The Grind Never Stops: How Many Hours Do League of Legends Pros REALLY Play?
The life of a League of Legends (LoL) professional player might seem glamorous from the outside – the cheers of the crowd, the thrill of victory, and the sizable paychecks. However, behind the highlight reels and Twitch streams lies a grueling schedule dominated by countless hours of practice, strategy sessions, and relentless competition. So, how many hours do these esports athletes dedicate to their craft?
The short answer: a lot. Most pro LoL players commit a minimum of ten hours per day to the game, and often significantly more depending on their team’s requirements and their individual dedication. This isn’t just casual gaming; it’s structured practice designed to hone skills, refine strategies, and maintain peak performance. A lot of pros are required to put in many hours in order to reach – and stay at – the top level. It’s not unusual for players to put in 16 hours of practice in a single day.
The Daily Regimen of a League of Legends Pro
A typical day for a pro LoL player is a carefully orchestrated blend of individual practice, team training, and strategic analysis. Here’s a breakdown:
- Team Practice (Scrims): Several hours are dedicated to scrimmages (practice matches) against other professional teams. These scrims allow teams to test new strategies, refine existing ones, and build synergy among teammates. This is often the foundation, typically taking up 8 hours or more daily.
- Solo Queue Practice: Individual practice, primarily through ranked solo queue games, is crucial for maintaining mechanical skill, improving individual decision-making, and staying current with the ever-evolving meta. Some of the pros even exceed that depending on their level of dedication.
- Replay Analysis: Pros spend considerable time reviewing their own games and those of their opponents. This helps identify areas for improvement, analyze enemy strategies, and prepare for upcoming matches.
- Strategic Discussions: Teams meet regularly to discuss strategy, review game plans, and analyze the meta. This involves in-depth discussions of champion picks, lane matchups, and overall game strategy.
- Physical and Mental Conditioning: While often overlooked, physical and mental well-being are essential for maintaining peak performance. Teams often incorporate exercise routines, mindfulness practices, and other activities to combat burnout and improve focus.
The Sacrifice and Dedication Required
The demanding schedule of a pro LoL player leaves little room for personal life. Free time is a luxury, and players often sacrifice social activities, hobbies, and even sleep to dedicate themselves to the game. This level of commitment requires immense discipline, dedication, and a genuine passion for League of Legends.
The fierce regime and complete commitment to training can lead to players developing a strong feeling of stress and great pressure.
Why So Many Hours? The Competitive Landscape
The intense focus on practice stems from the fiercely competitive nature of professional League of Legends. The game is constantly evolving, with new patches, champion reworks, and strategic shifts occurring regularly. To remain competitive, players must dedicate themselves to staying ahead of the curve, mastering new strategies, and refining their skills constantly.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Pro LoL Player’s Life
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the life and training of professional League of Legends players:
How many hours a day do pro league players train with their team?
Most pro LoL players train with their team for at least 8 hours a day. This is a standard baseline for most professional teams, focusing on scrimmages, strategy sessions, and replay analysis.
What is the fastest way to gain RP in League of Legends?
The fastest way to gain RP (Riot Points) in League of Legends is to purchase them directly through the in-game store. Riot Games occasionally offers bonus RP promotions, which can provide extra value for your money.
What champion should I pick in League of Legends when I am autofilled mid?
When autofilled mid, pick a safe and versatile champion like Annie, Twisted Fate, or Orianna. These champions offer good wave clear, are relatively easy to learn, and can contribute to team fights effectively.
How do you play Mid Lane in League of Legends?
Playing mid lane involves a mix of farming, trading with your opponent, roaming to other lanes, and controlling vision. Focus on wave management, objective control, and map awareness.
How many hours do League of Legends players play on average?
According to statistics released by Riot Games, the average League of Legends player spends 832 hours on the game. This translates to almost 35 days straight.
How many hours do pro gamers play compared to casual gamers?
Pro gamers play significantly more than casual gamers. Pros can spend 10-16 hours a day practicing, while casual gamers average around an hour a day. Core gamers spend 45.56 hours a week on video game related activities.
Is 30 too old for eSports?
While the average age of pro gamers is in the early to mid-20s, it’s not impossible to compete at 30. It requires exceptional dedication and talent to overcome the potential decline in cognitive abilities that can start in the mid-20s.
At what age do eSports players typically retire?
eSports players often retire between the ages of 22 and 24. The demanding schedule, intense competition, and potential for burnout contribute to this relatively short career span.
How long is the average pro LoL game?
An average game of league can last anywhere from 20 — 35 minutes. If your team or the enemy team is losing hard, the match could be over in 15 minutes with either side surrendering.
How many hours does it take to master LoL?
There’s no definitive answer, but it takes a long time to master LoL. Assuming that you need 100 games to reach master, winning 70 and losing 30, that would mean it would take around 16 hours for you to reach. The learning curve is steep, and continuous learning is essential.
Is League of Legends a time-consuming game?
Yes, League of Legends is a very time-consuming game, an average match being around 45 minutes. The practice required to excel at the game demands significant time investment.
Do pro gamers experience burnout?
Yes, pro gamers are at high risk of burnout due to the intense pressure, demanding schedule, and constant competition. The fierce regime and complete commitment to training can lead to them developing a strong feeling of stress and great pressure.
How hard is League of Legends to learn?
League of Legends is known for its steep learning curve. Mastering the game requires understanding complex mechanics, strategies, and champion interactions.
How to become a pro League of Legends player?
Becoming a pro LoL player requires exceptional skill, dedication, and networking. Play as much solo queue as you can. Learning to lose is just as important as winning.
What happens after a pro gamer retires?
Former players also often end up as organizers of esports events or become commentators — “shoutcasters” in esports jargon. Another potential avenue for esports retirees with a solid fan base is to go online and become a “streamer,” a gamer who broadcasts their play through streaming platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
The Importance of Learning and Adaptation
The journey of a League of Legends pro is a constant cycle of learning, adaptation, and refinement. Whether it’s mastering new champions, analyzing opponent strategies, or refining team communication, the pursuit of improvement is never-ending. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of learning within games, a crucial aspect for anyone striving to reach the top in competitive esports.
Esports is continuously evolving, and the need to understand how people learn through games has never been more important, learn more at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Conclusion: The Life of a Pro Gamer
The life of a professional League of Legends player is a demanding and challenging one, requiring countless hours of practice, unwavering dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. While the rewards can be significant, the path to becoming a pro is paved with sacrifice and hard work. For those willing to make the commitment, the opportunity to compete at the highest level and pursue their passion for League of Legends is an experience unlike any other.