I take the chance to sit down with Yusui and talk about what it takes to become a Pro! We cover some big events to attend, the skills you need, and some crucial advice for players that are looking to break on to North American League of Legends’ biggest stage.
Last time we caught up with David “Yusui” Bloomquist, we got to know him and how he reached the highest level of professional League of Legends. This time, I took the opportunity to ask Yusui about how someone can break into the ranks of the pro players, looking at what skills are necessary and what prospective professionals should keep in mind on their path upwards.
Let's get started. With anyone looking to break into the LCS, what do you think the first step is?
Yusui: I think the very first thing is to just play a lot, but thinking about my past self, I would tell myself to not make any excuses and to always be focused on my own individual play. So, improve at whatever rate you improve, play a lot, and don’t think about other people ever. Don’t think about your Solo Queue teammates, don’t think about your team if you’re on an Amateur team and it’s a bad situation, same for Academy, just always focus on yourself and what you could be doing better. If you have that mindset and you play enough, you will reach your potential level the fastest.
When considering skill ranges, is truly only Challenger-tier players that can find ground? Or do you think the Diamond 1+ range below Challenger can find time with an org?
Yusui: I don’t think hard work alone will take you to an LCS level. I think there is definitely a part of it that comes down to natural inclination. But, I think with the right attitude and right amount of hours, anyone can hit Challenger. And I think that’s everyone’s goal at the start right? Hit Challenger and do that playing whatever role that is naturally calling to you. So, again time and right mindset helps, but the best will always have that natural talent for the game or gaming in general even.
I would never say to just anyone, “Yeah you can make LCS! Just play 3,000 hours and be really positive!” Because those aren’t necessarily true. There will be people that are naturally capped at a certain rating depending on certain factors like reaction time or how fast they process things. And I think that a lot of it is that mental processing, there’s an innate quality to things that can really separate a player.
Have you attended the LCS Scouting Grounds and if so what can you say about its current format and the process overall?
Yusui: I don’t think the Scouting Grounds are the only way to go through things, but it never hurts getting to be a part of an event like that. Because, firstly, you get a lot of recognition. And secondly, you get to experience things in person, ya know when COVID isn’t preventing that... That natural real experience can do a lot for you, rather than just being online for everything. And you get to meet people and get more of a gist of what it’s like to be a Pro Player.
Scouting Grounds always has coaches and staff members from the Pro teams attending, and Pro Players attend too. There’s always a handful that help out, and it’s great to get their insight on things within the scene.
When thinking about breaking into the Pros, what should players be considering as alternative pathways beyond events like the Scouting Grounds? When you’re looking to market yourself, do you think it wise to rely strictly on gameplay?
Yusui:The primary goal should be to climb as high as you possibly can in Solo Queue, of course. In addition, if you have the means, a super dedicated player that wants to break in could hit Challenger in other regions too, whether that be Korean or EU. Getting exposed to the highest level of play possible is big. Because the quality of NA Solo-Queue is pretty rough, and the queue times are long so it makes it hard to grind games. And, of course, there is the Amateur Circuit that you could get involved in beyond just Solo Queue level stuff.
How much does social media factor into recruitability for Academy/LCS Prospects?
Yusui:I think social media is a double-edged sword that should be avoided if you’re aspiring to be a Pro Player. I’ve experienced both sides of the coin here, so even if you’re hyped online, you’ll read that stuff and it’ll get in your head and impact your play. Even if it’s not conscious, it’s subconscious. And it’s never good to develop an ego or selfish mindset, right? In the current state of Pro League, it’s so based around team play and working well with your teammates, so that kind of thing can be harmful. Oppositely, if social media is just dumping on you, obviously that'll get to you. Even if you consider yourself super mentally strong.
So, if you wanna use it for fun, go ahead. But it’s a tool, I believe, that should generally be avoided. Just don’t tweet stupid things.
Can you unpack the roadway from Amateur to Academy to LCS for me? What does it take to be successful in the Academy scene?
Yusui: I think Riot’s done a very good job in combining Amateur with Academy and giving a very clear way to break through with Proving Grounds Tournament. In that tournament, Amateur teams compete with Academy teams, and I think that’s a very positive experience for Amateur teams.
As for moving from Academy to LCS, it’s quite a grind and it takes a bit of luck. The best way to describe it is, you’ve gotta maintain an LCS-level of play while in Academy and kinda just be in the right place at the right time. Or just be such a clear standout that teams are gonna pick you up for LCS. But that’s pretty rare. So, just be playing consistently at a high level on top of being a bit lucky.
What sort of non-gaming experiences do you think could make a player an enticing pick-up? Do you think there are traits that go under-valued by organizations that should be considered beyond gameplay?
Yusui: I do think that, in League especially, that leadership skills are really valuable. So, if you’ve got experience at being in some sort of group in a leadership capacity, it’ll never hurt to have that listed on your ‘resume’, so to say. I don’t know if it increases your chances, necessarily, but I would say that if you’re playing at a high level and you get a shot to compete in a try out for a team, it’s going to be very appealing to the people trying you out if you’re vocal and taking control of the game while pushing your teammates. That’s alway going to be a very attractive quality in a Rookie player.
But, at the same time, you gotta be careful with that. Because too much of that can border on being toxic or resource dependent. So, gotta be aware there. But yeah, displaying natural leadership skills is very valuable in competitive play.
What do you think prospective players should consider that often might go overlooked when imagining themselves as a Professional League player?
Yusui: I think the obvious negative is just the amount of hours that you have to put in to be a competitor. And you’ll see with a lot of the guys in or near LCS, that they’re fine with putting in all those hours because they’re really passionate about the game.
But being a Pro is very demanding, and it’s a very demanding job. You won’t have very much free time in comparison to something like school or your average 9 to 5 work schedule. It’s a trade-off though. That demand comes with doing something that’s very unique and is something you hopefully have a deep love for, so you're enjoying things like practice despite the commitment.
Beyond the personal grind of things, what is one big piece of advice that you would give to those trying to get in the scene as they interact with all these big names and orgs, be it on social media through events like Scouting Grounds and Amateur, or even after you’ve gotten your foot in the door?
Yusui: I would say to just always give your personal best. Regardless of whatever is going on with the team or organization you’re a part of. Even if something is not right for you at the moment, always be giving a good level of effort while being focused on the game.
I’ve been friends with players who have been in the wrong place at the wrong time where the environment is terrible or the team just isn’t doing well for whatever reason. And that makes it harder to stay positive and keep playing as much, but if you want this to become your job that’s just one of the things that comes with the territory. And your consistent commitment and level of effort will carry you to a better team or place in the future.
There you have it folks! A little bit of Yusui’s insights on what it takes to become a Pro! Always, thanks to Yusui for sitting and taking the time with me. If you want to follow the man himself more you can find him at the media links below!
