With the ALGS Open LAN just around the corner, competitive hype should be the main focus — but instead, the community finds itself deep in controversy over some surprising logistical decisions by EA. A now-viral post by @ImMadnessTV has brought serious concerns to light about what Players and coaches won’t be getting at the LAN, and it’s stirred a heated back-and-forth on social media.

🔻 The Issues: Missing Equipment, Missing Communication

According to Madness, EA’s latest decision has left a lot of players scratching their heads. Here’s what’s raising eyebrows:

  • No noise-cancelling headsets provided to players on side stages
  • No chairs or designated setup for coaches
  • No comms for coaches during matches

These are standard features at almost every professional LAN — including past ALGS events. But now, with 160 teams expected to compete in New Orleans, these are being pulled… at least for the early rounds on side stages.

And it’s not just frustration — it’s extra cost. As Madness points out, almost every player will hit the side stage at some point in brackets, meaning most will now need to buy and bring their own headsets, just to compete.

🟡 EA’s Explanation: “Just for Side Stages”

Community response was fast — and split. Some jumped on EA’s case, calling it a huge oversight for an event of this size. Others, like @regis_qq from Aurora, argued that people are blowing it out of proportion. According to him, these restrictions only apply to side stages during the early bracket rounds — not the entire tournament — and aren’t representative of “all ALGS events.”

Still, that doesn’t change the reality: almost every team will be playing on these side stages at some point, especially during the opening rounds. That means hundreds of competitors now need to bring their own gear — from headsets to in-ear monitors — that would normally be supplied by the event organizers.

🔴 What’s Actually Required?

Based on the official event documents:

  • Players must bring all their own peripherals: mouse, keyboard, controller, mousepad, mouse bungee, charging cables, earbuds, and headset.
  • On side stages:
    • DACs are not allowed
    • Only USB or 3.5mm headsets are supported
    • Some loaner earbuds will be available, but it’s highly recommended to bring your own
  • Main stage matches will use tournament-provided headsets with your own earbuds
  • Coaches won’t have comms or even chairs on the side stage

In short: if you’re a player, be ready to pack like you’re hosting your own LAN.

🟢 The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about gear. It’s about expectations. The ALGS has come a long way — and grown massively. But this move has led many to question if the infrastructure is really keeping up with the scale. Madness summed it up with a jab:

“EA can barely manage a 40-team LAN but made this one 160 teams?”

Whether you see this as a disaster in the making or a minor hiccup in a huge event, one thing is certain: the conversation around ALGS event logistics is louder than ever.

We’ll have to wait and see if the event runs smoothly when the action kicks off, but until then, it’s clear that the community has some strong opinions about how things are being handled behind the scenes.

For more esports coverage, updates, and pro scene drama, keep it locked to ALegends.gg.

Source: @ImMadnessTV

Frequently Asked Questions about ALGS Open LAN Equipment Rules

Are noise-cancelling headsets being provided at the ALGS Open LAN?

No, noise-cancelling headsets will not be provided on the side stages. Players are required to bring their own compatible headsets.

Which equipment do players need to bring themselves?

Players must bring all their peripherals including keyboard, mouse, mousepad, Controller, earbuds, headset, and necessary charging cables. On side stages, only USB or 3.5mm headsets are supported, and DACs are not allowed.

Will coaching setups be available during matches?

No, coaches on side stages will not have headsets or access to TeamSpeak. They can only speak to players after they’ve been eliminated from a match.

Do these rules apply to the entire ALGS event or just part of it?

These equipment requirements apply specifically to the early bracket rounds played on side stages at the ALGS Open LAN. Main stage matches will still use tournament-provided headsets.

Will all players have to play on side stages?

Yes, due to the large number of teams (160), almost all players will be placed on side stages at some point during the tournament.

Why is the community upset about this?

Many feel that forcing players to buy and travel with extra equipment for an official LAN is unreasonable, especially when this gear has traditionally been provided at past ALGS events.