It’s been 24 hours since I departed Rome and arrived in Seoul. As I write this, I nonetheless haven’t met my colleagues and buddies who, like me, are within the nation for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship finals, but I’ve already had 5 totally different conversations on the subject.
The primary was within the check-in line at Rome airport, when an aged couple from Hawaii acknowledged the brand on my jacket—the World Championship one I acquired for my birthday this yr. Then, a younger couple on their approach residence to Korea requested me, whereas in line for the safety test, if I used to be going to Korea to look at the finals.
Subsequent, on my flight right here, I sat subsequent to an “ajumma,” a Korean previous woman who didn’t communicate English, however pointed on the emblem on my jacket and stated “LoL, League of Legends.” My eyes lit up, and I attempted to elucidate the explanation for my go to to Korea, however the language barrier proved too tough for us to beat. Nonetheless, she fed me some scrumptious snacks that had been in her purse for who is aware of how lengthy.
After I landed, I acquired caught for over an hour and a half in Seoul’s rush-hour site visitors on my method to the resort. But I spent that point speaking to my driver, who was keen to inform me about how a lot his nephew performs League. Lastly, after an exhausting 18-hour journey, I arrived at my resort, the place I befriended a receptionist and began explaining the explanation for my keep—however I didn’t must. Her colleague jumped in and excitedly defined what League esports is, who the groups at Worlds are, and who’s acting at this yr’s finals’ opening ceremony: NewJeans.
Whereas NewJeans’ title is globally identified, it wasn’t their title on everybody’s lips proper after they stated “League of Legends.” It was Faker’s.
After 10 years of competing, Faker’s title is related to League and esports in all places, however much more so in his residence nation, the place in all places I went, I noticed the affect gaming had on the town. I noticed individuals strolling the streets with LCK groups’ merchandise, virtually purchased what appeared like unlicensed League and VALORANT merchandise, and waited an hour and a half in line to get HEARTSTEEL donuts on the fifth ground of the HiKR Floor.
However I rapidly understood why I felt like I used to be strolling across the birthplace of esports as I roamed the Worlds’ Playground. The partnership between Riot Video games and the Korea Tourism Group delivered to life one of the unimaginable, immersive experiences a League esports fan may ever have.
Each ground of the HiKR constructing has totally different points of interest, beginning with the staircase in the primary entrance that recounts the previous winners of the World Championship. As you step over League esports historical past and attain the primary ground, you might be welcomed by NewJeans—effectively, their image—and two of the immersive environments HiKR has to supply modeled round Worlds and its anthems.
Then you may work together with esports-themed photograph cubicles, artwork stations, documentaries, LCK groups’ walk-in stands, ceiling-high screens enjoying essentially the most hyped moments of the event, and even a quiz to check your data of the host area, the LCK. It’s an awe-inducing walkthrough that earns you 11 stamps you should use to assert a prize on the fourth ground, on the finish of the trail.
On the fifth ground of the HiKR Floor, there’s HEARTSTEEL’s playground. Like many, I too was attracted largely by the promise of band-themed-donuts and collectible playing cards. However what made me need to keep was the distinctive photograph sales space that makes you have a look at the ceiling and marvel “what pose can I strike that doesn’t make me appear like a tiny particular person?”
And whereas I dream of seeing one thing comparable subsequent yr too, deep down, I do know this exhibition may solely exist as a result of Worlds this yr is in Korea, in Seoul, the place individuals outdoors of the esports atmosphere know what League is. At the moment’s terribly distinctive expertise is only a style of an eventful week that can finish with the Worlds finals, which makes me impatient to see what else Riot and Seoul can provide to a wandering fan like me.
