League of Legends has become one of the most popular esports in the world, with professional players earning millions and gaining international fame. For many aspiring gamers, the dream of going pro in LoL is alluring but challenging.
Here are the top five tips to help you on your journey to becoming a professional League of Legends player.
1. Master Your Craft
Develop a Deep Understanding of the Game
To become a pro, you need to know League of Legends inside and out. This goes beyond just playing the game; it involves studying it like a science.
- Learn every champion's abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Understand the meta and how it shifts with each patch.
- Study advanced concepts like wave management, rotations, and objective control.
Specialize in a Role and Champion Pool
While being versatile is good, most pros excel by specializing:
- Choose a primary role (Top, Jungle, Mid, ADC, or Support) and master it.
- Develop a pool of 3-5 champions for your main role.
- Learn at least one off-role to a high level.
Practice Deliberately
Simply playing games isn't enough. Your practice should be focused and deliberate:
- Set specific goals for each practice session.
- Analyze your replays to identify mistakes and areas for improvement.
- Use practice tools to perfect your mechanics, like last-hitting or skill combos.
2. Climb the Ranked Ladder
Aim for Challenger
The path to pro almost always goes through the highest ranks of solo queue:
- Set a goal to reach Challenger rank.
- Understand that this process takes time and dedication.
- Don't be discouraged by temporary setbacks or loss streaks.
Track Your Progress
Use tools and metrics to monitor your improvement:
- Keep a log of your rank progress over time.
- Track your win rates on different champions and roles.
- Use sites like op.gg to compare LoL Accounts stats.
Learn from Every Game
Treat each match as a learning opportunity:
- After each game, reflect on what you could have done better.
- Watch replays of your losses to understand why you lost.
- Study the playstyles of the top players in your region.
3. Build Your Brand and Network
Stream and Create Content
Many pros start by building a following:
- Start streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch.
- Create educational content on YouTube to showcase your knowledge.
- Engage with your audience and build a community around your content.
Network with Other Players
The LoL community is tight-knit, and connections can be valuable:
- Join Discord servers for high-elo players.
- Participate in online tournaments and events.
- Attend local LAN events if possible.
Be Professional and Positive
Your behavior can make or break opportunities:
- Maintain a positive attitude in games, even when losing.
- Avoid toxic behavior that could damage your reputation.
- Treat every interaction as a potential networking opportunity.
4. Join a Team and Compete
Start with Amateur Teams
Most pros don't jump straight into the big leagues:
- Look for amateur teams in your region.
- Participate in online tournaments and leagues.
- Use platforms like FaceIt or ESEA to find competitive opportunities.
Develop Team Skills
Playing on a team is different from solo queue:
- Learn to communicate effectively with teammates.
- Develop synergy with your jungler or lane partner.
- Understand team compositions and how to play different team strategies.
Aim for Semi-Pro Leagues
As you improve, set your sights on higher levels of competition:
- Research the path to pro in your region (e.g., NA Academy, EU Masters).
- Look for opportunities to play in qualifier tournaments for these leagues.
- Consider reaching out to established organizations for tryouts.
5. Take Care of Your Health and Mindset
Maintain Physical Health
Being a pro gamer is physically demanding:
- Develop an exercise routine to stay in shape.
- Pay attention to ergonomics to prevent injuries.
- Get regular eye exams and take breaks to prevent eye strain.
Focus on Mental Health
The pressure of competitive gaming can be intense:
- Develop stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
- Maintain a balanced life with interests outside of LoL.
- Consider working with a sports psychologist to improve your mental game.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing practice with other responsibilities is crucial:
- Create a structured schedule for practice, streaming, and personal time.
- Set realistic goals and deadlines for your improvement.
- Learn to prioritize tasks and avoid burnout.
Conclusion
Going pro in League of Legends is a challenging but potentially rewarding path. It requires dedication, skill, and a bit of luck. By focusing on mastering your craft, climbing the ranks, building your brand, competing at increasingly higher levels, and taking care of your health, you'll give yourself the best chance at achieving your dream.