Pro Gamers typically don't use OLED monitors, but you most definitely can
The article explains that tournament organizers typically provide the display hardware, and they default to the most ubiquitous, cost‑effective LCD models. At present, 24‑inch 1080p panels dominate because they are plentiful, cheap, and fit the compact field‑of‑view that pros prefer for rapid target scanning. OLED monitors, by contrast, start at 27 inches and larger, making them less practical for the standardized setups sponsors want to roll out. Sony’s 480 Hz M10S OLED, built for the 2025 Apex Legends Global Series Year 4, shows that OLED can reach competitive refresh rates, yet many high‑end IPS screens already exceed 600 Hz, reinforcing the LCD advantage for raw frame‑rate performance.
Beyond the hardware supply chain, the divergence reflects broader market dynamics. OLED panels have shed much of their early‑adopter premium, with 27‑inch units regularly listed below $500 during sales events, and manufacturers have added pixel‑shifting algorithms to curb burn‑in—a lingering concern for gamers who run static HUDs. However, OLED’s self‑emissive nature still yields true blacks, infinite contrast, and near‑instant pixel response, translating to clearer motion and richer HDR—attributes that casual and console gamers prize. LCDs retain strengths in peak brightness, making them better suited for bright‑room play, and they remain cheaper, which keeps them viable for large‑scale events where dozens of identical monitors are needed.
Looking ahead, the key risk for OLED’s broader esports adoption is the size‑to‑refresh‑rate trade‑off. Unless manufacturers can produce 24‑inch OLED panels with refresh rates matching or surpassing 600 Hz, sponsors will likely continue to equip arenas with LCDs. Meanwhile, consumer demand for superior picture quality may push more gamers toward OLED, especially as price points keep falling and burn‑in mitigation improves. Watch for announcements of smaller, high‑refresh OLED panels and for any shifts in sponsor contracts that might prioritize visual fidelity over sheer frame count.
Key Takeaways
Tournament sponsors stick with 24‑inch 1080p LCDs because they are abundant, inexpensive, and fit the compact visual layout pros favor.
OLED monitors now start at 27 inches and can be found for under $500, offering true blacks and virtually zero ghosting.
Sony’s 480 Hz M10S OLED demonstrates that OLED can reach competitive refresh rates, yet many IPS panels already exceed 600 Hz, keeping LCDs ahead in raw speed.
Future esports adoption of OLED hinges on the emergence of smaller, high‑refresh OLED panels that can match LCD brightness and cost efficiencies.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by Engadget. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Big tournaments favor LCD monitors, though perhaps not for the reasons you suspect. We'll explain why normal gamers can and should embrace OLED displays.Read the original at Engadget
