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Esports Cheatsheet: Competitive Gaming Essentials

A comprehensive cheatsheet for understanding the world of Esports, covering key terms, game genres, roles, strategies, and resources for both players and spectators.

Esports Fundamentals

Core Terminology

Esports

Organized, competitive video gaming, often at a professional level.

MMO

Massively Multiplayer Online game. Games with large persistent worlds and player bases.

MOBA

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. Team-based strategy games with hero characters.

FPS

First-Person Shooter. Shooter games played from a first-person perspective.

RTS

Real-Time Strategy. Strategy games where players make decisions simultaneously.

APM

Actions Per Minute. A measure of a player’s speed and efficiency.

Meta

The dominant strategies, characters, or items in the current game environment.

LAN

Local Area Network. A local network, often used for tournaments to minimize lag.

Common Esports Jargon

Gank

A surprise attack, often involving multiple players.

Buff

An improvement to a character’s or item’s stats or abilities.

Nerf

A reduction to a character’s or item’s stats or abilities.

Carry

A player or character who is responsible for dealing significant damage and winning the game.

Tilt

A state of frustration or anger that negatively impacts a player’s performance.

OP

Overpowered. Too strong compared to other options.

Game Genres & Key Titles

MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)

Team-based strategy games where players control a single character (‘hero’) with unique abilities, aiming to destroy the opposing team’s base.

Key Titles:

  • League of Legends (LoL)
  • Dota 2
  • Heroes of the Storm
  • Smite

FPS (First-Person Shooter)

Fast-paced, action-oriented games where players view the world through the eyes of their character and compete in various modes, such as team deathmatch or objective-based scenarios.

Key Titles:

  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
  • Valorant
  • Call of Duty
  • Overwatch 2

RTS (Real-Time Strategy)

Strategy games where players manage resources, build bases, and command units in real-time to defeat their opponents.

Key Titles:

  • StarCraft II
  • Warcraft III: Reforged (Less Popular)
  • Age of Empires

Fighting Games

Head-to-head combat games emphasizing precise timing, execution, and character knowledge.

Key Titles:

  • Street Fighter
  • Tekken
  • Super Smash Bros.

Battle Royale

Games where large numbers of players compete to be the last one standing on a shrinking map.

Key Titles:

  • Fortnite
  • Apex Legends
  • PUBG: Battlegrounds

Esports Roles & Strategies

Common Team Roles (Examples from MOBA/FPS)

Carry/Damage Dealer

Focuses on dealing high damage output to eliminate enemies.

Support

Provides utility, healing, and protection to teammates.

Tank

Absorbs damage and protects the team’s damage dealers.

Initiator/Engager

Starts fights and creates opportunities for the team.

Flanker

Attacks from unexpected angles to disrupt the enemy.

Sniper

Engages enemies from long distances.

Strategic Elements

Understanding game mechanics, map awareness, resource management, team composition, and adaptation to the opponent’s strategies are crucial for success in esports.

Effective communication, coordination, and synergy among teammates are essential for executing strategies and achieving victory.

Analyzing replays, studying professional players, and practicing consistently are vital for improving individual skills and team performance.

Drafting Phase (MOBA Example)

The drafting phase is a critical stage where teams select and ban characters to create a favorable team composition and counter the opponent’s picks.

Understanding hero matchups, team synergies, and the current meta is crucial for making informed decisions during the draft.

Teams often prioritize picking strong meta heroes, securing key roles, and denying powerful characters from the opponent.

Esports Resources & Platforms

Where to Watch Esports

Major platforms for watching live esports tournaments and events:

  • Twitch: The most popular platform for live streaming, with dedicated channels for various esports titles.
  • YouTube Gaming: Another major platform for live and on-demand esports content.
  • Other Platforms: Facebook Gaming, and game-specific streaming platforms.

Esports News & Information

Stay up-to-date on the latest esports news, scores, and analysis through these resources:

  • Esports News Websites: ESPN Esports, The Esports Observer, Dot Esports.
  • Team and League Websites: Official websites of esports teams and leagues.
  • Social Media: Follow esports organizations, players, and analysts on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

Competitive Platforms

Platforms for aspiring esports players to compete and improve their skills:

  • FACEIT: A popular platform for CS:GO and other games, offering ranked matchmaking and tournaments.
  • ESEA: Another CS:GO platform with a focus on competitive play.
  • Battlefy: A platform for organizing and participating in esports tournaments across various games.

Tips for Aspiring Esports Players

  • Choose a game: Select a game you enjoy and are passionate about.
  • Practice consistently: Dedicate time to practice and improve your skills.
  • Analyze your gameplay: Review your replays to identify areas for improvement.
  • Join a team: Collaborate with other players to learn and grow together.
  • Network: Connect with other players, coaches, and industry professionals.
  • Stay humble: Be open to feedback and learn from your mistakes.
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