In esports, the journey to becoming a team player is truly unique. As an Esports player, you master a specific game through daily practice at home -- alone. As you climb the ranks in ladders or in-game leagues, you will gain recognition and attract teams' attention. Although you have mastered the in-game skills, further development of team-oriented skills is likely needed due to the solitary nature of playing from home.

But whether you're an athlete or an esports player, the core principles of being a good teammate remain the same: Understanding and appreciating each player's role, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, valuing diverse opinions and being humble.

Similar to traditional sports teams, esports teams experience various stages: forming, norming, storming and performing. During the forming stage, team members come together, establish their roles and get to know one another. As the team progresses to the norming stage, it begins to establish shared values, goals and ways of working. Inevitably, conflicts may arise during the storming stage as differences and tensions surface. However, if handled constructively, these challenges can pave the way for growth and a stronger bond. Finally, in the performing stage, the team reaches a state of synergy, where they operate at their highest potential, achieving remarkable results.

How to be a good esports teammate

First, understand your role, plus be aware of how your strengths and weaknesses contribute to the collective effort. Support and uplift others when they're feeling down to help foster a positive team environment. It's crucial to fulfill your assigned tasks and responsibilities; show you are willing to make sacrifices for the team's overall success. Demonstrating discipline, both in practice and competition, is vital for consistent performance. Being prepared and punctual shows respect for your teammates and the commitment to the team's goals. Most important, get to know your teammates as real, live human beings to foster strong relationships and contribute to a cohesive and harmonious team dynamic.

Team harmony, however, does not mean that there won't be a lot of differing opinions. Good teams embrace and respect diverse opinions; these different perspectives can lead to discussions and debates, ultimately leading to growth and progress. A good teammate is open-minded and receptive to different ideas, contributing to an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Recognizing that others might learn more quickly or have skills you don't helps build an atmosphere of mutual support and learning. By maintaining a humble mindset, you become more approachable and willing to help others, fostering a sense of unity within the team.

Recognizing the unique stages of team development in esports enables individuals to navigate challenges effectively and ultimately achieve peak performance. By embracing both individualism and teamwork, esports players can thrive in the world of competitive gaming.

Fabian Broich is the founder of Achieveminds, an Esports performance agency. He is currently working with some of the best players and teams in the world in Esports. Previously he was the Head of Performance at Excel Esports. The British Esports organisation Excel competes amongst the best Esports teams in the world. Previously, the former professional football goalkeeper, worked for pro football club Schalke 04 and for Astralis, which is one of the most successful Esports organizations in the world. He has a B.A. in Psychology (Winthrop University, US) and a M.Sc. in Psychology of Sports and Exercise (German Sports University of Cologne, GER) The 32-year-old German focuses on a holistic performance approach integrating sleep, physical activity, nutrition and sports psychology into the new field of Esports.