Introduction:
I’ve been playing League of Legends (LoL) for years, but it wasn’t until I started watching the North American League Championship Series (NALCS) that I truly fell in love with the game. And one of my favorite players was none other than Faker, a legendary mid laner who has dominated the NALCS since 2013.
In this article, I’ll explore why I’m thankful for Riot to allow Faker to continue playing LoL in Korea, and how he’s managed to maintain his dominance despite the challenges of adapting to a new region and game style.
Why is Faker still playing LoL in Korea?
Faker was born and raised in Korea, where LoL has been incredibly popular since the game’s launch in 2009. He spent his formative years honing his skills in Korea and quickly became one of the top players in the region. In 2013, Faker joined T1, a team that had already won several major tournaments, and he helped lead them to a dominating 3-0 sweep in the NALCS Championship Series.
However, after the NALCS, Faker decided to return home to Korea and continue playing LoL on his native soil. This was due to several reasons:
- Cultural ties – Faker has strong cultural ties to Korea, where LoL has been a part of his life since he was young. He also felt more comfortable playing in the Korean language, which is different from English.
- Gameplay differences – The gameplay in Korea differs significantly from the gameplay in North America. In Korea, players generally play a slower-paced game with less emphasis on early team fights, while in North America, players tend to play faster and more aggressive. Faker felt that he could better adapt to the Korean gameplay style, which he was more familiar with.
- Salary differences – Players in Korea typically earn more than those in North America, especially if they win major tournaments. This was a significant factor for Faker, as he had won several major tournaments in North America and felt that he could continue to make money playing LoL in Korea.
Faker’s success in Korea:
Despite the challenges of adapting to a new region and game style, Faker has been incredibly successful since returning home to Korea. He has won multiple major tournaments in Korea, including two GSL championships, and was named MVP of the 2017 World Championship Series.
Faker’s success can be attributed to several factors:
- Adaptability – Faker is incredibly adaptable, which allowed him to quickly adjust to the Korean gameplay style. He also has a strong understanding of the meta, which has helped him to stay ahead of the competition.
- Skill – Faker is one of the most skilled LoL players in the world, with incredible mechanical skills and a deep understanding of game strategy. This has allowed him to thrive in Korea, where the competition is incredibly strong.
- Teamwork – Faker has a strong work ethic and is dedicated to working with his teammates to achieve success. He understands that LoL is a team-based game, and that success depends on effective communication and coordination between players.
Conclusion:
I’m thankful for Riot to allow Faker to continue playing LoL in Korea, as his success has inspired me and countless other players around the world. Faker’s adaptability, skill, and dedication to teamwork have allowed him to thrive in a new region and game style, and I’m excited to see what he accomplishes in the future.