How to Watch Esports Tournaments Blocked in Your Region

There is nothing more annoying than wanting to watch your favorite Esports tournament only to see that you can't because the region you're in is blocked. It's simply not fair. Why do some countries always get the best access to these media outlets and then others have to struggle to keep up with the latest games and tournaments? Thanks to advanced technology, this is not the case anymore. 

You know where this is going, don't you? It's all about VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) in this digital age, which has made watching blocked tournaments so much easier. The most effective way to bypass those restrictions is by using a VPN. If you’ve never used one before, don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. You just need to understand how it works and how to set it up and then you're golden.

Why Esports Streams Get Blocked in the First Place

Regional restrictions aren’t random. Streaming platforms often limit access based on:

• Licensing agreements with tournament organizers
• Exclusive broadcasting rights in certain countries
• Local laws or regulations on content distribution
• 
  

So if you live in a country where a specific streaming service doesn’t have the rights to show the tournament, you’ll sadly be greeted with a “not available in your region” message instead of the stream you wanted. It's the most frustrating thing to see pop up on your screen, that's for sure. 

The block is usually based on your IP address. That’s the key detail that makes using a VPN such a powerful workaround.

How a VPN Works for Watching Esports

A VPN changes your virtual location by routing your internet connection through servers in other countries. When you connect to a VPN server in, say, the US, streaming sites think you’re browsing from the US. That means you can access content that’s available there, even if you’re halfway across the world. There are a few different VPN options out there and it's important that you find one that is compatible with your device but that is also reliable and trustworthy. The ExpressVPN for Chrome is an excellent example here, as it allows you to access all the Esports Tournaments your heart desires, whilst being an option that is highly esteemed and super quick to set up. What more could you possibly want? 

Think of it like putting on a digital disguise. You appear to be somewhere else, which can trick the streaming platform into giving you access.

When it comes to esports, this means you can:

• Watch official streams on Twitch, YouTube or other platforms without region locks stopping you
• Access alternative broadcasts that might be higher quality or in your preferred language
• Catch replays or VODs that aren’t available locally

Choosing the Right VPN for Esports Streaming

Not all VPNs are created in the same way. You want one that’s reliable, fast and able to bypass streaming restrictions. Here are the things to look for:

• Server locations: The more countries a VPN covers, the better your chances of finding a server where the stream is available.
• Connection speed: High-speed servers are essential for watching esports without lag or buffering.
• Streaming support: Some VPNs actively work to bypass blocks from platforms like Twitch, YouTube and event-specific sites.
• No data caps: Esports matches can last for hours, so you don’t want a VPN that cuts you off mid-game.

Paid VPNs tend to perform better for streaming. Free VPNs often have slow speeds, limited server options and are more likely to get blocked by streaming sites.

Setting Up Your VPN to Watch a Blocked Esports Tournament

Once you’ve picked a VPN, the setup is straightforward:

• Download and install the VPN app on your device.
• Open the app and sign in.
• Choose a server in a country where the tournament is available.
• Connect to that server.
• Open your streaming platform and refresh the page.

If the stream still doesn’t work, try switching to a different server in the same country or clear your browser’s cache. It's pretty easy, as you can see from the above. All you have to do is follow these steps and you should be in the clear. 

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Sometimes you might run into hiccups even with a VPN. A few common issues include:

• Stream still blocked: This can happen if the site has detected the VPN server. Try switching to another one.
• Slow buffering: Pick a server that’s geographically closer to you but still in a region with access to the stream.
• Login problems: Some platforms may require you to log out and log back in after changing your location.

It can take a little trial and error to get the smoothest stream but once you find the right setup, it works like a charm and you'll be in for a treat. 

Staying Safe While Using a VPN

While your main goal is probably just to watch the tournament, remember that a VPN also adds privacy benefits. It encrypts your data, which helps protect you from hackers and keeps your browsing activity hidden from your internet provider.
Still, you should always:

• Use a reputable VPN provider with a clear privacy policy
• Avoid shady free VPNs that might log your data
• Keep your VPN app updated to patch any security vulnerabilities

As much as you want to watch a tournament, please remember that safety should come first. Never put yourself or your device in harm's way; you must only use reliable VPN servers. 

Other Things You Can Do With a VPN for Esports

Once you’ve got your VPN up and running, you might find other ways it improves your esports experience:

• Watch replays from regions that post them earlier
• Access regional esports news and analysis
• Join fan communities that are region-specific
• Try out different commentary styles from international broadcasters

It’s not just about getting past a block; it’s about opening up a whole world of content you wouldn’t normally see. This means that you'll be able to engage with the team you enjoy watching more than ever, what a treat!

There You Have It

Missing an esports tournament because of regional restrictions doesn’t have to be a reality for you, not anymore, that is. A VPN gives you the flexibility to watch the matches you care about from almost anywhere. With the right setup, you can bypass blocks, enjoy smooth streaming and even discover new content that makes your esports experience more fulfilling than ever. 
Once you’ve experienced the freedom of watching from anywhere, you’ll wonder how you ever dealt with those annoying “not available in your region” messages in the first place. Time to give it a go?