The Longest Esports Matches: A Deep Dive into Unforgettable Gaming Marathons

In the fast-paced world of esports, where matches often hinge on split-second decisions, there are rare instances when games stretch far beyond their expected limits. These marathon matches test not only the skills and endurance of the players but also push the very boundaries of the games themselves. This exploration dives into some of the longest esports matches in history, highlighting the thrilling moments that have left an indelible mark on the competitive gaming scene.

VALORANT: A Battle of Attrition

VALORANT, Riot Games’ tactical shooter, has seen its fair share of intense matches, but few can compare to the legendary showdown between Gen.G and TSM during the third stage of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) in 2021. This match, etched into the annals of esports history, is renowned for its length and the sheer endurance displayed by both teams.

The series began typically enough, with Gen.G taking the first map, forcing TSM onto their map pick, Split. What initially seemed like a routine match soon escalated into an epic battle. Gen.G dominated early, closing the first half with a commanding 9-3 lead. Yet, TSM refused to concede, clawing their way back into the game, round by round, until they pushed the map into overtime.

Overtime in VALORANT is a different beast—each team must win by two clear rounds. As the scoreline stretched to 20-20, the tension was palpable. The match had exceeded the typical 90-minute server reset timer, necessitating a technical pause and a fresh lobby to continue. After what felt like an eternity, TSM finally secured back-to-back rounds, closing out the map 23-21. The entire match, including the pause, lasted over 100 minutes, covering 44 rounds—the longest professional VALORANT match to date.

This match not only tested the physical and mental stamina of the players but also highlighted the growing pains of a new esport. VALORANT, still finding its footing in the competitive landscape, was pushed to its limits in this unforgettable showdown. The players’ resilience and determination under such conditions were nothing short of extraordinary, and the match remains a benchmark for endurance in the VALORANT community.

Apex Legends: The Marathon Series

Apex Legends, with its fast-paced action and strategic depth, typically delivers short, intense matches. However, when the game’s unique match point format comes into play, especially in the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS), the duration can extend far beyond the norm, as seen in the 2024 APAC North Split 2 Regional Finals.

The ALGS finals utilize a match point system where teams must first accumulate 50 points through high placements and kills to become eligible to win. Once a team reaches this threshold, they must then win a match to secure the championship. In this particular final, the match point format led to a marathon series that tested the endurance of everyone involved.

Fnatic, the overwhelming favorites, stumbled out of the gate, placing poorly in the early rounds. Meanwhile, Enter Force 36 emerged as an early contender, quickly reaching match point eligibility. However, as team after team reached the 50-point threshold, the games dragged on, with no one able to secure the final win. By the ninth round, half of the lobby was eligible to win, creating an environment where every decision was critical, and every mistake could cost the championship.

After nearly eight hours of gameplay, Striders finally secured the winning match in round 13, clinching their place in Apex Legends history. This series, marked by its length and intensity, demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the match point format and the incredible endurance required to compete at the highest level in Apex Legends. It was a true marathon of skill, strategy, and perseverance that pushed the limits of what the players—and the game—could endure.

Pokémon: A Battle of Wills

Competitive Pokémon is generally associated with strategy and relatively short match durations. However, in the world of unofficial tournaments, unique rules can lead to extraordinary outcomes, as evidenced by the infamous battle between ABR and Telly during a 2016 Smogon official ladder tournament.

This match, known for its length and intensity, is a testament to the strategic depth and endurance involved in competitive Pokémon. ABR and Telly, both rising stars in the community, entered the match with teams designed to outlast the other. What followed was a grueling battle of wills that stretched on for hours.

The match began with a cautious exchange of moves, neither player willing to give an inch. The first significant action didn’t occur until turn 29, when ABR’s high jump kick finally took down Telly’s Registeel. But rather than escalating the pace, the match devolved into a drawn-out stalemate, with both players meticulously trying to outmaneuver the other. By turn 306, the match showed no signs of ending.

ABR eventually revealed his secret weapon—a Skarmory with Swords Dance—that could potentially break the deadlock. However, Telly’s Zapdos still posed a significant threat. Unfortunately for Telly, he had exhausted much of Zapdos’s Power Points (PP), leaving him with fewer options to counter ABR’s strategy. The match continued to drag on until turn 1,185, when ABR finally froze Telly’s Zapdos with an Ice Punch, effectively sealing the game. However, ABR waited for the perfect moment to strike, finally ending the match on turn 1,287 when Telly forfeited after over six hours of play.

This match led to significant changes in the Smogon community, including the introduction of a 1,000-turn limit to prevent future games from reaching such extremes. Despite Telly’s eventual ban from the community due to his behavior, this match remains a defining moment in competitive Pokémon, symbolizing the lengths to which players will go to secure victory.

Conclusion

The longest esports matches serve as extraordinary examples of resilience, determination, and the sheer endurance of competitive gamers. From the extended back-and-forth of a VALORANT match to the marathon nature of an Apex Legends series, and the seemingly endless turns of a Pokémon battle, these matches have carved out unique places in esports history. They remind us that in competitive gaming, anything is possible, and sometimes, the most unforgettable moments are born from the longest struggles.

These stories not only highlight the skill and strategy involved but also showcase the passion that drives esports to new heights. As the esports scene continues to grow, these matches will undoubtedly inspire future competitors to push the boundaries even further.

For those eager to relive these iconic moments or learn more about the intricacies of esports, numerous resources are available online, from full match replays to detailed analyses. Whether you’re a seasoned esports fan or a newcomer, there’s always something new to discover in the ever-evolving world of competitive gaming.

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From a 40+ round slugfest in VALORANT to an 8-hour marathon in Apex Legends and even a game of Pokemon that went over 1000 turns, these matches show just how far pros may have to go just to win a game.

Usually, a round of your favorite game goes by pretty fast, but what happens when they just can’t seem to end? And what happens when those games are played at the highest level?

Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the longest matches in esports history.

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0:00 – Intro
0:27- VALORANT
3:22- Apex Legends
6:31- Pokemon
9:18 – Outro

#esports #valorant #esports #apexlegends #pokemon