For many video game lovers, becoming a professional esports player is the ultimate dream. However, if you’re thinking about embarking on an esports career, you’ll need to get to grips with some pretty peculiar rules beforehand. Although some rules are understandable, others are downright weird by comparison. Below, we investigate six of the strangest rules esports players need to follow.
- Drugs Testing isn’t Unique to Conventional Sports
You’d be forgiven for thinking that esports events organizers would be a little more forgiving when it came to gamers taking prescription medication. You’d be wrong. In recent years, there’s been heated discussion about the role even over-the-counter medication impacts the performance of esports players. In certain cases, some teams decided to consume the same medications to ensure they were on equal footing with their rivals. Nowadays, it’s common practice for any player taking prescription medication to provide an authorized note from a doctor before being approved for play.
- The Dress Code is Strict
It’s no great surprise that esports teams choose to wear uniformed apparel. However, you’d be amazed at just how exactly the dress code at a typical esports event is. Firstly, headwear is strictly forbidden. Esports players are also subject to a prior inspection before being allowed to compete. One of the key things tournament organizers look for is branding. Although players are allowed to sport marketing messages from brands sponsoring an event, they’re not allowed to promote their own team sponsors. The one exception here is if a brand is sponsoring both a team and the event itself.
- Ordering In is NOT an Option
The average athlete needs to think carefully about what they eat. When it comes to esports professionals, they’re pretty limited when it comes to menu options. This is less about calorie intake and healthy living and more about controlling banned substances. Organizers are wary about players bringing their own food into events in case they’re smuggling illicit substances that might give them a competitive edge.
- Present Your Peripherals for Inspection
Cheating in esports is a serious concern. When teams arrive to compete in a tournament, it’s standard practice for them to present their peripherals and accessories for inspection. This includes everything from console controllers to installation drivers.
- Noise Levels
During a typical esports tournament, competing players are required to wear headsets. This is not purely to ensure they can communicate with teammates, but also to block out external noise. However, this is not to block out distractions from spectators, but rather prevent players from being aided by helpful fans in the audience or encouragement from coaches. Most tournaments impose a strict minimum volume setting players have to adhere to. However, this may vary depending on the tournament venue.
- Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Screen
At most tournaments, massive screens are anchored above the playing area for spectators to view. However, it’s all too easy for a competing player to let their gaze drift and lock onto the action above them. If a player is spotted doing this, there’s a good chance they may end up disqualified or dealt a penalty. The reasoning behind this is that rival teams can use what’s on-screen to inform playing strategy. Otherwise known as screen peeking, it’s a common issue that regularly causes trouble for professional esports teams.
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