Does the home field advantage in esports exist? The answer lies in the unique experience of UK crowds, who bring creativity and energy to the competition.
The Power of Home Advantage in Esports
Professional athletes are often said to perform better in front of a home crowd, with records like Great Britain’s Olympic team winning a record medal haul at London 2012 and England’s Lionesses winning the Euros at Wembley in 2022. But does this same home advantage apply in esports?
Esports players compete in popular online games like Rocket League by driving cars around an arena, trying to push an oversized ball into the opposing team’s goal. The event brings together 16 of the world’s top teams to compete for a prize pot of more than £270,000 ($350,000).
Rocket League combines physics and soccer in a unique way.
Players use rocket-powered cars to score goals, requiring an understanding of speed, momentum, and gravity.
The game's developers, Psyonix, implemented realistic physics engines to create an immersive experience.
This includes accurate simulations of car movements, collisions, and ball trajectories.
As a result, players must adjust their driving skills to the game's physics, making it both challenging and rewarding.
Finlay ‘rise.’ Ferguson from Manchester believes that UK crowds are the best and that they make a difference in esports. He thinks it’s due to their creativity in chanting and making noise compared to American spectators. Finley also mentions that football is ingrained into UK culture, which might contribute to this phenomenon.
However, not all players agree that home advantage makes a significant difference. Joe ‘Joyo’ Young from Workington says he usually blocks out the crowd’s noise while competing with over-ear headphones. He believes that the energy of the crowd can be energizing, but it doesn’t change his gameplay much overall.
On the other hand, Jack ‘ApparentlyJack’ Benton from Derby emphasizes the importance of being close to home for esports players. Long-distance travel and jet lag can cause problems like fatigue, which affects reaction time and performance. ‘If you’re sleeping badly, it can really mess with you,’ he says.
Jack 'ApparentlyJack' Benton, also known as ApparentlyJack, is a YouTuber and online personality.
He initially gained fame for his Let's Play videos on the game Minecraft, where he showcased his unique commentary style.
Benton's content often blends humor with gaming expertise, making him a popular figure among gamers.
With a significant following across various platforms, Jack 'ApparentlyJack' Benton has become a well-known name in the online gaming community.
Archie ‘Archie’ Pickthall from Leeds also highlights the advantage of having friends and family support him in person. He looks forward to watching his brother and dad cheer him on during the competition. However, he doesn’t let the crowd change how he plays; he remains focused on winning the game.
While some players acknowledge the benefits of home crowds, others don’t feel that it significantly impacts their performance. The experience of competing in front of a live audience can be both energizing and distracting, depending on individual perspectives.
Esports performance has undergone significant improvements over the years, driven by advancements in technology and player skill.
The introduction of professional esports teams and leagues has raised the bar for competition, with top players practicing up to 12 hours a day.
According to a survey, 70% of professional gamers use specialized gaming PCs, while 60% utilize high-refresh-rate monitors.
Esports performance is also influenced by factors such as team chemistry, strategy, and player psychology.
