Esports - SoulBook

This ongoing photo series examines the ways the coronavirus pandemic has upended and reshaped athletes' lives.

The players and staff who reside at the Gillette Infinity Esports house just outside Mexico City come from all over Latin America to compete in some of professional gaming's top League of Legends tournaments. Over the course of a seasonplayers train and compete six days a weekleaving Mondays as a precious day off. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent suspension of other professional sports around the worldesports have continued and even expanded. Infinity's five League of Legends players and five support staff members are adjusting to life in quarantine while pursuing greater heights among the esports elite.

Players and coaches live together at the Gillette Infinity Esports gaming compound in Mexico City and train up to 10 hours a day Tuesday through Friday in preparation for official matches on weekends. "It's grinding. Additionallywe have them work with nutritionistspsychologists and doctors," says Nicolas Lescanopart-owner of Infinity.

Roberto "Straight" Guallichicoleftof Ecuadorand Sergio "Cotopaco" Silvarightof Colombiado not take breaks from the gameeven while they eat. League of Legends is one of professional gaming's biggest draws. For some 2018 World Championship matches that Infinity competed instreaming audiences neared 41 million.

Fans of esports are more likely to recognize a top player by their online handle than their given name. The most famous gamer on the planetRichard Blevinsis better identified as Ninja.

There are five roles or positions in League of Legends matches: marksman or ADCsupportjunglerbruiser and mid laner or APCeach with a specific set of responsibilities during a match.

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After every training matchCotopacoStraightMatias "WhiteLotus" MussoDiego "SolidSnake" Vallejoseen here from left to rightand Mariano "Genthix" Polonsky attend a coaching and film study session led by head coach Carlos "Soren" Ibarra.

Former pro player Gonzalo "Enatsu" Peredoa native of Chilewas hired as an Infinity coach ahead of the 2020 season. Ex-pros often transition into coaching roles to offer experience and insight to gamers wishing to improve their performance.

Alan Cruzfrontand Federico Soldanobackwork as content creators employed by Infinity and live at the gaming house along with players and coaches. By way of social mediawritten articles and videosCruz and Soldano provide inside access for fans wanting to know more about Infinity's pro players.

“Gaming houses are a requirement to compete in certain leagues. For League of Legendswe have one in Mexico and another in SantiagoChile.” Nicolas Lescano