With the streaming "revolution" thanks to the likes of Own3d and Twitch TV, as well as affordable hardware and software, it seems that there is a wealth of e-sports content out there for fans,enthusiasts and wannabes.

However, as with all things, where there is a large quantity of readily available content it can be hard to discern just what is worth watching and what is a waste of your precious time.

To help save you the trouble we're presenting you with a helpful guide to the best LoL player streams out there so you can go and subscribe to the players that actually put out something worth watching. Further games will follow but for now here is our top five League streams in order.

Brian "TheOddOne" Wyllie

Hands down our favourite, the Canadian TSM jungler is still widely regarded as one of the best in the business. Will be best known for effectively introducing the idea of “counter-jungling” and has constantly experimented with the boundaries of the game. Indeed, it was Brian who first took the traditional support character of Maokai and started jungling with him, something that is now considered the norm as a result of showing off its effectiveness.

What We Like

Whether or not he is always trying to play up to his gamer handle, while playing he almost constantly delivers a flow of stream-of-conscious gibberish. Jokes, wordplay and impersonations are punctuated by insight into the game and they often run into one another so you have to pay attention or miss them. While doling out his lessons on the art of jungling he will often make jokes about his own performance, “TheGodOne” when he is playing well, “TheSadOne” if he isn’t doing so. He also has some eccentricities, such as wearing a Teemo hat whenever someone has selected the character and, if on the opposition team, it’s often the case all his attention will be diverted into killing the little Yordle bastard. All come with an infectious humour that makes watching his stream actually enjoyable.

Why You Should Watch

Constantly critical of his play, he has a positivity that is rare even in top players and it is often the case that with his understanding of game mechanics he can single-handedly pull back “lost” games and turn them into victories. There is no better stream for anyone to watch who wants to be a jungler as he often hands invaluable tips on techniques, build and he constantly challenges preconceptions about the game.

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Daryl "wingsofdeathx" Hennegan

Currently unattached to any team, Daryl is principally a top-laner but is one of the most versatile players in the high Elo range. Although his pedigree might be considered lacking when compared to some of the others on this list, he was almost our first pick simply because his analysis of the game, the sheer volume of information he conveys and his elqouent delivery make him a must-watch for anyone serious about improving their game.

What We Like

Learning is fun and Daryl makes sure everyone gets something out of his stream. Often he will select his player based on viewer requests and then promptly give a 101 in not only how best to use that character but also how to win the specific match up he faces. Analysing every facet of the game, you can learn more from a couple of hours watching his stream than you ever could from listening to mainstream commentary. That and it turns out he’s probably the nicest guy with the game installed. He also regularly does “Ask Me Anything” sessions on his TV chat and probably interacts with his audience more than any other top player.

Why You Should Watch

Even if you think you’re good, there’s room for improvement. If you think you understand the game in its current format, chances are you probably haven’t considered some of the issues that will be raised as Wings goes up against his fellow high ranking players. Some of the other streams are mainly focused on entertainment, some just cynically exist as a mandatory exercise. Daryl actually gives something back and rewards his viewers by making them better at the game and that deserves your support even if you think you personally don’t need the advice.

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Carlos "ocelote" Rodríguez Santiago

The SK Gaming man is probably one of the best known players in LoL, even though his detractors say that this has nothing to do with his playing ability. However, whatever you think of how he plays, there’s no denying what a personality he is. Passionate in ways few e-sports competitors are his reactions and dedication to improvement are at the heart of SK Gaming’s success. It must also be said that with a handful of champions, Cassiopeia and Kassadin immediately springing to mind, he is a match for anybody.

What We Like

Carlos loves to entertain and his stream is about a lot more than just watching him play. He swears, he shouts, he screams, he makes risky plays and (less so these days) isn’t shy about berating someone who sucks. However, despite his reputation for being arrogant, he is quite critical of his own play and is even known to give out free skin codes when he throws a game with a ridiculous dive. Giveaways make up a big part of his interaction with viewers and he always looks to reward those who stay tuned.

Why You Should Watch

Even if you’re not being mercenary and just hanging round to maybe blag a code, you won’t find many streams funnier to watch than this one. If you didn’t know better you’d think Carlos was suffering from Tourettes – every time a fight doesn’t work out the way he had hoped the key phrase is “what the fuck”, if a teamfight results in a critical lack of focus his head will sink to his hands while he whispers “fuck me”. A motivator of his team but rarely one in solo-queue, it’s reassuring to know that even a pro can experience the same frustrations we all do. Not as educational as some of the other streams it must also be said that his Lee Sin, Kassadin and Cassio are the benchmark of how to play them mid and the eagle eyed will pick up a thing or two.

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Willliam "scarra" Li

The Dignitas mid laner is another pioneer of the early game whose playstyle went on to define a lot of the current metagame. A vicious Katarina player, he was also the first top player of note to play soraka – traditionally a support player – as an AP mid carry with impressive results. His stream will constantly see him trying out new things and his grasp of the game mechanics are near faultless.

What We Like

Although not always focusing on being informative – his in-house matches will see him mainly gently and jokingly berating his colleagues for the many ways they aren’t as good as him – when he does decide to impart some knowledge it can be quite an eye-opener. Constantly experimenting with characters in positions that are considered to “break meta” he shows that a lot of the hang-ups people have about the game are just that and if you’re good enough you can pretty much do anything and still win out. All of this is played out to a backdrop of some of the most eclectic music, a large chunk of it coming from movie and television soundtracks.

Why You Should Watch

Want to see a top player destroy mid with Alistar? That’s the sort of thing that regularly happens on his stream and his running commentary is delivered in a matter of fact way. Definitely one of the smartest players in the game his stream is a lot like listening to a lecturer, breaking up the large chunks of statistical information with a few jokes. Easy on the ear and more fun to watch than you’d expect whenever you want something a little bit different, this is a good stream to tune in to.

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Marcus "Dyrus" Hill

The TSM top laner from Hawaii he was one of the first players to stream his marathon sessions and as such grabbed a large chunk of the audience early. It wasn’t just that opportunism that helped him make a name for himself of course – since beta he has been a dominant top laner making a name for himself with Epik Gamer. His use of Singed top would set the standard, as would his Jax.

What We Like

Marcus isn’t positive and upbeat, nor does he treat his streaming as a PR exercise. A controversial figure he revels in speaking his mind and his sardonic sense of humour is routinely delivered in a stoner drawl. When playing he doesn’t focus on himself so much as his opponent and scathingly puts down what they are doing wrong for the benefit of his viewers as he owns them. He will periodically interrupt his stream to hand out “lessons”, typically sarcastic, about what people do wrong and anyone who has worked their way up solo queue will identify with the inherent stupidity that is apparently encountered at all levels of the game. In short, he is a funny guy and his attitude is how we suspect all pro players are when the cameras are switched of.

Why You Should Watch

Not only is watching someone get destroyed and berated for it amusing, often he will point out the mistakes made by his team. Things start to get really funny when solo-queue players, aware they are being streamed, tune in while playing hearing a delayed criticism that they can’t help but react to. So while Dyrus doesn’t so much tell you what to do right, you can be certain that you will see any bad habits you might have being criticised enough to take it on board. Even without this comedy backdrop, it’s great to see someone at the top of their game effortlessly winning with a nonchalance you can’t help but like, even thought you suspect you shouldn’t.

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