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Conventional wisdom tells us professional athletes perform best in front of a home crowd. Great Britain’s Olympic team won a record medal haul at London 2012 and England’s Lionesses won the Euros at Wembley in 2022, 56 years after the men’s national football team won the World Cup at home. Does that same home advantage apply in esports?
BBC Newsbeat asked four competitors at this weekend’s Rocket League Championship Series in Birmingham to find out. Players compete in the popular online game by driving cars around an arena, trying to push an oversized ball into the opposing team’s goal. The event brings 16 of the world’s top teams together to compete for a prize pot of more than £270,000 ($350,000).
While millions watch esports online, most fans say there’s nothing like being in the arena with the roar of the crowd. Finlay, 20, from Manchester, says it’s one reason UK events stand out in the international calendar.
I think UK crowds are always the best. I think they’re more creative in their chanting, and make more noise than American spectators. Finlay thinks that could be down to our affection for another sport. Football’s ingrained into UK culture.
I think as an English player the crowd will always get behind their own. On top of that, his parents will be coming along to watch too. It’s going to be a good weekend.
Another advantage to playing closer to home is support from friends and family. It’s not always possible for competitors to travel further afield with their relatives. Archie says he’s looking forward to having his brother and dad cheer him on too. Most of the time when I’m playing it’s just me. My family can’t travel because of work.
They might get more chances to watch Archie in person. National and local governments are keen to attract big tournaments because of the influx of visitors and cash they bring to local areas. But generally Archie says he doesn’t let the crowd change how he plays, and only notices the cheers when his side scores a goal. You’re just trying to win the game – I’m fully locked in.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here.
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