There was a time when improving at a video game meant poring over forums, watching hours of YouTube replays, or simply grinding matches alone. But in today’s gaming world, things are evolving.
A growing number of League of Legends players are now turning to one-on-one League of Legends coaching sessions, aiming to boost skills, climb the ranks, and stay competitive in the game’s ranked ecosystem.
Reports from across the League community suggest that coaching has become a serious pursuit for players of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it's climbing out of Silver or mastering macro play in higher ranks, players are enlisting expert help not just to improve, but to gain a ranked edge, prepare for amateur tournaments, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the game.
Who Are They?
These League coaches, many of whom are high-ELO players or former esports competitors, offer sessions through freelance sites, Discord communities, and professional coaching platforms like WeCoach or GamerSensei. At a glance, some boast hundreds of students, with coaching packages ranging from $15 to over $100 an hour, depending on experience and demand.
One Challenger-ranked coach commented:
“It’s not just about mechanics. Many players come to me for game knowledge, mental performance, or even shot-calling strategies. The game is so deep that a few sessions can genuinely change someone’s trajectory.”
Why the Demand?
Part of the demand is driven by League’s ranked structure, which offers both psychological and in-game incentives for progression. Riot Games rewards rank achievements with exclusive content such as Victorious skins, borders, profile banners, and loading screen flair, adding weight to each season’s climb. Here’s a look at the current Rank Distribution in League of Legends:
|
Rank Tier |
Percentage of Players |
Notes |
|
Iron |
4.50% |
Entry-level rank for new or struggling players |
|
Bronze |
20.70% |
Common for casual or inconsistent players |
|
Silver |
30.40% |
Largest player base segment |
|
Gold |
22.80% |
Reward threshold: Victorious skin starts here |
|
Platinum |
12.10% |
Signifies a solid grasp of game fundamentals |
|
Emerald |
6.00% |
Recently added tier, bridging Plat to Diamond |
|
Diamond |
2.60% |
Competitive tier, where coaching becomes more common |
|
Master |
0.40% |
Top 0.5% of players, semi-pro and elite only |
|
Grandmaster |
0.03% |
Regional top-tier contenders |
|
Challenger |
0.01% |
The best ~300 players per region |
Given the steep drop-off in higher tiers, it's easy to see why some players are opting for coaching. For example, moving from Gold to Diamond represents climbing from the top 50% to the top 5% of players worldwide.
For many, that’s not just bragging rights; it can be the difference between earning seasonal rewards and being left behind at the end of the season.
A Shift in Gaming Culture?
Hiring a coach for a video game was once a novelty. Today, it reflects the seriousness with which competitive gaming is taken. As more players invest in professional help, the competitive ladder is becoming sharper, brighter, and more challenging. The Rift has always been a game of wits and reflexes, but now, increasingly, it’s also a classroom!
