Recently LPL took over Cybergamer.com, a subscription-based website dedicated to competitive online gaming that equips PC and console users with ladders, leagues, and forums related to gaming and esports.

So the question is, what does this actually mean for the average gamer that enjoys gaming on the weekends or evenings and would like to give competitive gaming a nudge?

LPL says the strength of CyberGamer is its simplicity. The platform allows anyone to sign up to esports tournaments, regardless of whether they're a solo player or competing as a team (depending on the game), to then progress through ranks while winning prize pool money along the way.

It has been compared to a traditional sports grassroots programme where one can start as an amateur before working their way to the pro leagues if they wish to.

While CyberGamer provides the gateway for gamers to step up into the lucrative world of esports, now that it has been acquired by LPL it can also offer a variety of different tournaments at all levels of play for gamers all over the world, all going on simultaneously.

The end result of this is more players, more matches, more titles, and more broadcasts to help boost awareness for esports players, talent, and business within New Zealand.

As gamers win matches and climb up the leaderboard they will progress through the league division ladder, which enables players to earn more prize money with every win.

LPL is confident the result of this acquisition in addition to pre-established esports tournaments like the High School League will provide more players in New Zealand the opportunity to represent their nation at the International Esports Federation (IESF) world championship.

Last year, at the age of 18 Daniel “DanBanter” Saedian was the New Zealand's ‘eBlacks' sole representative at the championships in Taiwan, competing in Tekken 7 on the global stage after previously qualifying in LPL's IESF Qualifer Tournament.

The league divisions are split up into a tiered system like so:

• PRO - The best of the best, this division always has LAN finals and is always broadcasted (usually on TV) and on Twitch.
• Challenger - (Formally CGi/Platinum), often broadcasted, is the top division tier if PRO is not supported in said game.
• Evolution - (Formally CGm/Gold), requires users to qualify/relegate up from Amateur. This division, for now, will only apply to games with a large pool of players - such as CS:GO.
• Amateur - (Formally CGa/Silver), this division's only requirement to compete is to have an active subscription on the platform. A step up from Open for those who want to dip their toes into competitive esports.
• Open - This is the default free ladder where players can build up some skill before choosing to enter Amateur.

The platform also provides a discussion board for esports enthusiasts to chat about the current leagues, titles and matches, as well as keep up to date with LPL news and announcements and become part of the wider esports community.