Why RLCS is the Best Esport You're Probably Not Watching (But Should Be)

Why RLCS is the Best Esport You're Probably Not Watching (But Should Be)

Okay, hear me out. I know esports can feel overwhelming if you're not already into gaming. But Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is different. It's basically soccer with rocket-powered cars, and it's absolutely incredible to watch.

I used to be pretty good at this game—hit Grand Champion back when that actually meant something. These days I mostly watch from my couch, eating snacks and questioning my life choices. But damn, this esport is special.

It's Just Really Easy to Understand

Here's the entire rulebook: Get the ball in the goal. That's it.

No complex item builds, no character abilities to memorize, no maps with 47 different lanes and objectives. It's soccer. With cars. That can fly.

You can literally watch your first RLCS match with zero context and immediately understand what's happening. Orange team good, blue team bad (or vice versa, depending on who you're rooting for). Ball goes in goal, crowd goes wild.

The Skill Ceiling is Absolutely Ridiculous

But here's where it gets interesting: while the concept is simple, watching pros play is like watching physics get bent over backwards and thoroughly violated.

These players are hitting aerial shots while flying upside down at 90mph, reading bounces three hits ahead, and pulling off team plays that look choreographed but are happening in real-time. It's genuinely hard to believe humans can react that fast.

I thought I was decent at this game until I watched my first RLCS stream. Humbling doesn't begin to cover it. It's like thinking you're good at basketball and then watching LeBron James.

The Moments are Absolutely Unhinged

Rocket League creates highlight moments that other esports just can't match. When someone hits a ceiling shot double touch redirect with 2 seconds left to tie the game in overtime of a world championship... your brain just breaks a little.

And because goals are relatively rare (games usually end 3-2 or 4-1), every single one matters. There's no “oh well, we'll get the next one”—every goal could be the difference between winning and going home.

Plus, overtime is sudden death. First goal wins. The tension is absolutely ridiculous.

The Production is Actually Good

RLCS broadcasts are legitimately well done. The camera work shows you exactly what you need to see, the announcers actually explain what's happening without being condescending, and the replays capture the insane mechanical skill from every angle.

They've figured out how to make a video game look like a sport on TV, which is harder than it sounds. The arena atmosphere, crowd reactions, and player cams all add to the drama without feeling forced.

The Stories Are Genuinely Compelling

You've got veteran teams trying to prove they're not washed up, young players coming out of nowhere to challenge the establishment, regional rivalries that span years, and underdog stories that would make Disney jealous.

Watch a team like BDS completely revolutionize how the game is played, or see a rookie make their first LAN and immediately start popping off. The human element is just as compelling as the gameplay.

It's Weirdly Relaxing to Watch

Unlike some esports that feel like sensory overload, RLCS has this flow to it. The matches are exactly 5 minutes (plus overtime), so you know your time commitment. The action is constant but not overwhelming.

It's perfect background viewing while you're doing other stuff, but engaging enough that you'll definitely stop what you're doing when someone goes for a crazy play.

You Don't Need to Be a Gamer

Here's the thing: if you can appreciate athletic skill in any traditional sport, you can appreciate RLCS. The precision, timing, and spatial awareness required is genuinely athletic, even if it's happening with a controller.

I've watched RLCS with people who don't play video games at all, and they get hooked. The “how did they even do that?” factor translates across all audiences.

Where to Start

Just pick a random RLCS stream on Twitch or YouTube and jump in. Seriously. You don't need background knowledge or a favorite team. Watch for 10 minutes and you'll either be hooked or you'll know it's not for you.

The World Championship is usually the best starting point—highest stakes, best players, most hype. But honestly, even regular season matches can be incredible.

Trust me on this one. Give it a shot. Worst case scenario, you waste 10 minutes. Best case? You discover your new favorite thing to have on in the background while you're supposed to be working.

And if you end up getting into it, welcome to the community. We're mostly friendly, occasionally toxic, and always impressed by impossible shots.