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esports
SG eSports: From writer to League of Legends Coach
Singaporean LoL coach Nelson Sng discusses his career and his coaching of LoL eSports team, HKES.
Nelson with his team.
© Nelson Sng
From analyzing the meta, coming up with strategies and taking care of the individual’s and team’s training, eSports coaches play an integral role in the performance of their teams. You’d be hard-pressed to find a professional eSports team without a coach.
We caught up with Nelson Sng, assistant coach of League of Legends (LoL) eSports team, Hongkong Esports (HKES) on his career thus far and what it’s like coaching a professional team.
You’ve been in the eSports scene since 2011, what made you decide to join the video games industry, and specifically, why eSports?
I just love playing video games! During that period, I was introduced to League of Legends, and Riot was pushing LoL as an eSport. I followed the game religiously and became interested in the competitive side of the game.
You started your eSports career as a writer in Singapore. How did you land that role?
I saw a post on reddit where a European organization was looking for a volunteer news writer, and I sent in my application.
How was life as a writer?
It was tough as it was voluntary and I had to keep up to date and post the latest news and interviews the minute we had any information. I only started getting paid as a writer from the beginning of 2016 after I landed several paid writing jobs.
How did you transition from content producer to managing a team and now, coaching a team?
Months after I started writing for that European organisation, they wanted to sponsor a Singaporean LoL team (AboluteLegends). I happened to be the only Singaporean employee, so I transitioned into the role of the team's manager due to convenience. The players did not trust me initially, but over time, I believe I won them over, and continued to manage the same group of players from 2012 to 2016.
Was the transition challenging?
Slightly. I think I did okay as I had many connections with managers from Europe and North America, and they gave me tips and ideas on how to fulfill my job responsibilities well.
Tell us more about your current role as an assistant coach.
It is similar to what I used to do in Singapore, just that it is now a full-time job. The players in Taiwan are fully professional, unlike the players in Singapore who are mostly amateurs or semi-pro. They are also highly paid and receptive to ideas and suggestions.
What are some of your daily duties?
Typical schedule:
1130: Wake up/Wash up
1200: Yoga session
1300: Talk to players about their goals for the day’s practice
1330: Watch VoDs, catch up on latest news and meta + Lunch
1400: First scrim block of the day, involves analysing and reviewing games with players
1700: Short break + Dinner
1800: Second scrim block
2100: Review what was done for the day and plan for tomorrow
2130: Free time
My free time is usually used to catch up on more VoDs and replays as there is not enough time in the day to study everything.
Any challenges?
One of the main challenges right now is translating everything to Chinese before I speak with my players! Also, having to keep up with the LoL meta which is constantly evolving. A coach who has a better understanding of the meta will be able to influence 50% of the game via picks and bans.
Any memorable stories to share?
Probably when I received numerous job offers from Taiwan – when I received job offers from not one but two top LMS teams. The feeling was surreal and I thought that my hard work in the past few years in the Southeast Asian scene had finally paid off!
What made you decide to pursue eSports in Taiwan instead of continuing to pursue it in Singapore?
Well, Taiwan is considered a major region for LoL. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt that I am currently working for one of the richest organisations in the Taiwan/Hong Kong region.
What’s the biggest difference between the eSports scene (and its players) in Taiwan and Singapore?
Many, many more fans; more money and better infrastructure. Players are also more respectful of the coaching staff in Taiwan compared to the players in Singapore. Additionally, in Taiwan, I can bench, substitute and even fire a player who is disrespectful or not performing, but that’s difficult to do in Singapore as the professional player talent pool is too small.
What do you think Taiwan and Singapore need to do to develop their eSports scene further?
Singapore has a lot to do. Firstly, players need to be more open and receptive to coaching and suggestions. Players who want to go professional should practice on the Korean servers as it is the pinnacle of the LoL eSports scene. One will only learn by losing to the very best players in the world, while one will only pick up bad habits by constantly crushing subpar players.
For Taiwan, I guess it would be international marketing. A great start would be an English broadcast, this will bring in more money into the Taiwanese scene, incentivizing the best players to stay rather than leaving for greener pastures in China.
How do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Hopefully LoL is still around! I hope to be coaching one of the top North American, European or Chinese teams!
Any advice for people hoping to enter eSports?
Try everything! Always put out high quality work even if only ten people appreciate it. Most importantly, have fun!
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