Guest Episode | Gabriel 'HeroMarine' Segat: Building the Perfect Routine: The Training Routine that Drives My Success

Hello everyone, and welcome to a brand new guest episode of Gaming Science.

I'm super excited to have one of the top-tier StarCraft 2 players contribute a piece to his newsletter. Gabriel is not just a veteran in the scene with consistent high tournament performance but also a streamer. With his expertise and experience, he is more than suited to providing an exciting and insightful view to his newsletter.

Hey there! In this article, I want to take you on a journey through my preparation for the StarCraft 2 Esports World Cup, share some key lessons I’ve picked up from nearly twelve years of competing at a high level, and give you a glimpse into how I manage to juggle both competitive play and streaming. Let’s kick things off with how I’m gearing up for this big tournament.

When it comes to tournament prep, I’ve always believed in treating every event with the same level of seriousness and respect. StarCraft 2 doesn’t have a huge number of major tournaments each year, which makes the ones we do have incredibly important.

Each one feels like a golden opportunity to prove yourself, and you don’t want to let it slip away.

♻️ Why I Developed a new Practice Routine

For years, my preparation has followed a pretty standard routine: playing custom games with other top players to fine-tune my builds, sharpen my mechanics, and perhaps most importantly keep my strategies under wraps. This is a common approach among the best in the scene. Some players even go as far as skipping smaller cups entirely, just to stay off the radar and avoid giving away any hints about their playstyle. I’ve followed that method too, and it’s served me well.

But as the meta and the competitive landscape evolved, I realized I needed to adapt. In 2022, I decided to take a different approach.

Instead of sticking to tried-and-true methods, I began focusing on becoming more unpredictable.

I started developing unique builds specifically for the biggest competitions, builds that I wouldn’t use in any other context. This shift in strategy paid off, and I started seeing better results, climbing higher in the rankings at major events.

However, there was a downside to this new approach. By focusing so much on being unpredictable, I started to lose touch with the fundamentals of the game. My mechanics, which had always been a strong point, began to suffer. And with that, my consistency took a hit.

I realized that while having sneaky, surprise strategies can be a powerful tool, it’s not enough on its own. You need a solid foundation of strong mechanics and fundamentals to back it up.

This realization led me to develop a new practice routine, one that I believe sets me apart from other players. In the past, grinding out as many games as possible was the go-to method for improving. But as StarCraft 2 has aged, the scene has matured, and many of us have reached our peak skill levels. Without a major meta shift or balance changes, surpassing other top players has become increasingly difficult. Simply grinding isn’t enough anymore.

So, what’s the solution? For me, it’s about finding a balance between strategic preparation and maintaining a high level of mechanical skill. My goal has always been to become the best player in the world, and I firmly believe that with the right approach, I have what it takes to compete with anyone on the global stage. StarCraft 2 is a game of precision, where even a single misstep or miss-click can decide the outcome of a match.

That’s why my main focus now is ensuring that I can consistently perform at my A-game level, no matter the circumstances.

🏃‍♂️ Taking Care of Myself

But how do you achieve that? Well, it’s not just about playing the game itself. To maintain peak performance, I’ve started incorporating a lot more physical activity into my routine. Staying physically fit is crucial, not just for overall health but for mental sharpness and stamina as well. I’m also on a specific diet that supports my physical activity and helps me recover quickly. Nutrition plays a big role in keeping your mind and body in top shape, especially when you’re training and competing at the highest level.

Sleep is another key factor. I make it a priority to get enough rest, but I also ensure that I wake up early. Offline events often require you to be ready to compete in the morning, and being a night owl just doesn’t cut it. By maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, I can wake up refreshed and ready to perform, even in high-pressure situations.

As for my workout routine, it’s something I’ve carefully crafted to complement my gaming. On three days of the week, I run 15 kilometers each day. Running helps build endurance and clears my mind, which is essential for staying focused during long practice sessions. On the other three days, I do resistance training, mainly targeting my upper body. This strength training not only keeps me physically fit but also helps with posture and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries, which can be a concern for gamers who spend long hours at the keyboard.

🎥 Streaming and its Challenges

Now, let’s talk about streaming. Streaming has been a big part of my life for a long time, and I genuinely enjoy it. There’s something really rewarding about entertaining and interacting with viewers, sharing my experiences, and even teaching others about the game. However, streaming does come with its challenges, especially when you’re trying to maintain a high level of competitive play.

The exposure that comes with streaming can sometimes work against you. When you’re constantly in the public eye, other players can analyze your strategies, learn your habits, and figure out how to counter your playstyle.

This is why some pros prefer to keep a low profile, avoiding streaming altogether, especially close to major tournaments. But for me, streaming has become such an integral part of my routine that it’s hard to imagine giving it up entirely.

⚖️ It's all about Balance

That being said, I’ve had to find a balance. I can’t stream as much as I used to if I want to give my absolute best in competitions. Yet, I also don’t want to cut it out of my life completely because it’s something I enjoy. Over time, I’ve learned to manage my streaming schedule more effectively, prioritizing practice and rest when needed, while still finding time to connect with my audience.

On top of everything else, I’ve also taken up studying. It’s another layer to balance, but I find it fulfilling. Studying gives me a break from the intense focus on gaming and streaming, and it keeps my mind sharp in different ways. As long as I feel like I’m giving my best in competition and enjoying what I do, I have no regrets.

In the end, it’s all about balance—balancing preparation with relaxation, strategy with mechanics, and streaming with competition.

StarCraft 2 is a tough game, and staying at the top requires constant adaptation and self-improvement. But I’m confident that with my current approach, I’m on the right path. I’m excited to see how far I can go in this upcoming World Cup, and I hope to continue sharing my journey with you all, both as a competitor and a streamer.

Thank for reading. Read all of you next week.

Christian 🙂