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PEAKS AND TROUGHS IN GAMING PERFORMANCE -
How did Jume go from one of the best individual performances of all time to underperforming on the final map within minutes?
It goes without saying that Jume showed that he is one of the most incredible players to have ever touched this game. His performance to push SECRET onto map 4 not only tied the all time kill record for a single map, but also included 3 clutches, with one keeping FaZe from winning in max OT, while another sealed the victory for them on 10-9 match point.
A drop of between maps is expected, but to have such a massive sway in performance isn't easily explained by things as simple as "not his map" or "getting unlucky". The difference is in his mental and chemical state.
During high pressure situations as the ones Jume faced, his Adrenaline will have spiked massively. During adrenaline spikes such as these, one will experience a state of "fight-or-flight", during which alertness and by extension reaction times and decision making speed are enhanced. This is absolutely incredible for situations such as a max OT during a grand final.
However, the downtime between maps will have been fatal to his performance in this case. Between maps 3 and 4, there was a 20 minute break - roughly the time it takes for the body to start calming down after an adrenaline rush. Repeated bouts of adrenaline surges also increase overall Cortisol production.
Cortisol causes an inverse effect to Adrenaline, decreasing reaction speed and overall awareness in situations. This is why performance doesn't dip directly in a game, but the higher the stress response during an acute moment, the higher the cortisol increase following "recovery".
But most important for e-sports players:
HOW CAN I AVOID THIS?
Obviously we cannot do anything to avoid production delays etc, especially in as large an event as SI. Our body is programmed to react this way, and this evolutionary response is not something we can sufficiently impact as to eliminate it's effects entirely.
Grounding and breathing techniques are the most readily accessible methods for the average esports athlete.
1. Slow deep breaths
This may sound simple, but helps to reduce the adrenaline surge in intense moments. By regulating breathing, we can help signal relaxation to our body, decreasing the following cortisol spike.
2. Mindfulness Preparation
When competing at a high level, preparation is all done pre-game. Most of the time, analysis is at such a level that nothing should be surprising when in the server or on the pitch. Working before the game to remember that these are known situations, with solutions already available and in your arsenal can reduce the impact of stress on the situation
3. Limiting Stimulant Ingestion
Stimulants help us stay alert, however when combined with stressful situations they can over-produce adrenaline and norepinephrine production, placing us in the "fight-or-flight" response. While Stimulants are a key method to improve performance (typically ingested approximately 1 hour prior to competing), overconsumption can have adverse effects on consistency of performance.
4. Reducing Chronic Stressors
By reducing our chronic (constant and persistent) stress levels in day to day life, we can ensure that our body and brain chemistry are optimally prepared to handle high stress situations, as well as their aftermath. Ensuring sufficient high quality sleep, as well as any external pressures will help optimize these.
KEY NOTE:
This is in no way meant to criticize Jume, or SECRET's performance as a whole. They are competing at a level of competition which most of us will never even dream of. What they have achieved is exceptional. I have no doubt in my mind that these are all performance metrics which will have been considered beforehand, with such an experienced coaching staff supporting them. Sometimes the occasion is simply that big.
This post aims purely to provide a very surface level analysis on why performances can be so inconsistent, and how we can use these case studies to improve our own performance at whichever level of competition we are competing at.
I have nothing but respect for everyone at SECRET. They are dear friends, and I wished for nothing more than for them to lift the hammer. They have shown they are an incredibly talented group, and I GENUINELY believe, that the next hammer has their name written on it.
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