In recent days, the League of Legends community in South Korea and around the world, besides participating in domestic tournaments, has also been paying keen attention to the Asian Games 2022 (Asiad 2022). This is the first Asiad where Esports is officially a medal-contending sport. Therefore, South Korea is certainly aiming for the highest goal of a gold medal to assert its position against China, as well as to allow veteran players like Faker to fulfill their special military service obligations.
On April 9th (Vietnam time), a reliable account in the LCK community revealed a shortlist of the final 10 names before the Korean team’s lineup for Asiad 2022 is “locked in.” Accordingly, the entire T1 team is included along with five players from other teams: Canyon, Ruler, Chovy, Kiin, and BeryL. These are all top names in their respective positions currently. Thus, the selection process for which players will attend Asiad 2022 is becoming increasingly challenging.
Recently, the legend of CJ Entus Blaze – Flame revealed on his stream that he is aware of the selected personnel. Flame stated: “I already know the list of participants for Asiad 2022. Of course, I can’t disclose it to everyone. When people ask how I know, I can only say that I overheard it. It’s not complete but there are many names already. Faker is 100% in. The other players must be considered based on many factors, not just their current skill, but past achievements must also be taken into account.”
It can be said that Flame’s disclosure indicates that the Korean team lineup is essentially complete, and the newly released shortlist is intended to limit speculation among fans, to let the League of Legends community know that every choice is rational. Indeed, the names in the narrowed-down lineup, except for the mid-laner spot which is almost certainly Faker’s, will spark equal support and opposition regarding selections.
Additionally, with Flame’s assertion, it can be believed that the Korean team lineup for the upcoming Asiad 2022 will be announced soon. And with Faker’s spot seemingly secure, this will be an opportunity for the “Demon King” to win a gold medal and continue his career for many more years, as he desires, along with the support of T1 CEO Joe Marsh and the global League of Legends community.