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Like any competitor aiming to be the best, eSports players need the right equipment to stay on top of their game. MCV checks out the picks of the pros
A few weeks ago, on BBC Radio 5 Live, former professional footballer Danny Mills argued that eSports could not be classified as a sport because you don’t wear special footwear”.
While this may be true – pro-gamers are free to wear anything from slippers to brogues while competing – there is other specialist equipment that can undoubtedly help both professional and amateur eSports enthusiasts boost their performance.
From customised console controllers for first-person shooter masters to finely-tuned mice and keyboards for PC pros, there is a wide range of peripherals and accessories designed to offer an optimised gaming experience.
Of course, it’s not all about performing your best – looking the part is just as important in many ways. For eSports fashionistas, there are many branded products to make sure they stand out from the crowd.
Top players aren’t alone in being on the lookout for high quality products, however – up-and-coming pro-gamers aiming to showcase their skills to break into the sector often utilise livestreaming services to get their name noticed.
Putting on an impressive show for prospective employers and sponsors often demands devices such as gameplay capture kits, microphones and webcams – and by offering such products to gamers, retail can help to support the next wave of eSports stars.
Over the next five to ten years, you won’t just see players streaming in front of their webcams: viewers will demand a much richer experience,” explains Steve Arhancet, co-owner of top eSports side Team Liquid.
The early adopters that use better technology – whether that’s to do with sound, recording, video, overlays or graphics – and stream in creative, interactive environments will lead the charge.”
Razer DeathAdder Chroma
A popular choice among gaming’s elite, Razer’s Chroma version of its highly popular DeathAdder mouse adds integrated lighting that can display in up to 16.8 million colours. Players can customise the mouse’s glow using the included Synapse 2.0 software. The peripheral also features a 10,000 dpi optical sensor, five programmable Hyperesponse buttons and 1,000Hz Ultrapolling for speed and accuracy in fast-paced titles.
SRP: 64.99
Manufacturer: Razer
Distributor: VIP Computers
Contact: 01925 286 900
SteelSeries eSport Champions Gaming Gear Collection
Designed to be the ultimate set for budding competitive gamers, this kit combines three of SteelSeries’ pro-gaming products – the Siberia v2 gaming headset, Rival optical gaming mouse and the QcK mini gaming mouse mat. The Siberia features 50mm driver units and in-line volume control for competition-ready communication. Meanwhile, the Rival boasts six programmable buttons, rubber grips and 16.8-million colour lighting.
SRP: 89.99
Manufacturer: SteelSeries
Distributor: Entatech
Contact: 0333 101 1000
Tt eSports Level 10MGaming Laser Mouse
Designed in collaboration with BMW DesignWorksUSA, the Level 10M can be adjusted to fit perfectly in players’ hands.
SRP: 99.99
Manufacturer: Thermaltake
Distributor: A One
Contact: 0161 763 3633
League of Legends TeamKat Lanyard
League fans can represent their passion for the competitive MOBA title with this lanyard featuring art from the game.
SRP: 8.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Scuf One FPS
This customised version of the Xbox One pad features more than 16 performance-boosting tweaks for top-of-the-class gamers.
SRP: 83.99
Manufacturer: Scuf
Distributor: Lime Distribution
Contact: 01622 845 161
Ultra Street Fighter IV ArcadeFightStick Tournament Edition 2
Fighting game fans can use this competition-standard stick on both PS3 and PS4.
(A red Xbox One version is also available.)
SRP: 179.99
Manufacturer: Mad Catz
Distributor: Entatech
Contact: 0333 101 1000
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