Training, discipline, and routine are the building blocks of any competitive sport. Esports is no different and, sometimes, even more demanding. A prime example lies in the training regimen of G2 Esports, one of the premiere teams on the global stage.
The G2 Training Schedule
Unlike other sports where athletes have the offseason, esports players, such as those from G2, don't get a break. They train hard all year round. They are expected to spend at least 8 hours a day on scrimmages (scrims), focusing on their own gameplay and understanding the strategies of their opponents.
Saturdays and Sundays are the only exception to this rigorous schedule. On these days, players focus on competitive game play. The rest of the week, players spend their mornings in the gym and the afternoons in intense scrim sessions.
Practicing physical fitness in the morning pays off for G2 players. As a result, they handle stress better, stave off burnout, and maintain a high level of performance. It also prevents health issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common in the esports scene.
Afternoon Scrim Sessions
The afternoon sessions are dedicated to scrims where each player hones their skills and strategies. Scrims are stop and go, allowing for review and improvement. The matches often simulate the pressure of professional matches, conditioning the players for the real deal.
In a scrim module, a team can replay a situation providing a better understanding of the enemy team's strategies. Ultimately, this intense training approach forms the backbone of G2's success on the international stage.
Analysis is a vital part of the scrim sessions. Each player’s performance is closely monitored, helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses. The debrief is not about blame, but about team growth.
The day of a G2 player doesn't end with the conclusion of scrim sessions. They also invest time in theorycrafting.
The Importance of Theorycrafting
Theorycrafting involves in-depth analysis and brainstorming on game mechanics, strategy, and character capabilities. Players spend time crafting and perfecting strategies outside regular training.
G2 players collaboratively evaluate the meta, proposing new strategies and counter-strategies. With theorycrafting, G2 players stay one step ahead of their competition.
Learning from past matches is another aspect of theorycrafting. G2 players are encouraged to rewatch games, identifying critical turning points and strategic decisions that affected game outcomes.
Theorycrafting sessions allow for innovation, giving G2 Esports an edge in the highly competitive esports industry.
Night-Time Learning Modules
In the evening, G2 players participate in autonomous learning modules. These sessions help players handle pressure, improve quick thinking, and strategize effectively.
This time is also dedicated to personal development. Players can focus on specific areas and refine their gameplay, allowing the squad to operate at high efficiency.
Night-time video analysis is a crucial part of these sessions. Recognizing patterns, detecting opponent strategies, and understanding their gameplay nuances make a significant difference on the battlefield.
Beyond training alone, G2 as a team focuses on building its player's mental fortitude.
Mental Conditioning
Mental conditioning plays a significant role in esports. G2 recognizes that and actively encourages players to develop their mental strength.
Handling pressure, staying focused, and making split-second decisions are essential to succeed in competitive esports. Daily mindfulness sessions, therapeutic interventions, and workshops help G2 players to fortify their mental game.
G2’s focus on mental health has had a noticeable impact on the team's performance, helping them stay calm under pressure and push through challenging scenarios.
At first glance, esports may seem all about fast reflexes and quick thinking. The G2 regimen shows it's as demanding and complex as any traditional sport.