Before the MSI 2023 began, there were some reports from the media in the Land of the Morning Calm regarding how the tournament would play a vital role in selecting the roster for the upcoming ASIAD in Hangzhou. Of course, it is possible that KeSPA will still organize a bootcamp (candidates will train together) for ASIAD. However, it is clear that performance at MSI – an international tournament – can also be considered as one of the metrics to evaluate players.
The disappointing performances of both Gen.G and T1, with Gen.G being the reigning champion and returning home early, has raised concerns within the LCK community as well as among League of Legends fans worldwide regarding the selection of representatives for ASIAD from Korea. The reality has shown that both representatives from LCK have not performed well at this MSI. Therefore, KeSPA may disregard the performance metrics from the tournament in London. Candidates will need to perform at their best during the training phase.
However, even the candidates themselves face issues. Aside from players who did not participate in MSI 2023, both Chovy – Faker and Peyz – Gumayusi, as well as Keria, have not been performing particularly well. Gumayusi remains a bright spot for T1, but if the gameplay continues to revolve around the ADC role and he does not receive optimal support, Gumayusi will also be left helpless. The mental state of Keria, Zeus, Chovy, and Peanut is being heavily affected. Meanwhile, Faker’s performance remains a big question mark.
According to the latest information from the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, the Warm-up round for League of Legends at ASIAD will take place from June 15 to June 22 (Vietnam time). Thus, time is running short, and soon, KeSPA will need to announce the list of representatives from Korea for the upcoming ASIAD in League of Legends.
Choosing who to include and who to exclude is never an easy task, and now it has become even more challenging. Perhaps, regardless of which roster is chosen, they will face scrutiny from fans, at least until the League of Legends matches in the ASIAD Warm-up round officially kick off.