What Makes an Esports Team Truly Great?

11 June 2025

Let’s face it—esports has taken the world by storm. Gone are the days when gaming was just a basement hobby. Now, it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry with fans, sponsorships, packed stadiums, and teams chasing glory just like in traditional sports. But here’s the real question: what makes an esports team truly great?

Is it just about winning matches? Or is there more beneath the surface—like a special sauce that only the best teams know how to cook with?

Let’s break it all down and dive into what really sets the elite esports teams apart from the rest.

1. Skilled Players Are Just the Beginning

Okay, this one’s a no-brainer. You can’t have a top-tier esports team without players who are mechanically gifted. Their reaction times are lightning-fast, their game sense is sharp, and they’ve put in thousands of hours mastering the ins and outs of the game.

But here’s the twist—raw skill alone isn’t enough.

Having five gods of the game on a squad doesn’t mean you’ll top the leaderboards. It’s like having five top chefs in one kitchen. Without coordination, egos clash, and dishes go cold. Talent sets the stage, but chemistry steals the show.

2. Team Chemistry: The Invisible MVP

Ever watched a team of underdogs topple giants? That’s often the magic of team synergy. When players connect on a deeper level—communicating smoothly, trusting each other’s calls, and backing each other up—it’s like watching a well-oiled machine.

Great communication, both in and out of the game, is key. The way players talk during chaotic teamfights or how they handle post-game reviews can make all the difference. They’ve gotta be more than teammates—they’ve got to be on the same wavelength.

It’s like jazz. Each player is an instrument, and together they create music. If someone’s out of tune, the whole song falls flat.

3. Leadership That Guides, Not Controls

A solid in-game leader (IGL) is the brain of the operation. Esports isn’t just about mechanical plays—it’s about smart decisions, reading the enemy, and adapting under pressure.

This is where leadership comes in. Great teams have someone who can keep their cool when things go south, rally the squad, and make split-second calls with confidence.

But here’s the kicker—a good leader doesn’t micromanage. They trust their teammates and let them shine. Think of it like a great coach on the field—strategic, vocal, but never overbearing.

4. Coaching and Support Staff Matter—A Lot

Behind every legendary team is a hard-working support crew. Coaches, analysts, psychologists, nutritionists—you name it.

The best teams don’t just rely on talent; they analyze every detail. They break down VODs (video replays), study opponents’ strategies, and work on improving weak spots. Coaches refine the game plan. Analysts crunch the data. Even sports psychologists help players manage stress and avoid burnout.

It's like Formula 1 racing. The driver's in the spotlight, but there's a whole pit crew making sure the engine's running perfectly.

5. Adaptability: The Power to Evolve

Esports games are constantly changing. Patches drop, metas shift, new strategies emerge. What worked last month might be completely off-meta today.

The greatest teams don’t just master the meta—they predict the next one. They’re flexible, willing to learn, and quick on their feet. Whether it’s swapping out roles or testing risky strats, top-tier teams aren’t afraid to shake things up.

Remember, dinosaurs didn’t adapt. That’s why they're extinct. Don’t be a competitive dinosaur.

6. A Strong Work Ethic—No Shortcuts Here

You ever hear of the 10,000-hour rule? In esports, it might be more like 20,000. Behind the jaw-dropping plays and flashy highlights are endless hours of grinding.

The best teams live and breathe their games. Scrims, solo queue, individual mechanics training, VOD review—it’s all part of the daily grind. And they don’t just play hard—they play smart.

Burnout is real, though. So, great teams know how to balance hard work with proper rest. Marathons, not sprints.

7. Fan Engagement & Brand Identity

Let’s shift gears a bit. Performance matters, but in today’s world, brand identity is just as crucial. The best esports teams build communities. They connect with fans on Twitter, stream on Twitch, drop dope merch, and make content that showcases their personalities.

Look at teams like FaZe Clan, T1, or G2. Sure, they win games—but they also master the art of hype. Their fans feel like they’re part of something bigger. That loyalty is the backbone of long-term success (and revenue).

It’s not just who you are in-game; it’s who you are outside the server too.

8. Organizational Stability

Behind every esports team is an org that either flies or flops. Great teams have stable, professional organizations backing them up—ones that pay salaries on time, offer good facilities, and foster a healthy culture.

This kind of stability allows players to focus solely on the game, not whether their next paycheck’s gonna bounce. It’s the safety net that lets great players take leaps.

Think of it as the esports version of a solid foundation—because even the flashiest castle crumbles without one.

9. Consistency—The True Mark of Excellence

One-hit wonders are cool for a moment, but legends stick around. The greatest esports teams aren’t just good for a season; they maintain top-tier performance year after year.

Consistency shows that a team can adapt, overcome slumps, and still deliver under pressure. It’s the difference between a fluke and a dynasty.

You want to be the esports version of the Patriots, not that team that won one title and disappeared.

10. A Growth Mindset

Every loss is a lesson. The best teams don’t crumble after defeat—they come back hungrier. They’re obsessed with improvement. They reflect, tweak their strategies, adjust their mindset, and level up.

In esports, you either evolve or get left behind. So, having a team culture that values growth over ego? That’s priceless.

Humility, patience, and hunger—that's the trifecta of greatness.

Bonus: Luck Plays Its Part… But You Make Your Own

Let’s be real, sometimes luck plays a role—a weird bounce, a dropped connection, a miracle headshot. But great teams put themselves in positions where luck becomes less of a factor.

They prep so hard and so smart that even when things go against them, they don’t fold. In a way, they make their own luck through preparation, resilience, and hustle.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Single Formula—But There Is a Pattern

So, what makes an esports team truly great? It’s not just about winning tournaments or having flashy players. It’s a mix of skill, chemistry, smart leadership, a killer work ethic, organizational support, and a sprinkle of luck.

More importantly, it’s about the ability to grow, evolve, and keep showing up—game after game, season after season.

Greatness in esports is earned, not given. And while every team’s journey is different, they all follow a similar path paved with grit, grind, and a love for the game.

If you’re dreaming of building or joining a top-tier esports team, keep these traits in mind. Because when all the elements align? That’s when the magic happens.