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What is the state of the UK’s competitive Rocket League scene?
With fewer British players competing in the new RLCS season, is the UK Rocket League scene still in a good place? Caster Mike 'Gregan' Ellis, and pro players Deevo and Markydooda deliver their verdict
The fifth season of the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) gets underway this month, with the North American bracket kicking things off on March 17 and the European opener following the day after.
This season, six brilliant UK pro players will be competing in the EU RLCS – Team EnVyUs duo David ‘Deevo’ Morrow and Jordan ‘Eyelgnite’ Stellon, excel Esports’ Mark ‘Markydooda’ Exton, David ‘Miztik’ Lawrie of Flipsid3 Tactics, Envy's EyeIgnite, and finally, PSG eSports' Dan 'Bluey' Bluett.
However, mainly due to Team Secret’s failure to qualify, the number of UK players in the tournament has actually gone down from eight since last season. So, has the UK Rocket League scene got worse or is this just a minor blip?
To find out, we spoke to caster Mike 'Gregan' Ellis, plus RLCS players David 'Deevo' Morrow and Mark 'Markydooda' Exton.
Deevo (left) with old team Northern Gaming
© Psyonix
What's the state of the British Rocket League scene at the moment?
Gregan: Britain has some of the best Rocket League players in the world! Old faces are still near the top and new ones are coming through, meaning the United Kingdom is the wealthiest nation in Europe by player earnings. Markydooda, one of the veterans of the game, is the 7th highest-earning player in Rocket League and has been in every season of RLCS.
Five of the 24 starting players this RLCS season are from the UK, and there are even more in Rocket League Rival Series. The most recent major event at Dreamhack Open in Leipzig was won by two Frenchmen and Bluey, who is one of the up and coming British Players.
Britain has some of the best Rocket League players in the world
Deevo: It’s growing, but it is still pretty hit or miss. I’m good friends with Bluey who plays for PSG. He puts a lot of hours into the game and works really hard – we race often. You also have Russell 'Florus' Andrew, who is a really good 1v1 player from the UK.
Markydooda: I think the British scene is actually pretty good, almost entirely thanks to Gfinity. It's hard for lower tier players from most other countries to get big games and LAN experience but Gfinity provides that. I would say the British scene just needs to keep pushing ahead and keep doing what it's doing.
How can the UK Rocket League scene improve?
Gregan: If we see more community events like the recent EpicLAN and previous Insomnia events get the traction for UK-based players, some will get great experience from it and go on to improve. You learn a lot from these events. It's not just about playing the game, but loving the game, and the community will keep people around and give them the motivation to go on to bigger and better things.
Another way is through streamers/entertainers online. UK content creators and streamers tend to attract UK viewers. SubParButInHD recently announced their plan to go full-time. There's a huge UK-based community with a mixture of pros, commentators, fans, viewers and lovers of Rocket League. If these communities continue to develop, then the UK scene develops. Everything is linked, the more people that get involved, the better – it's all a numbers game!
Deevo: I think if more players played in more tournaments and pulled everything together a little that would help. I picked up Rocket League in 2015 when it was free after a friend of mine asked me to play – we need more of that. Gfinity has a base in London and needs to continue to grow with teams in the UK.
Markydooda: Maybe for the sake of my street credit, not market it so much at young kids but it is what it is!
Markydooda waving at the RLCS S3 World Championship
© Psyonix
Which British players will be the next stars?
EyeIgnite could be one of the best players in the world if he keeps practising
Mike: One to watch is the young Scrub Killa who has been too young for the first five seasons of RLCS, but with him turning 15 in time for season six we will be finally able to see how one of the best players in the world competes in top level 3v3s. Scrub has already proven he is one of the best, especially when it comes to 1v1s, and will do great on the big stage for Rocket League. He has the ability to slot right into a top four team for RLCS next season, but who it will be, we shall have to see.
Deevo: Jordan 'EyeIgnite' Stellon is definitely one that comes to mind. He hasn’t reached his full potential yet. I think he could be one of the best players in the world if he keeps practising.
Markydooda: I reckon if you're watching for Brits to make an impact on this season you don't need to look much further! Also, EyeIgnite is a very good player who always has a good game. I think, even at a world level, myself and EyeIgnite would be a good shout – I'm making a bit of a comeback and EyeIgnite is about to gain some notoriety.
Is Britain a good home for Rocket League players?
In Europe, Britain is the best place to be a Rocket League player
Markydooda: I think all constraints on British players are the same constraints across all Rocket League players. I would say in Europe, Britain is the best place to be a Rocket League player… the only constraints being that it's hard to make money without being in a top five team. Across the Atlantic it's a different story, however, with all the money that is being thrown around.
Mike: With the introduction of the Gfinity Elite Series, many UK players have grown in this last year. Being given LAN practice and access to communicating with some top players is a great way to get to the top level of Rocket League. Just look at players like Flame and Tylacto who were drafted for Method in Season 1 – they had to sub in, formed a team, and got into RLCS next season!
Another example is EyeIgnite who was knocking on the door of top tier Rocket League, and with the Gfinity Elite Series, he caught the eye of a few top teams, tried out with them, and will be starting for Envy alongside Season 3 champions Remkoe and Deevo.
It's never been better to be a UK player in Rocket League. Expect to see big things from Speed who is captain of Unilad this season in Gfinity Elite Series – he's my bet to go from the Gfinity Elite Series to top tier.
Who is going to win the RLCS?
Gale Force Esports are reigning RLCS Champions
© Psyonix
Obviously, I would like Team Envy to win and think we have a great shot.
Mike: This season is looking to be the toughest season to predict. Previously we have seen the favourites make it to the final – Flipsid3 in Season 1 and 2, Northern Gaming in Season 3 and Gale Force in Season 4. I think NRG with JSTN may go on to be one of the best North American teams that we have ever seen, likewise G2 are looking incredibly in-form. This season could be North America's season.
From Europe, I think PSG, Vitality, Gale Force and Fnatic could do big things this season, but really, any of Europe's top eight teams could find form and make a run. It's an exciting season ahead!
Deevo: Obviously, I would like Team Envy to win and think we have a great shot. Some of the other teams with a great chance are Cloud9, PSG or Gale Force.
Markydooda: exceL are going to win the RLCS because big Marky's coming to cause havoc - look out all you noobs.
