Soundproof Booths Return to Boost Competitive Integrity in Esports
In recent tournaments, fans have been known to alert players to specific in-game actions through cheers and reactions. The solution? The return of soundproof booths, last used during the height of Counter-Strike’s 2014 and 2015 seasons.
The Call of Duty League's 2026 Championship highlighted this issue when OpTic Texas relied on crowd noise for a Grand Final win. Meanwhile, in Counter-Strike, smoke grenades and other visual tricks often go unnoticed by the crowd, leaving players vulnerable to sneaky moves.
While fan engagement is crucial, maintaining fair play requires stricter controls over external factors that could influence outcomes. Soundproof booths offer tournament teams a tried-and-tested method for ensuring all teams face identical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do soundproof booths really make a difference?
According to Esports Insider, the return of these structures can significantly reduce fan interference and create a fairer playing field. They provide players with an environment where in-game strategies are not prematurely revealed by spectators.