eSports are changing, and ‘NoWay’ is at the center of it: the former LoL pro explains why he doesn’t think classic eSports structures are sustainable for the future – and what his ‘biggest mistake’ was.
Frederik ‘NoWay’ Hinteregger, once one of the most famous German League of Legends players, has reinvented himself. As a streamer and content creator, he is flourishing in a scene that is undergoing fundamental changes – and which, in his opinion, faces major challenges.
From pro to content league
Today, ‘NoWay’ plays in the Northern League Championship (NLC). A league that is less about fierce competition and more about entertainment. He explains: “It’s just a bit less tense and not the same pressure to perform. It’s relaxed, there’s a lot of content, you can improve and have fun with the players as a team.”
The plan is working: the NLC’s viewership figures are exploding. While the league has averaged triple-digit viewers in previous seasons, more than 30,000 fans are now following the matches, according to statistics website Esports Charts.
The duel between NORD and Los Ratones is at the top – ‘NoWay’s team against the organization of former commentator and influencer Marc Robert ‘Caedrel’ Lamont. The social media stars have proven that content in eSports is no longer just a side issue. It’s a real model for success.
eSport only sustainable for influencers?
As good as the development of the NLC is, ‘NoWay’ doesn’t see it only in a positive light. While the increasing fusion of eSports and entertainment is a necessary adaptation, it is not an ideal solution:
“If we don’t want a complete re-evaluation of the market, then it’s probably the direction we need to develop in. But from a competitive point of view, it’s obviously a shame. It will keep the level low and keep us at a distance from Asian countries.”
Current salaries too high in the long term?
The change is not only a consequence of viewer requests, but also of economic reality. ‘NoWay’ is clear about the financial situation: “The way eSports are currently structured, they are not really sustainable – for any of the participants.”
In his opinion, only influencers can make good money from reach and advertising. In the long term, organizations will not be able to pay players their current salaries. Publishers won’t be able to subsidize eSports forever like Riot Games is doing right now, NoWay suspects.
His conclusion: Without higher viewer numbers and more entertainment elements, it could be difficult for many organizations to survive. “There is such a wide range of eSports. You need a bit of entertainment, you need a bit of something different, so that people are still engaged.”
The “biggest mistake” of his life
‘NoWay’ has learned the hard way that it’s not easy for organizations in eSports. His time as a team owner became a nightmare for him: “We underestimated how difficult it is. Five individuals who just do their own thing and have their own responsibilities – and then have to make decisions together.”
His verdict is scathing: “It was the biggest mistake I’ve made so far. Because it cost an insane amount of money and time and caused a lot of stress.” ‘NoWay’ has drawn a clear conclusion for himself: “I definitely won’t open another eSports team, that’s a guarantee.”
Instead, he is focusing on what he really enjoys: streaming and content creation. This way, he not only benefits from the current development of eSports – he is also one of the pioneers of a trend that could change the entire market.
One thing is clear: the traditional eSports landscape will continue to change. It remains to be seen whether the focus on content will secure the future of eSports or devalue it in the long term.
