As the world continues to become more connected, it’s no surprise that Korean esports has been making waves in the global scene. Two players, Bo and Maple, have recently caught the attention of many North Americans as they announced their move to North America to compete in League of Legends (LoL).
Bo, a top-ranked LPL player who previously played for SK Telecom T1, has signed with Cloud9. Meanwhile, Maple, one of the most successful players in China, will be joining Golden Guardians.
This move marks a significant milestone in the integration of Korean esports into the North American market. The rise of LPL players in North America is not just a coincidence; it’s a reflection of the growing popularity of LoL and the increasing demand for skilled players in this competitive industry.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and what it means for both Korean esports and North American esports. We will also examine some of the challenges that Bo and Maple may face as they adapt to a new environment and compete against North Americans with different playstyles.
Bo and Maple’s Journey: From Korea to North America
Bo, also known as "Bengi," was previously the main mid laner for SK Telecom T1, one of the most successful teams in LPL history. He won three World Championships with the team and was named the MVP of World Championship 2017. Bo’s success in Korea earned him a reputation as one of the best mid laners in the world.
Maple, on the other hand, is known for his impressive performance in China. He has won three GPL titles with Invenglobal and was named the MVP of GPL 2019. Maple’s success in China earned him a reputation as one of the best marksmen in the world.
Both Bo and Maple have decided to move to North America to compete in LoL. Cloud9, one of the most successful teams in North America, has signed Bo, while Golden Guardians have signed Maple. This move is significant because it shows that North American teams are willing to invest in top talent from other regions.
The Growing Popularity of LPL: A Global Phenomenon
The success of Korean esports can be attributed to several factors, including the government’s support for the industry and the country’s strong internet infrastructure. Korea has a highly competitive esports scene with multiple leagues, tournaments, and championships. The country has also produced some of the world’s best players, such as Lee "Faker" Sang-hyun, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest LoL players of all time.
However, the popularity of Korean esports is not limited to Korea alone. The LPL, which is the top-tier league in South Korea, has gained significant attention worldwide. The LPL’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its strong competition and high production quality.
Moreover, the LPL has become a breeding ground for future North American stars. Many players who have emerged from the LPL, such as Park "Ryze" Yeon-woo and Kim "Gangplank" Wan-il, have since moved to North America to compete in LoL. This trend is likely to continue with Bo and Maple’s move to North America.
The Rise of LPL Players in North America: Challenges Ahead
Moving from one region to another is never easy, especially when it comes to esports. Bo and Maple will face several challenges as they adapt to a new environment and compete against North Americans with different playstyles.
Firstly, the language barrier may be an issue for them. English is not widely spoken in Korea, and Bo and Maple will have to rely on translators during team meetings and interviews. This could make it challenging for them to communicate effectively with their teammates and coaches.
Secondly, North American playstyles are different from Korean playstyles.