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When you are ready, you might want to consider competing in a tournament. Video game tournaments are fairly new to mainstream gamers, yet these competitions are a great way to meet other gamers and test your skills.
If you're not sure how to find a tournament, check the main website for whatever console you play. The Xbox, PS2, and GameCube websites usually post news articles about tournaments related to their products. Pro-gaming websites like GotFrag and IGN.com constantly update their sites with tournaments all over the world.
To gear up for a tournament, here are some simple guidelines:
Register for the tournament in advance so you're guaranteed a spot (Generally, tournaments have gamers go through online registration. Some tournaments allow you to register on-site, but you won't be guaranteed a spot.)
Practice the game using the settings and rules provided by the league.
Bring your own equipment to the event (e.g. mouse, keyboard, controller, headset).
Get plenty of sleep at night so you have at least one hour of practice before your scheduled match (and eat a healthy breakfast).
After each match, shake the opponent's hand and tell them it was a good game--because in the end, it's all fun and games.
