The e-sports experience

I am a competitive League of Legends player in Malaysia. I had played the game for almost 3 years and in the competitive scene for 2 years. In these 2 years, there were ups and downs but most importantly, I did not regret a single moment doing so.

The TLC Grand Finals 2013 held in conjunction of Comic Fiesta 2013 was the climax for myself in the competitive League of Legends scene and I would like to share some of my thoughts for those who plans to take the path I have taken in the past

E-sports is something looked down upon by the society, especially for those who have traditional mindset; those who do not believe that video games are actually a kind of sport. Thus, going 'pro' or competitive in e-sports is never simple.

I still remember the times where my team got our first 2 losses, everyone was at the lowest of morale and have the thought of quitting because even we doubt ourselves (Is our sacrifice actually worth it at in the end?).

Conflicts and argument after a loss is normal, but what if we won? I will say, sometimes it's even worse. The time where the greatest of argument happened was when we were winning, yet still trying to figure out how to improve, and to be the best of the best

The pressure is immense due to expectations. Very often I will try to make stupid statements so that the team will feel more relaxed but deep inside, we know that going competitive comes with expectations and pressure. Despite that, the experience itself is undeniably rewarding.

The sense of nervousness that rushes through your blood as you make your entrance on-stage; the adrenaline rush when you make bold calls and plays; or even the crazy mistake that you made (Amumu's Curse of the Sad Mummy on ZERO target anyone?) and basically the cheers of those who are watching just pays off everything you had sacrificed beforehand.

I believe that e-sports will have its way as we continue to move on. Unfortunately for me, it's something in the past for me as I have much more important commitments to attend to. However, to keep things moving on, I created this news portal as a form of support to the League of Legends E-Sports in Malaysia.

E-sports have played a very large part of my teenage life. At least if people tend to ask me what's worth talking about in my 20's, I can tell them that I have played with one of the best; if not the best team in Malaysia in League of Legends (And won a bunch of cash). It's not easy, but the pay-off is immense

Who am I? I am Jeffery "Vyprex" Chan.
Retired jungler of Team KTHXBAI and currently a self proclaimed e-sports journalist. I will be covering most of the stories in related to the Malaysian Competitive League of Legends scene.

All images are obtained from Garena League of Legends Facebook Page