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I’m a professional gamer but have no national trophy. Is the EB-1A out of reach?

Not having a national trophy does not close the door on the EB-1A: international recognition, influence, and media coverage all count. See how to build a strong case as a professional gamer.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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The lack of a national trophy does not make the EB-1A unattainable. This category is designed for those who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field, and that recognition can be established through different types of evidence, not just a single standout award.

For a professional gamer, this means building a dossier that shows consistent recognition and influence. Some evidence paths that tend to help include:

  • Participation and results in recognized international tournaments.
  • Relevant audience and influence on streaming platforms.
  • Coverage in specialized publications and industry media.
  • Recognition from peers, brands, and the competitive gaming community.

USCIS evaluates each case individually and looks at the overall body of evidence, not a single item in isolation. That is why a profile without the top prize can still be competitive when the documentation is solid and well-organized. It is worth reviewing the current requirements and assessing your track record with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

I’m a professional gamer but have no national trophy. Is the EB-1A out of reach?

Not having a national trophy does not close the door on the EB-1A: international recognition, influence, and media coverage all count. See how to build a strong case as a professional gamer.

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