The GaryVee Audio Experience Episode: Becoming a Professional Gamer at 13 | A Conversation w/ Mongraal Release Date: December 10, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The GaryVee Audio Experience, entrepreneur and host Gary Vaynerchuk sits down with one of the most iconic figures in the esports and gaming community, Mongraal. The conversation delves deep into Mongraal's inspiring journey from quitting school at the tender age of 13 to becoming a professional Fortnite player, his experiences with major tournaments, the challenges of balancing youth with professional gaming, and his insights into the ever-evolving gaming industry.

Mongraal’s Journey to Professional Gaming

Mongraal, whose real name isn't disclosed in the transcript, began his foray into Fortnite at the age of 13. Over seven years, he honed his skills, which eventually led him to take a significant risk:

[01:24] B: "That was a big risk, like huge risk."

At 13, Mongraal made the bold decision to quit school to pursue gaming full-time. This leap led him to sign with Team Secret, marking his entry into the professional esports arena.

Convincing Parents and Family Dynamics

One of the most compelling parts of Mongraal's story is how he navigated familial concerns:

[03:14] B: "I remember, like, it took months and months for it to get to the point where I could quit school."

Initially, his parents were hesitant about his decision to pursue gaming professionally. The turning point came when Mongraal secured a contract with a salary exceeding $10,000 annually and participated in the prestigious World Cup, enhancing his credibility and demonstrating the viability of a career in esports. This success not only validated his passion but also alleviated his parents' concerns.

Building a Streaming Career

Beyond competitive gaming, Mongraal ventured into streaming on Twitch. He emphasized the importance of being exceptionally good at his craft:

[05:38] B: "If you're the best player, people will watch you regardless of anything."

Mongraal's philosophy mirrors that of traditional influencers, where excellence in one's field naturally attracts an audience. Unlike many streamers who rely on charisma or entertainment value, his focus was purely on skill, which resonated with viewers and helped him build a substantial following.

Burnout and Taking a Break

Despite his success, Mongraal faced burnout after several intense years of gaming:

[08:09] B: "I was just doing it too much for too long and I wanted to experience life like I was at that age where like, I want to go out, I want to see stuff."

Recognizing the toll that constant gaming was taking on his mental and emotional well-being, Mongraal decided to take a two-year break. During this hiatus, he traveled solo to countries like Japan, Singapore, Greece, and Spain, seeking personal growth and a fresh perspective away from the competitive pressures of esports.

The Comeback

Mongraal's return to the gaming scene was both strategic and serendipitous. His hiatus coincided with Fortnite's OG Season, which reintroduced some of the game's classic elements, creating a perfect environment for his resurgence:

[13:21] B: "It was perfect. That's exactly what I needed. And then from there and I haven't stopped."

Upon his return, Mongraal resumed streaming, dedicating up to 10 hours a day. The alignment with Fortnite's new chapter amplified his comeback, leading to renewed popularity and success within the community.

Diversifying: Dookie Dash and NFTs

Expanding his portfolio, Mongraal engaged with Dookie Dash, an NFT-based game that blended gaming with blockchain technology. The game centered around collecting keys tied to Bored Ape NFTs:

[15:55] B: "The winning prize was a key. An NFT."

Mongraal not only played the game extensively but also secured a key, which he later sold to Adit Weisman for $1.6 million, showcasing his ability to leverage gaming success into substantial financial gains beyond traditional streams.

Advice for Aspiring Gamers

Mongraal offers valuable insights for those looking to make a mark in the gaming industry:

[18:00] B: "Anything you put your mind to, you can do. ... Everything is in the mind."

He emphasizes the power of mindset, dedication, and the belief that with enough effort, one can achieve success in any chosen field. His journey serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

Insights on the Gaming Industry

Discussing the current state and future of gaming, Mongraal shares his predictions:

[19:57] B: "Fortnite's going to have kind of like its second prime ... GTA 6 is gonna be one of the biggest things coming out."

He anticipates Fortnite regaining its prominence and eagerly awaits the release of GTA 6, expecting it to set new standards in the gaming world. Mongraal also touches upon the evolving landscape of streaming platforms, noting the rise of multi-streaming across platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok.

Intergenerational Perspectives

As someone who broke into professional gaming at a young age, Mongraal finds joy in mentoring the next generation:

[22:43] B: "It's actually really fun because I see myself in a lot of the upcoming pros, so I actually have a chance to give some advice that I wish I had back then."

He actively engages with younger gamers, offering guidance and support, which not only helps them navigate the challenges of the industry but also provides him with a sense of fulfillment.

Future Plans and Personal Growth

Looking ahead, Mongraal expresses a desire to remain within the gaming sphere while also exploring entrepreneurial ventures:

[24:13] B: "I've got some, some cool, cool ideas I want to do and try. If I fail, I fail, but I just want to try them and see how they work out."

His focus remains on accumulating life experiences and wisdom, ensuring he remains adaptable and continues to grow both personally and professionally.

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

As the conversation wraps up, both Gary and Mongraal underscore the significance of perspective and self-belief:

[25:05] B: "I really do believe everything is in the mind, like, and you can actually achieve anything you want to do as long as you believe it and you, you do your best at it."

Gary adds:

[25:24] A: "It's fucking perspective. Like, if you decide life is good, it's good. And if you decide life is bad, it's bad."

This closing sentiment highlights the overarching theme of the episode: the transformative power of mindset in achieving one's goals and maintaining mental well-being.

Conclusion

Mongraal's journey from a young gamer passionate about Fortnite to a professional esports figure and successful streamer offers invaluable lessons on risk-taking, perseverance, mental health, and the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. His story serves as inspiration for aspiring gamers, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to turn their passion into a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Connect with Mongraal: Find Mongraal across all social and streaming platforms using the handle Mongraal.