Failure to Launch: Rocket League’s Struggles with Esports

Chances are, if you get enough esports professionals, executives, journalists, etc. in a room together and ask them which esport has the potential to go mainstream, Rocket League’s name will come up. The vehicular football game is never far from the discourse when ‘breaking through to the next level’ is discussed.

Yet, despite its promise, Rocket League has not ascended to become the most popular and well-known esport in the world. The game has been fostering its competitive scene for almost eight years, featuring million-dollar events, significant viewership, and the kind of hype that is typically reserved only for the crème de la crème of esports titles.

However, the reality is that Rocket League esports has faced considerable challenges in living up to its lofty expectations. Controversies, criticisms, and a particularly troubled 2024 esports scene have hindered its progress. In perhaps the most symbolic moment for RLCS this past year, the Gaimin Gladiators Rocket League team found themselves practicing in what looked like a bathroom for Blast Rocket League Major this past June. Rocket League esports, it seems, is truly in the toilet.

Rocket League just hasn’t launched into the stratosphere as was expected of it. Is the game over-hyped, or just under-appreciated?