The Decline of Korean Dominance in Esports
After Season 4, when Chinese teams bought most of the star players from the top Korean teams and OGN turned its 16-team tournament into an 8-team league, many people believed that Korea’s dominance in esports was over. However, as we approach the 2015 World Championship, it’s clear that Korea has not been able to regain its former strength.
Currently, SKT stands as the uncontested champion of Korea, but they have not been able to win the Mid Season International and are not the top favorites to win Season 5 Worlds. The other Korean teams have been inconsistent, lacking the individual strength that previous top teams had. These teams still have some of their old star players, but they are not the same powerhouse they used to be. The standout players of this summer season were already playing in OGN last year, and it’s questionable if they can dominate against the highest level of competition.
Issues Facing the Korean Esports Scene
Foreign teams attracting soloq talent
Korea has the strongest server and a large player base, which creates a high level of play in high elo. Many young Koreans have chosen to join foreign teams for higher salaries and a more relaxed environment instead of staying in Korea. This has led to a significant loss of talent from the Korean scene, as close to 100 Koreans are now playing for foreign teams. Korean organizations are left with the leftovers, and their ability to scout and develop new talent has been greatly diminished.
Abolishment of sister teams
In the past, sister teams were a key factor in Korean dominance. They allowed for flexible practice and the ability to simulate different playstyles. However, sister teams have been abolished, and while Korean organizations still have multiple players for in-house practice, they are no longer allowed to have two lineups. This has resulted in stronger second teams from KeSPA organizations and weaker lower-ranked OGN teams. Players on the bench rarely get the chance to play on stage, and viewers are left watching subpar teams in OGN.
The state of Korean Challenger
Korean Challenger teams offer little financial support and have limited resources. The lack of sponsorship opportunities in Korea has limited the number of sustainable esports organizations. As a result, many players choose to join Chinese Challenger teams instead of playing in Korea. To improve the situation, there needs to be more prize money in Challenger or the League should serve as a proving ground for substitute teams of KeSPA organizations.
In order for Korea to regain its dominance in esports, these issues need to be addressed and resolved. Otherwise, we may continue to see stagnation in the Korean scene.
Korean dominance, esports, Korean scene, foreign teams, sister teams, Korean Challenger, talent, prize money