Want to test your all-random skills beyond the standard queue? A League of Legends ARAM tournament might be just what you're looking for. These events offer a unique competitive environment, pushing your champion mastery and teamfighting prowess to the limit on the Howling Abyss.
At a glance:
- ARAM tournaments provide a structured competitive outlet for ARAM enthusiasts.
- Riot Games officially supports ARAM Clash tournaments a few times a year.
- Community-run tournaments offer more frequent opportunities to compete.
- Strategic drafting and team composition are crucial for success in ARAM tournaments.
- Preparation involves practicing diverse champion builds and team communication.
- Prizes range from in-game rewards to cash prizes, depending on the tournament.
What Makes ARAM Tournaments Special?
The standard ARAM (All Random All Mid) game mode in League of Legends is known for its chaotic fun. ARAM tournaments dial up the intensity, adding structure and stakes to this inherently random experience. It's not just about getting lucky with your champion; it's about making the most of what you're given and coordinating with your team to secure victory.
Unlike Summoner's Rift tournaments, ARAM tournaments focus entirely on the Howling Abyss map. This single-lane map encourages constant teamfighting and requires a different set of skills compared to traditional League gameplay. You'll need to master champion builds, adapt to unexpected team compositions, and excel at short-range skirmishes.
Official ARAM Tournaments: ARAM Clash
Riot Games has officially recognized the ARAM community with the introduction of ARAM Clash tournaments. These events offer a more formal competitive experience within the League of Legends client.
How ARAM Clash Works
ARAM Clash tournaments function similarly to regular Clash tournaments, but with a crucial difference: all matches are played on the Howling Abyss. This means champion selection is entirely random, forcing players to adapt their strategies and builds on the fly. The introduction of ARAM Clash was a welcomed addition after the Howling Abyss saw extensive changes in Patch 12.22, which included the addition of Hexgates, tower rubble, and extra bushes.
2023 ARAM Clash Schedule
In 2023, Riot Games hosted two ARAM Clash tournaments:
- ARAM Cup 1: August 19-20 (Lock-in began August 14)
- ARAM Cup 2: December 9-10 (Lock-in began December 4)
Future ARAM Clash Tournaments
While the 2024 schedule hasn't been announced yet, keep an eye on the official League of Legends website and client for updates. ARAM Clash tournaments typically occur a few times a year, offering regular opportunities to compete.
Community-Run ARAM Tournaments: More Frequent Competition
Outside of official Riot Games events, a thriving ecosystem of community-run ARAM tournaments exists. These tournaments offer more frequent opportunities to compete and often feature unique rulesets and prize pools. Compete in ARAM Tournaments
Finding ARAM Tournaments
Here are a few places to look for community-run ARAM tournaments:
- Discord Servers: Many League of Legends communities host tournaments regularly. Search for ARAM-specific Discord servers or general League servers that have a dedicated tournament channel.
- League of Legends Subreddits: Check subreddits like r/LeagueOfLegends and r/ARAM for announcements of upcoming tournaments.
- Tournament Platforms: Websites like Battlefy and Toornament are sometimes used to organize and host smaller ARAM tournaments.
- Friends and Local Communities: Ask around your League of Legends friend group or local gaming community. You might be surprised to find people already organizing ARAM tournaments.
Examples of Past Community Tournaments
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are a few examples of past community-run ARAM tournaments with their formats and prize pools.
ARAM Worlds 2025
This April Fool's Day showmatch celebrated the launch of the "League of ARAMS." Two teams of 6 players from 6 different teams faced off in a best-of-three series. Adding a layer of strategy, a 1v1 was held before each game to determine side selection. The winner of the 1v1 got 6 seconds to randomize the champion pool for their team, while the loser only had 4 seconds.
Nexus Blitz ARAM
- Format: All matches were played on The Proving Grounds with All Random pickmode. All matches were Best of Three.
- Prize Pool: $700 USD, distributed as follows:
- 1st Place: $500 (hypebeast city pt 4)
- 2nd Place: $150 (Team Ataraxia)
- 3rd Place: $50 (TBD)
What to Expect from Community Tournaments
Community-run tournaments can vary greatly in terms of organization, rulesets, and prizes. Be sure to read the tournament rules carefully before signing up. Common formats include single-elimination, double-elimination, and round-robin. Prizes can range from in-game rewards like Riot Points or skins to cash prizes or merchandise.
Mastering the ARAM Tournament Meta
Succeeding in an ARAM tournament requires more than just random luck. Strategic team composition, skilled gameplay, and strong communication are all crucial for victory.
Champion Pool Considerations
While champion selection is random, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a wide range of champions is essential. Focus on developing proficiency with champions across different roles and playstyles. Prioritize those with strong sustain, poke, and engage capabilities.
Team Composition Strategies
Even with random champion selection, you can still influence your team composition. Consider factors like:
- Damage Balance: Ensure your team has a mix of physical and magical damage to avoid being easily countered.
- Crowd Control: Having reliable crowd control (CC) abilities is crucial for locking down enemies and protecting your carries.
- Sustain: Sustain, whether through healing, shielding, or lifesteal, is vital for surviving the constant teamfights in ARAM.
- Engage/Disengage: Having champions who can initiate fights or peel for their teammates can significantly impact your chances of winning.
Item Builds and Summoner Spells
Adapting your item builds and summoner spells to your champion and the enemy team composition is essential. Consider these factors:
- Anti-Heal: In ARAM, healing is prevalent. Items like Morellonomicon and Chempunk Chainsword are crucial for reducing enemy healing.
- Magic Resistance/Armor: Building defensive stats appropriate for the enemy team's damage output is critical for survival.
- Summoner Spell Choices: Flash is almost always a must-have. The second summoner spell choice depends on your champion and playstyle. Common choices include Heal, Barrier, Exhaust, and Clarity.
Preparing for Your ARAM Tournament Run
So, you're ready to jump into the fray? Here's how to prepare for your ARAM tournament run.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to improve your ARAM skills is to play as much as possible. Focus on mastering a wide range of champions and experimenting with different builds and strategies.
Team Communication is Key
Effective communication is crucial for coordinating with your team and making strategic decisions. Use voice chat or in-game pings to communicate your intentions, coordinate engages, and call out enemy positions.
Analyze Your Replays
Watch your replays to identify areas where you can improve. Pay attention to your positioning, decision-making, and team communication.
Stay Updated on the Meta
The League of Legends meta is constantly evolving. Stay informed about champion buffs and nerfs, item changes, and emerging strategies. This will help you adapt your playstyle and stay ahead of the competition.
Common Questions About ARAM Tournaments
Let's address some frequently asked questions.
Q: Can I spectate ARAM tournaments?
A: It depends on the tournament organizer. Some tournaments are streamed on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, while others may only be viewable by participants. Check with the tournament organizer for details.
Q: Are there any restrictions on champion skins in ARAM tournaments?
A: No, there are no restrictions on champion skins in ARAM tournaments. Feel free to use your favorite skins to express your personality and intimidate your opponents.
Q: What happens if a player disconnects during an ARAM tournament match?
A: The rules for disconnects vary depending on the tournament organizer. In some cases, the game may be paused to allow the player to reconnect. In other cases, the game may continue with a substitute player. Check with the tournament organizer for specific rules.
Q: How can I report cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct in an ARAM tournament?
A: Report any instances of cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct to the tournament organizer. Provide as much evidence as possible, such as screenshots or video recordings.
Next Steps: Finding Your ARAM Tournament Niche
Ready to take your ARAM skills to the next level? Start by exploring the League of Legends community. Look for Discord servers and online forums dedicated to ARAM. Once you find a community, ask about upcoming tournaments or consider organizing your own. Remember, the key to success in ARAM tournaments is practice, communication, and a willingness to adapt to anything the random champion pool throws your way. Good luck, and have fun on the Howling Abyss!