South Korean League of Legends Team Wins Gold At Asian Games 2022, Beats Taiwan

In a thrilling showdown of gaming prowess and teamwork, South Korea’s League of Legends (LoL) team won the gold medal at the Asian Games 2022, defeating a formidable Taiwan squad. This victory not only added another illustrious achievement to their storied legacy but also granted them a coveted exemption from mandatory military service, a momentous reward for their outstanding performance.

Military Service Exemption: A Prized Reward

In South Korea, individuals who have achieved top honors in specific competitions and are recognized for enhancing national prestige are exempt from the country’s mandatory military service. This exemption encompasses athletes, classical and traditional musicians, ballet dancers, and more. The debate over whether esports athletes should be eligible for this exemption had sparked discussions in the country, but South Korea’s triumphant League of Legends team left no room for doubt.

The Electric Atmosphere at the Hangzhou Esports Arena

The gold-medal match unfolded at the Hangzhou Esports Arena and was marked by an electric atmosphere. Passionate fans filled the venue, waving South Korean flags and rallying behind their team with fervent cheers. South Korea’s dominant journey through the tournament, including a crucial victory against their arch-rivals, China, propelled them to the final round with an unblemished record.

However, a significant absence cast a shadow over the finals. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, often regarded as the League of Legends Greatest of All Time (GOAT), was unable to compete due to illness. Nevertheless, Faker’s earlier contributions to the team’s success ensured that he, too, would receive the military service exemption—a timely reprieve for the 27-year-old Lee.

Teammates Rise to the Occasion

Despite Faker’s absence, his teammates stepped up admirably, seizing victory against Taiwan in two compelling games. Stellar performances by Park Jaehyeok and Choi Wooje powered South Korea to the gold medal, showcasing their exceptional skill and resilience on the grand stage.

Faker, while expressing his disappointment at not being able to participate in the gold medal match, commended his team’s collective effort. He emphasized that winning the championship was the ultimate objective, regardless of the circumstances.

Esports Takes Center Stage at the Asian Games

Esports made its highly anticipated debut as a competitive sport at the Asian Games this year, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of video gaming as a legitimate sport. The inclusion of esports garnered immense popularity among the audience, and it was the only event for which organizers had to introduce a lottery system for ticket distribution.

The esports competition featured a diverse lineup of games, encompassing both multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and single-player genres. Among the titles, League of Legends emerged as a standout favorite, captivating fans with its intense battles and strategic gameplay.

A Thriving Global Gaming Market

The global gaming market continues to thrive, with a projected 3.38 billion players worldwide in 2023—a 6.3% increase year-on-year. Additionally, annual revenues are expected to reach $187.7 billion, marking a 2.6% growth compared to the previous year. Esports has played a significant role in this growth, attracting a dedicated fanbase and offering opportunities for skilled gamers to shine on the international stage.

Esports on the Olympic Horizon

The International Olympic Committee has been closely monitoring the potential of video gaming and virtual sports to engage and connect with younger audiences. In a bid to stay relevant and appealing to these demographics, the committee established a formal esports commission to explore the realm of virtual sports. This move underscores the growing significance of esports in the world of sports and entertainment.

South Korea’s triumph at the Asian Games 2022 not only cements their legacy as a dominant force in League of Legends but also elevates the status of esports as a legitimate and prestigious competitive discipline. As esports continues to captivate audiences worldwide, its place in major sporting events like the Asian Games heralds a bright and exciting future for the world of competitive gaming.