Photo: LoL Esports
We do not really know whether to speak of a small earthquake or a twist on the competitive scene of League of Legends. While lately, Chinese fans have been very afraid to see the region miss the next MSI, because of the coronavirus pandemic, they can now breathe a big sigh of relief. It has been confirmed that China will participate in the competition (YOUR Where RNG) and she is doing very well in the end! Some even think she is advantaged compared to its other competitors. Riot Games’ decision therefore promises to make people talk, especially if the LPL wins the competition again!
China will play MSI online
The pandemic of coronavirus is not totally over in the world and in China there are still quite a few restrictions. For this reason, LPL players will not be able to travel to MSI, which this year will be in Busan (South Korea). The calendar is really too tight, between the Spring playoffs postponed because of the virus, the resumption of Summer and also the Asian Games. In addition to the risks of contamination, there are above all strict rules of quarantine and isolation.
Not seeing China at the MSI would have been a shame for the competition but also for the statistics. China won the last Worlds and is one of the two favorites, with South Korea. It also represents a huge number of viewers… Riot Games has therefore decided that Chinese players will be able to participate in the online tournament. They will play either from their gaming houseeither from the Shanghai LPL Arena. For sport and the beauty of competition, this is good news.
Why do some speak of an advantage for China?
What is controversial is that Riot Games will use a latency tool to smooth the ping of players. The Chinese who will not be there will therefore have 35 pings. But the players who made the trip to Busan will also have 35 ping, so that the competition is fair… However, they should have had an almost perfect connection. South Korea regularly boasts of having the best internet network of the world. On paper, it’s fair since everyone is housed in the same boat. But in fact, it’s a little cringe… The teams that will be there will not benefit from an optimal connection. This is potentially awkward for the Koreans in T1, who aren’t used to playing with 35 ping (6 ping soloQ, 0 ping on stage). For a European soloQ player, 35 is fine. But trust us: a pro player sees and feels the difference! This tool was used during the 2020 Mid-Season Cup. But at the time the Chinese and the Koreans were both playing from home and there was no notion of a host city.
This is the other point that is a bit controversial. The MSI regularly changes location and Faker will live for the first time in his life a big international tournament at home with the public. At home, he and his team will receive a lot of positive energy. The other competitors (G2, PSG Talon…) will play away and could potentially be intimidated and stressed. Players from China will play quietly at home and will not suffer “home treatment” from the Korean supporters. Imagine if by chance Riot Games allows a crowd of Chinese supporters in the LPL Arena in Shanghai… Finally, let’s mention the case of the Vietnamese. They missed 2 Worlds and 1 MSI… Even if it was more complicated, the teams of VCS have never received such preferential treatment.
esport-lol
Some may have to think about apologizing. The absence of Upset at Worlds 2021 of League of Legends had caused a lot of ink to flow and toxic comments had flourished on the networks. Today he and his wife finally gave a reason and she should be making mouths shut.