I toured the Alienware Training Facility to see what it takes to support esport teams; from high-end gear to a private chef
Tom’s Guide visited the Team Liquid Alienware Training Facility in Los Angeles to see what it takes to run an esports team, from the equipment to the food and everything in between.
In 1972, Guinness World Records noted the origins of esports, with competitive video gaming activities dating back that far. The scene has grown substantially since then, with professional organizations offering training and support for top players who can earn millions from global tournaments. One such organization is Team Liquid, which recently allowed Tom’s Guide to tour their training facility in Santa Monica, California.
The Alienware Training Facility supports three locations globally, but the California one focuses on League of Legends teams, as the game's headquarters is nearby. CEO Steve Arhancet explained that the facility serves as a training ground before big tournaments, with players flying in from around the world to compete. Scott Harrison, the team GM, highlighted that players must be located near the server to ensure balanced gameplay, so they are brought to Los Angeles for major events.
The facility features top-of-the-line gaming equipment, sourced directly from Alienware. The PCs are customized with AMD Ryzen 7 CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards, paired with high-refresh-rate monitors like the Alienware AW2725DF. While most games run at 1080p, World of Warcraft prefers 1440p for optimal performance.
The facility also provides an onsite kitchen with a private chef, catering to various dietary needs and preferences, including vegan options and allergen accommodations. The chef prepares multiple meals daily, with service extending well into the evening during intense events.
Performance tracking is crucial for the players, and Team Liquid employs a Pro Lab where performance coaches analyze gameplay using real-time data. They also utilize Whoop bands to monitor sleep patterns, helping players maintain optimal performance levels. The facility even supports partnerships with brands like Monster energy drinks, which players can use to boost energy during long gaming sessions.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
