about the friend factor. I honestly don’t have too many friends, but I’m sure if I could go with a small group to tournaments, I wouldn’t be as nervous. The music sounds like a great idea too. Not sure why they wouldn’t allow music xD These are great ideas though. Thank you very much ^^
@Starcade RIP: Sorry about that. This was kind of spur of the moment for me and I just jotted my thoughts down without really thinking to research ahead of time. I’ll go have a look around right now and see what turns up. Thanks x)**
I think that taking sense numbing agents (ie: alcohol, etc) may not be a good strategy before playing a game that requires timing and quick reactions.
I’ve never played in a video game tournament, but when I was in high school I played hockey (big surprise for a Canadian) and I often would try to get myself in to “the zone” before a game. I knew that I had done as much as I could to prepare for the game, so the rest of it was just doing what I’d trained to do. That’s all you can ask of yourself.
The friend factor does make a huge difference with me.
I would have to agree. Though there are some people that can work better when they take something. I have a friend that smokes before he plays and he becomes god-like lol.
before, during, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re anxious about an event it only gets worse when you’re in the spotlight.
if your goal is to have fun, then you’ll be more confident in yourself.
Don’t worry about impressing strangers or making a name for yourself.
make it a goal to meet someone new, get their info, and network.
Chances are, they know more people in the scene, and through them you’ll meet more people.
if it takes a beer, or a smoke, to help loosen you up to talking to new people, then so be it. I’m not saying to get completely hammered, but in moderation it’ll help with anxiety in general.
I’m pretty new to the fighting game scene but I’ve been competing on the professional level of PC gaming since I was “that 15 year old at quakecon”. I would always get nervous, forget to do very easy things that if I was at home I would be doing effortlessly. It’s a whole different level of play when you are facing towards that monitor/tv and you have 10+ people behind you just watching and talking about it. Eventually I went to so many LANs that I knew most of the people and I was comfortable enough not to get nervous. Just make friends, the less you care about what people around you think the more you can focus on your game. I was pretty paranoid and whenever I made a mistake I wondered what the people behind and around me would think of that, luckily I got to know those people enough to know that they didn’t care if I was making mistakes because they were my friends.