5on5

5on5, also written five-on-five or five on five, is a term used to describe a play format in which two teams each field five players. It is used in a variety of sports and competitive video games to denote an even, head-to-head matchup and is often contrasted with smaller-sided formats.

In traditional ball and stick sports, 5on5 represents the standard lineup on the field or court. In basketball, each team has five players on the court at a time, with substitutions used to manage fatigue and matchups. In ice hockey, five players from each team compete at even strength, with penalties creating temporary numerical advantages for the opponent (for example, 4-on-4 or 5-on-4 situations, and 3-on-3 during overtime). In soccer and related formats, five-a-side or 5v5 variants are common in training, recreational leagues, and some competitive formats, typically featuring smaller pitches and a catered set of rules such as a single goalkeeper per side.

In esports, 5on5 is a predominant competition format for many team-based games, including popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and Valorant. Here, five-player teams coordinate roles, strategy, and map control to outplay the opposing team. The 5on5 format emphasizes teamwork, communication, and individual skill within coordinated team play, and it remains a core standard across many leagues and tournaments.