League of Legends: How to Pick Your Summoner Name Like a Pro

It is integral to playing League of Legends. It’s a frequent discussion on the League subreddit. Through all of the new champions, updated items and changing metas, it remains the same year after year. A Summoner Name is a huge part of every player’s identity on the Rift.

Using an in-game name, as opposed to a player’s legal name, is a key difference between esports and traditional sports. Most League fans come to identify Lee Sang-hyeok as “Faker”, and Zachary Scuderi as “Sneaky”. With these alter egos carrying so much importance for the gaming world, casual and professional alike, here are some strategies for picking out a new Summoner Name like the pros.

Some Variation of Your Real Name

Image from LoL Esports Flickr

This is the easiest place to start, and likely the most common way League players choose their names. The real-name method carries over into professional play, and there is no reason you cannot use it. Several Danish players use variations of their real names, like Bjergsen, Zven, Kobbe and Broxah. Others started with one Summoner Name, but re-branded to their legal name, like ZionSpartan turned to Darshan and Sheriff turned to Patrik.

While the real-name method is easiest and most common, it can also be the most boring. As mentioned before, one of the coolest aspects of esports that sets it apart from traditional sports is their use of online names. Of course, if you have already have a unique, awesome name, like Apollo, then go with that.

A Word Associated with Your Main Role

Another common category among pro players’ name, especially in the LCK, is words associated with their role. This seems most popular among bottom laners that used to solely play AD carries. Aiming, Bang, and Uzi are a few examples, while Scout and Mowgli’s names could be related to their positions, too.

Now that each position offers several different playstyles, this strategy might not be as easy. However, if you find you play a particular style in a specific lane, then you may find a way to describe it and use that.

Image from LoL Esports Flickr

Pick a Word Associated with Nobility

Everyone wants to reign supreme in League of Legends, which has led to a slew of Summoner Names related to royalty. Crown, Duke, Ruler, and k1ng are a few examples. Attila and Xerxes represent historically important leaders. There is probably a Queen and a Prince out there, but maybe try Throne, Scepter, or Sheikh.

Choose Your Favorite Non-League Cartoon Character

Several professional players have opted for Summoner Names related to characters from other movies, shows and games. The most widely recognized examples are Piglet and Mickey, while Stitch and Tarzan may also be related to cartoons. These guys probably get away with it easier, because they are copying American cartoons, but there is no reason you could not go for Tigger, Goofy, Lilo or Jane. To truly stand out, pick a less recognizable name on your server. For example, try Gudetama, Tongtong, or BigPotato.

Image from LoL Esports Flickr

Choose an Adjective that Describes You

For a more fun process of choosing your Summoner Name, get a little introspective. Make a list of words that describe you, or how you hope to play, and use that. Pros including Upset, Sneaky, Flawless, and Amazing may have used this method. Many of the descriptive names end with “y”,so too many of these in the game may become repetitive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find one that fits.

Fuse Two Unrelated Words into One

Taking the wordplay to the next level, try taking two unrelated words and putting them together until it rings. Maxlore, WildTurtle, ShowMaker, and SwordArt are a few pros that fit this category. The possibilities are endless. Just remember, this Summoner Name could become your brand, so maybe stay away from overly weird mash-ups. It is a fine line between unique and corny.

Image from LoL Esports Flickr

Make Up an Entirely New Word

Realistically, this is the last true category of pro player names. Just make up a word that you like. Aphromoo, Soaz, and even Faker basically just made up unique words that have stuck with them and their fans for years. There is no reason you can’t do the same. Start by using a current word and switching a couple of letters, like turning Muddy to Cudzy.

You could also take elements of different words and smash them together. For example, fuse your favorite part of the gym with your favorite snack – Chiptical or Bencheese. Pulling off this Summoner Name method takes more creativity and more time, but it will probably become the most rewarding and original with time.

Use a Video Game Name Generator

When all else fails, leave it to the robots. Simply find an online name generator designed for video games and click around until you find something you like. It is like the window shopping for Summoner Names. A fantasy name generator came up with some decent names, including Airstar, Prestige, and Witchkin. Look around for inspiration and go with your gut.

CREDITS

Images from LoL Esports Flickr

Be sure to share some of your favorite Summoner Names from League of Legends, or how you found your best name. Is there a method that you particularly enjoy?

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