In an electrifying debut at the Asian Games, South Korea’s League of Legends team, led by the renowned top player Lee Sang-hyeok, famously known as “Faker,” delivered a stellar performance that left audiences in awe. This historic moment marked the introduction of esports as an official competition sport at the Asian Games, and it has quickly become a crowd favorite.

The esports world has witnessed a meteoric rise in both the number of players and revenue, and this year’s Asian Games have embraced this phenomenon with open arms. Among the various esports titles, League of Legends stands tall as one of the most popular, featuring two teams of five powerful champions battling to destroy each other’s base.

Faker and his team showcased their prowess by securing victories against Hong Kong and Kazakhstan on the opening day of competition. Notably, their match against Kazakhstan concluded in a swift 17 minutes, a testament to South Korea’s dominance in an esport where games often last much longer.

Reflecting on the day’s performance, the 27-year-old Lee shared, “Today’s games went really well, just as we had anticipated.” With this promising start, South Korea has set its sights on winning gold, which carries additional significance beyond just glory.

In South Korea, men who secure gold medals at the Asian Games are exempted from compulsory military service, adding an extra layer of motivation for the team. Faker also revealed that he had successfully recovered from hand and arm pain that had sidelined him earlier in the year, stating, “I feel much better now. I don’t need any more treatment. I don’t think the injuries will have a significant impact on the games.”

With these two wins, South Korea now advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Vietnam, following their wins over Japan and the Palestinian team, is set to compete against India in the upcoming matches.

As the competition unfolds, South Korea and China emerge as the frontrunners in the League of Legends tournament. Hong Kong player Chau Shu Tak, who goes by the gaming alias YSKM — You Should Know Me, acknowledged the formidable challenge South Korea presents, saying, “They’re very powerful players here.”

Faker, often referred to as the League of Legends GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), is a celebrity in the esports-crazed nation of China. Upon his arrival at Hangzhou airport, he was greeted by over 100 enthusiastic fans eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary player.

However, despite the fervor surrounding Faker, fans were unable to witness his gameplay in person on the opening day of the League of Legends competition. The main arena of Hangzhou’s purpose-built esports stadium hosted the semifinals of Arena of Valor, Asian Games Version, also known as Honor of Kings.

In this arena, Malaysia’s team secured a victory over Vietnam, setting the stage for the first medals to be awarded in esports. Competitors in this event play from terminals in the center of the 4,500-seat hall, while spectators follow the action on large screens overhead. China emerged victorious over Thailand in the afternoon game.

This paves the way for a bronze medal match between Vietnam and Thailand, as well as a gold medal showdown between Malaysia and China. These matches will mark the first-ever medals awarded for esports at the Asian Games.

During the initial rounds of League of Legends, the teams competed in smaller rooms within the arena, with only officials present. They brought their own keyboards and mice and sat at gaming chairs at long tables, communicating with each other through headsets. Media outlets had the opportunity to watch the action via video links to the rooms.

Esports initially made its debut at the previous Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, as a demonstration sport, and its immense popularity has led to its inclusion as an official event this year. Remarkably, esports is the only event at the Asian Games for which spectators can obtain tickets solely through a lottery system.

In addition to esports, the Asian Games features other “mind games” such as bridge and chess. Recognizing the potential of video gaming and virtual sports to engage young audiences, the International Olympic Committee established a formal esports commission this year with a focus on virtual sports.

The Asian Games esports competition showcases five PC games and two mobile games, spanning both multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and single-player genres. In addition to League of Legends and Arena of Valor, the lineup includes Peace Elite Asian Games Version (also known as PUBG Mobile), Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, and EA Sports FC (also known as FIFA Online 4). Gold medals will be awarded for each game, with competition forms varying based on the genre.

With the global games market continuing its upward trajectory, it’s no surprise that esports has found a solid footing at prestigious events like the Asian Games. According to Newzoo, a research company specializing in tracking the global games market, the number of players worldwide is projected to reach 3.38 billion in 2023, representing a 6.3% year-on-year increase. Annual revenues are expected to grow by 2.6% to reach $187.7 billion.

As esports continues to captivate audiences worldwide and cement its position as a legitimate and exciting sport, its presence at the Asian Games reinforces its status on the global stage.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is the Asian Games featuring esports this year?

Esports has gained immense popularity globally, and its inclusion in the Asian Games reflects its growing significance as a competitive sport.

Who is Faker, and why is he a prominent figure in League of Legends?

Faker, whose real name is Lee Sang-hyeok, is a renowned League of Legends player often referred to as the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT). He is celebrated for his exceptional skill and contributions to the game.

What is the significance of South Korea’s performance in League of Legends at the Asian Games?

South Korea exempts men from compulsory military service if they win gold medals at the Asian Games, adding an additional incentive for South Korean players to excel.

Which teams have advanced to the quarterfinals in the League of Legends competition at the Asian Games?

Following their victories, South Korea advances to face Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals, while Vietnam will compete against India.

Who are the favorites in the League of Legends competition at the Asian Games?

South Korea and China are considered the frontrunners in the League of Legends competition.

Why were fans unable to watch Faker play in person on the opening day of the League of Legends competition?

The main arena in Hangzhou’s esports stadium hosted other esports events on the opening day, such as Arena of Valor, Asian Games Version, leaving fans unable to witness Faker’s gameplay live.

What other games are part of the esports competition at the Asian Games?

The esports competition at the Asian Games includes five PC games and two mobile games, encompassing a variety of genres.

How are esports competitions structured at the Asian Games?

Esports competitions involve teams competing in specially equipped rooms with officials present. Players bring their own gaming peripherals and communicate via headsets.

What is the significance of esports being included in prestigious events like the Asian Games?

Esports’ inclusion in events like the Asian Games highlights its legitimacy and growing popularity as a competitive sport.

What are the projections for the global games market and esports industry in the coming years?

Newzoo projects that the number of players worldwide will reach 3.38 billion in 2023, with annual revenues expected to grow to $187.7 billion, reflecting the industry’s continued growth.