Game Like a Pro: How to Warm Up Before a Competitive Match
Whether you’re jumping into Valorant, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, or any other high-stakes competitive game, what you do before the match can make a massive difference.
At Redeye Gaming Lounge in Abbotsford, we host players of all skill levels — from casual squads to serious esports competitors. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, warming up like a pro can boost your performance, sharpen your reactions, and help you stay cool under pressure.
Here’s how to get in the zone.
🎯 1. Start with Aim Training (Even for Non-Shooters)
If you’re playing a shooter like Valorant, CS2, or Fortnite, warm up your aim with 10–15 minutes of focused training. Use aim trainers like:
Aim Lab (free on Steam)
KovaaK’s FPS Aim Trainer
In-game training ranges (like Valorant’s practice course or CS2’s Aim Botz)
For other genres (like MOBAs or battle royales), aim training still helps improve your mouse control and precision — which pays off in skillshots, map navigation, and more.
⌨️ 2. Do a Quick Settings Check
There’s nothing worse than jumping into a ranked match and realizing your mouse sensitivity is off, or your crosshair reset. Before launching your game, do a quick check:
DPI & in-game sensitivity
Graphics settings (make sure frames are stable)
Keybinds & macros
Headset audio levels (so you can hear footsteps or team calls)
At Redeye, our staff can help make sure everything’s set the way you like it before you lock in.
💡 3. Play a Warm-Up Match (Casual or Bot Game)
Before going into ranked or tournaments, jump into a casual match, bot game, or unrated lobby. This helps you:
Get your hands warm and muscle memory engaged
Practice game-specific mechanics (last hitting, movement, recoil control, etc.)
Set your pace without the pressure of performance
Redeye’s fast internet and premium rigs mean even warm-ups feel smooth and sharp — perfect for quick pre-competitive drills.
🧠 4. Mentally Prep with a Routine
Gaming isn’t just mechanical — it’s mental. Pros often use short pre-game routines to boost focus and calm nerves:
Stretch your hands and shoulders
We highly recommend this video by Esports Healthcare to get you started!Take a few deep breaths
Visualize your performance goals (“I’m going to win lane” or “I’m going to play smart, not aggressive”)
Stay hydrated and fuelled (Redeye has snacks & drinks ready!)
Treat your warm-up like athletes do before a game — it’s part of the performance.
👥 5. Communicate with Your Team
If you're playing with friends or a tournament team, use your warm-up time to check in:
Confirm roles and strategy
Test your mics and comms
Set the vibe — positive energy wins games!
Many of our UFV esports players and local squads warm up together at Redeye before their matches, and it absolutely helps with cohesion and confidence.
Game Smart, Play Hard
Warming up might not seem as flashy as highlight plays or clutch wins — but it’s what separates casual players from serious contenders. At Redeye Gaming Lounge, we’ve got everything you need to get match-ready: powerful PCs, fast internet, comfy gear, and a competitive atmosphere that pushes you to improve.
Next time you roll in for a tournament, ranked grind, or team night — don’t skip the warm-up.
Game like a pro. Win like one too.
