How many hours does it take to be great at League of Legends? Picture this: for some, the gaming chair becomes a second home, where countless hours melt away in the pursuit of glory. In an industry where every click and strategy counts, players like the esteemed Bjergsen reveal a staggering truth—elite competitors often clock in at least ten hours a day, their passion blurring the line between game and lifestyle. As we peel back the layers of this virtual battleground, we’ll explore not just the time commitment, but the journey to mastery, the nuances of teamwork, and what it really takes to stand at the pinnacle of esports.
How Many Hours Do League of Legends Players Typically Play?
During an insightful interview, professional player Bjergsen shared that elite competitors in the NA LCS dedicate at least ten hours each day to playing League of Legends, with some even surpassing that amount based on their commitment to the game.
Steps to Becoming a Professional League of Legends Player
The Importance of Skill Level
Achieving the top Elo and rank alone doesn’t guarantee you’re the ultimate player or capable of turning pro. While possessing a high rank in the upper challenger tiers can give you an advantage when aiming to join a professional team, it isn’t the sole determining factor. This is primarily because solo queue rank reflects individual talent, whereas professional players excel not only in individual skill but also in teamwork, tactics, and strategic planning.
It’s worth noting that some players have emerged from the challenger leaderboards to make a mark in the professional scene, with Faker being a standout example. He joined SKT at just 16 years old after impressively climbing the rankings, and he is now recognized as one of the best players in the game.
Essential Qualities for a Professional LoL Player
The Role of Communication
Effective communication is a crucial skill for those aspiring to be professional League of Legends players. As a team-based esport, climbing the ranks can indeed be achieved through individual prowess and carrying your games, but that strategy can only take you so far. Winning in a team setting requires seamless communication and mutual understanding; any errors will be promptly exploited by opponents.
Commitment to Time and Training
Becoming a professional player demands a significant time investment. Bjergsen has disclosed that top-tier players in the NA LCS typically engage in at least ten hours of gameplay each day, with some going beyond that based on their passion for the game. Ten hours is substantial, particularly considering the intensity of practice and scrimmages involved. It necessitates full engagement for players to enhance their skills. As you ponder your own time spent on League of Legends, consider whether you’re on the right path to success.
Diversifying Your Champion Pool
In addition to effective communication and unwavering dedication, having a diverse champion pool is vital in the competitive arena. A wide champion pool is a non-negotiable aspect of professional gameplay; a limited selection makes players vulnerable to being targeted in drafts or countered by opponents, placing their team at a disadvantage right from the start. This versatility differentiates professional players from top solo queue competitors, who often specialize in just one or two champions. In contrast, pros should be proficient with at least six champions and continuously adapt to the evolving meta.
Training Routines of Professional Esports Players
As previously addressed, professional players dedicate themselves to extensive training, aiming to enhance their abilities and game knowledge. The dynamic nature of League of Legends—along with evolving patches—means that players must adapt continuously throughout each season and split. Success hinges on mastering the current meta, as every minor detail can significantly impact a match.
Most professional players in the LCS train between eight to ten hours a day, primarily focusing on practice scrimmages and detailed reviews conducted with the aid of their team analysts. Teams convene to reflect on strategies for improvement. Additionally, top players also engage in solo queue matches to maintain their mechanical skills. Ultimately, aspiring champions might invest anywhere from twelve to fourteen hours daily on League of Legends to reach the pinnacle of competitive success.
The Dynamics of Mixed-Gender Teams in League of Legends
Unlike traditional sports, both male and female players can participate in the same tournaments and be part of the same League of Legends team. However, this arrangement remains uncommon in the esports realm, with very few instances where such a structure has come to fruition.
Currently, the vast majority of professional League of Legends teams operate exclusively with male players. While all-female teams certainly exist, they are typically not affiliated with the LCS and often function at a casual or semi-competitive level. Their scarcity typically results in sponsorship opportunities when they do emerge.
One of the most notable all-female teams was Team Siren, which gained attention through a promotional video. Despite initial excitement, the team’s lack of competitive success ultimately led to its disbandment due to internal issues. The landscape of high-level female players in League of Legends remains sparse, whereas other titles like CS:GO exhibit a greater presence of female competitors.
Reasons for the Gender Disparity in Professional Teams
The noticeable shortage of elite female League of Legends players is evident, highlighted by only three women making it to the challenger rankings in 2017. Even being ranked highly does not guarantee entry into the professional LCS landscape; only the top challenger competitors are considered for potential spots in the NA CS.
Furthermore, the top LCS teams generally reside in shared living arrangements, making a mixed-gender team structure less appealing to management. Differences in interests and dynamics between male and female players can complicate team cohesion and communication.
Nevertheless, mixed teams can exist for organizations seeking publicity, as seen with Renegades, which featured ‘Remi’, the first female player in the LCS, alongside four male teammates.
Understanding Competitive League of Legends Team Tiers and How to Join
League of Legends offers various tiers for players looking to join a team, ranging from casual groups to semi-competitive and fully competitive teams, culminating in the elite LCS level. As expected, gaining entry into higher-tiered teams is significantly more challenging due to the considerable expectations and competition for positions.
Casual Teams
Casual teams tend to be formed by friends who enjoy competing in smaller events. Many League of Legends communities exist on platforms like Facebook, where players frequently seek new teammates for local competitions.
A straightforward method for finding a small team to participate in ranked flex games or occasional tournaments is to join a local League of Legends Facebook group and explore upcoming events. These groups often post their needs for players, acceptable ranks, and necessary communication apps such as Discord.
Semi-Competitive Teams
Semi-competitive teams aim to participate in sponsored League of Legends events but may struggle with limited skill or time commitments. These teams typically operate without sponsorship and are composed of individuals looking to kickstart their League of Legends careers alongside other endeavors. Listings for semi-competitive opportunities can be found on various forums or League of Legends boards.
Competitive Teams
Competitive teams usually have sponsorship backing from one or multiple brands. Many of their players are full-time, and some even share living arrangements in gaming houses, similar to top LCS organizations.
To secure a spot on a competitive team, knowing someone within the scene can greatly help, as many positions fill through word of mouth. Taking a place on a successful semi-competitive team can be a strategic step toward entering the competitive scene.
LCS Teams
LCS teams are typically the cream of the crop in their region, making entry exceptionally difficult due to fierce competition for every available slot. To join an LCS team, one usually needs to stand out in the NA CS or have been part of the academy roster that feeds to the main team. Prospective players face challenges even to gain invitations to the ‘scouting grounds’, where potential recruits for academy teams are considered.
Although most positions are often filled quickly after a player is benched or released, some LCS teams may hold tryouts for specific roles. Those interested typically need to submit gameplay information and may even be required to travel to the team’s facility for synergy assessments with existing players.
Explore more about the various roles and responsibilities in League of Legends.
