What LPL’s acquisition of CyberGamer means for gamers in Oceania
LPL has recently acquired CyberGamer.com. CG is a subscription-based website dedicated to competitive online gaming. It
provides PC and console users with ladders, leagues and forums related to gaming and esports.
So what does this mean for your average player who enjoys gaming on the weekends or evenings looking to get into
competitive gaming?
The beauty of CyberGamer is that the platform allows anyone to sign up to esports tournaments - be it as a solo player
or as a team depending on the game - and progress through ranks, winning prize pool money along the way. Think of it
like a traditional sport grassroots programme where one can start in amateur and work their way up to the pro leagues if
they so wish.
Not only does acquiring CyberGamer give gamers an awesome opportunity to step up into the world of esports, but LPL can
now offer a variety of different tournaments at all levels of play for gamers all around the world - all happening
simultaneously. This means more players, more matches, more titles and more broadcasts, boosting awareness for esports
players, talent & business within New Zealand.
As players win matches and climb up the leaderboard, they will progress through the league division ladder. The higher a
player climbs means they can take their gaming to the next level and earn more prize money with each win.
This acquisition and grassroots system - combined with pre-established esports tournaments such as the High School
League - will give more players the opportunity to represent their country at the International Esports Federation world
championships. Daniel "DanBanter" Saedian, aged 18, was New Zealand's “eBlacks” sole representative last year at the 2018 championships held in Taiwan. DanBanter competed in Tekken 7 on a global stage after previously
qualifying in LPL's IESF Qualifier tournament.
The league divisions are split up into a tiered system like so:
PRO - The best of the best, this division always has LAN finals and is always broadcasted (usually on TV) and on Twitch.
Challenger - (Formally CGi/Platinum), often broadcasted, is the top division tier if PRO is not supported in said game.
Evolution - (Formally CGm/Gold), requires users to qualify/relegate up from Amateur. This division, for now, will only apply to
games with a large pool of players - such as CS:GO.
Amateur - (Formally CGa/Silver), this division’s only requirement to compete is to have an active subscription on the platform.
A step up from Open for those who want to dip their toes into competitive esports.
Open - This is the default free ladder where players can build up some skill before choosing to enter Amateur.
The platform also provides a discussion board for esports enthusiasts to chat about the current leagues, titles and
matches, as well as keep up to date with LPL news and announcements and become part of the wider esports community.
CyberGamer.com will eventually be merged into the LPL website letsplay.live with a brand new skin and website
restructure. For the time being, users can register at cybergamer.com for a free ‘Open’ division account.
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