Korea: Nation of Gamers | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Korea: Nation of Gamers

3 of 4 Semi-Final teams in the League of Legends World Championship

10
Korea: Nation of Gamers
LoL Esports

I have previously touched on how esports aren't just a game, but are treated in much the same way that traditional, physical sports by their respective players and fans.

When you look at traditional sports, there usually isn't a team or country that is dominant enough at any one sport to be the "undisputed" best players of their sport. The idea that anyone country could be the dominating force in multiple sports is unheard of. Unless you count the US as being the best at those sports we have created, like Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Even then, looking at the 2016 Olympics, you can tell that the US can't keep its top spots in multiple sports at once.

In esports, the story is quite different. When you look at "classic" esports, like Starcraft and its squeal, Starcraft 2, you will begin to see hints of who the best gaming nation is. Starcraft and Starcraft 2 are typically played as 1v1 games where each player picks 1 of 3 different "species" and acts as a general, spawning and positioning units, in order to destroy the enemy base. Tournaments are often 2 teams of 5 to 8 players who will fight 1 at a time. The loser of a head to head match will be taken out of the line up, the winner will continue to verse the losing team's next player.

Competitive tournaments, even World Championship events, have been called Korea vs. The World. A team of players from Korea would face off against a team of players hailing from across the globe, the US, Spain, Russia, China, etc. Most of these events of this caliber were won by the Koreans. In the few cases where the best Korean players did not quickly dismantle their opponents, and a the tournament was drawn to the match between each team's final players, as in the 2011 Championship, the Koreans would still come out on top and be that year's champions.

Moving to the current most popular online video game in the world, League of Legends, and its on-going World Championship Tournament. It is clear that, regardless of the tournament's outcome, Korea is still the most dominant force in competitive gaming.

3 out of 4 Quarter-Final matches have been completed. Out of the 16 teams that get to travel to the World Championship tournament, any of the regions can send at most 3 teams, and Korea's 3 teams are the first 3 teams to be locked in to the Semi-Final matches.

This League of Legends dominance isn't something which is only visible in this World Championship. One of the Korean competitors, SK Telecom T1, is home of perhaps the best LoL player in world Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok and 2 of the previous 5 World Championship Titles. The region as a whole has produced some star talent in the game. Like in traditional sports, teams can attempt to trade or purchase players from other organizations. Korea's top players have been purchased by the 3 other main regions, US, EU, and LPL (China), as well as "wildcard" regions like South America and OCE.

It is easy to see why Korean teams are considered the favorites to win worlds and now the top 3 Korean teams are all ready to face off next weekend.

Today we will see whether a European team or a Brazilian team will be joining the South Korean teams that were locked in as of Saturday night in the battle to break out of the Semi-Finals and do battle in the Finals for the "Summoner's Cup" and the 2016 World Championship title.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25155
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10480
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7703
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments