Successful Esports Teams With Unconventional Strategies

20 April 2025

Esports is a world that thrives on creativity, quick reflexes, and razor-sharp strategies. But let’s face it—most teams stick with "meta" picks and playstyles. You know, the tried-and-true methods that everybody assumes are the safest ways to win. However, some esports teams boldly veer off the beaten path, like rebels in a blockbuster movie. These teams challenge the norm with unconventional strategies that leave both opponents and spectators stunned.

What’s even more amazing? These “out-of-the-box” tactics often lead them straight to victory. So, let’s dive into some iconic esports teams that dared to be different and came out on top.

Breaking Down Esports Norms: Why Go Unconventional?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why teams shake things up in the first place. In the esports world, sticking to the meta can sometimes feel like doing the same puzzle over and over again—you already know how it’s going to end. But when a team throws in an unexpected twist? That’s when things get spicy.

Unconventional strategies can:
- Catch opponents off-guard: Think about it—how do you counter something you’ve never seen before?
- Disrupt mental focus: Opponents often scramble when facing unfamiliar tactics. That mental pressure can lead to mistakes.
- Create an edge in the long run: Unique strategies, when executed well, can rewrite the meta for years to come.

Now, let’s meet the teams who’ve mastered this art of unpredictability.

Cloud9: The Kings of Adaptability (CS:GO)

It’s hard to talk about unconventional strategies without mentioning Cloud9’s legendary run during the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018. Cloud9 weren’t exactly favorites to win, but their resourcefulness and unpredictable strategies made them a force to reckon with.

Their secret? In-game flexibility. Cloud9 tweaked their approach mid-match depending on how their opponents were playing. It’s like playing chess but deciding to switch out your pawn for a queen halfway through. This adaptive gameplay particularly shone during their nail-biting grand finals against FaZe Clan—a match that’s still celebrated by Counter-Strike fans worldwide.

By focusing on unpredictability and sometimes running unexpected plays, Cloud9 didn’t just win the tournament—they inspired countless teams to think flexibly, even in games that hinge on mechanics like CS:GO.

OG’s “Position-Five Core” Revolution (Dota 2)

When OG stepped onto the Dota 2 stage during The International 2018, fans expected high-level gameplay. What they didn’t expect was the sheer creativity OG brought to the table. One of their standout unconventional moves? Running Sébastien "Ceb" Debs in a support position (position five) while using him as a pseudo-core.

Wait, what? A support acting like a playmaker? Yep, OG threw caution to the wind and broke away from traditional team setups. The results? They secured a mind-blowing victory against PSG.LGD in the grand finals.

Ceb’s ability to still farm and scale into the late game while ostensibly being "just the support" became a game-changer. OG’s risky, creative approach didn’t just win them the Aegis of Champions—it set a new standard for thinking outside the box in competitive Dota.

FunPlus Phoenix (FPX): Pure Chaos (League of Legends)

Now, let’s talk about chaos—a strategy few have embraced quite like FunPlus Phoenix during the League of Legends World Championship in 2019. While most teams focused on objective control and traditional macro gameplay, FPX thrived on unpredictability.

Their chaotic playstyle? Think of it as controlled anarchy. FPX consistently threw early aggression at their opponents, taking calculated risks that would leave anyone dizzy. Opposing teams struggled to adapt because FPX didn’t just follow the script—they ripped the whole booklet apart and made their own rules.

In the grand finals against G2 Esports, FPX’s unconventional strategies paid off big time. They secured overwhelming victories, showing the world that being unpredictable doesn’t mean being reckless—it can mean being brilliant.

San Francisco Shock: Role Versatility (Overwatch League)

When we talk about the Overwatch League, San Francisco Shock shines as one of the most dominant teams. They didn’t just dominate by out-skilling opponents—they had role versatility down to a science.

Unlike traditional teams, Shock weren’t afraid to throw their players into different roles, depending on what the situation called for. Flex DPS plays tank? Sure. Support switches to off-tank? Absolutely. It was like watching a team of shapeshifters.

This adaptability directly contributed to their success in both the 2019 and 2020 OWL championships. It’s like the Shock mastered this idea that the best strategy is to have no single strategy. You never knew what to expect from them, which made their matches endlessly exciting.

StarTale: Creative Meta-Builds (StarCraft II)

StarCraft II is all about builds—timing attacks, securing expansions, and out-macroing your opponent. But StarTale, a powerhouse team back in the day, often flipped the entire build-order script in unexpected ways.

Their players, like Life and Squirtle (yes, that was his in-game name), were the kings of creative tactics. Life could run an insanely aggressive zergling rush when you expected a long macro game, and Squirtle’s proxy builds would make even seasoned opponents sweat.

StarTale’s unpredictable approach didn’t only give them the upper hand—it also forced their opponents into uncomfortable positions where traditional strategies just didn’t work. StarCraft II is like a dance, and StarTale proved that sometimes, busting out a breakdance move mid-waltz is the way to shine.

Gambit Esports’ Pistol-Round Dominance (Valorant)

Valorant is still a relatively new esports title, but teams like Gambit Esports have already carved out a legacy. During Valorant Masters Berlin 2021, Gambit showed the world that sometimes, the smallest moments—like pistol rounds—can be the most impactful.

Gambit didn’t approach pistol rounds like other teams did. Instead of playing it safe, they developed intricate, aggressive strategies tailored solely for these rounds. By securing early advantages in the first rounds of each half, Gambit often snowballed their lead into convincing wins.

It’s a testament to how focusing on a single unconventional aspect of gameplay can give you the upper hand. Gambit’s prowess in pistol rounds became so effective that it forced other teams to rethink their own setups.

The Unconventional Payoff: Why It Matters

Esports teams like these aren’t just exciting to watch—they’re also trailblazers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in competitive gaming. Their success comes from one simple, yet powerful idea: the willingness to take risks.

Sure, not every unusual strategy works. Sometimes you’ll crash and burn, but when you succeed? You’re not just winning the match—you’re rewriting the meta. You’re reminding everyone that esports isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about creativity, innovation, and, above all, the heart to try something different.

So, the next time you’re watching a tournament and see a team do something crazy, take a moment to appreciate it. They might just be the next Cloud9, OG, or FPX.

Wrapping It Up: The Takeaway for Fans and Players

Whether you’re a player looking to climb the competitive ladder or a spectator cheering from the sidelines, there’s a lesson in all of this: thinking differently pays off.

In the ever-changing world of esports, success isn’t always about following a straight line. Sometimes, the best way to reach the finish line is by zigzagging, taking risks, and keeping your opponents guessing. Who knows? Maybe the next revolutionary strategy will come from an underdog team that decided to do things their own way.

So, as you root for your favorite teams, keep an eye out for those unconventional plays—they might just make history.