Andy "Andersin" Collins participating in the Windy City Valorant Open at Belong Gaming Arena in Schaumberg, IL.

Courtesy of Holly Clemens

Andy Collins is a Valorant esports athlete in its Challengers League.An esports collegiate scholarship paid for most of his undergraduate and master's degrees.After working from 8 am to 5 pm, he practices and strategizes with his team for four hours.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andy Collins, a 26-year-old software engineer from...

Continue Reading I'm a 26-year-old software engineer making $75,000, and still dream of becoming a professional e-sports athlete. Here's how I balance work and my gaming endeavors