Turkish Rivalry Moves to Esports Stage
Turkey’s long-standing rivalry between Fenerbahçe SK and Galatasaray SK is transitioning from the soccer fields to the Summoner’s Rift on Jan. 29.
The match in the Turkish Champions League will be the first ever top-tier esports face-off between two major traditional sports rivals.
A Historic Derby Goes Digital
Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are two of the most successful clubs in Turkey’s first division Süper Lig. Their intense and highly anticipated derby, known as the “Eternal Rivalry,” is infamous for its on-field controversies, violent clashes, and even fatal incidents like stabbings.
While Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are venturing into esports, Beşiktaş JK, the third club in Turkey’s “Big Three,” was the first traditional sports club in the world to establish a dedicated esports section on Jan. 20, 2015. Beşiktaş formed the Aces High League of Legends roster and achieved significant success in the 2015 Winter split and the 2015 International Wildcard Invitational.
However, one year after their entry into esports, Beşiktaş and their roster, which rebranded to SuperMassive eSports, went their separate ways. Although SuperMassive went on to win the 2016 Winter split, Beşiktaş merged with Oyun Hizmetleri, finished last in the 2016 Summer split, and eventually disbanded. This unfortunate turn of events prevented a perfect local derby in League esports this season.
A New Chapter in Esports
The transfer of the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray rivalry from the soccer field to the Rift is a thrilling development for esports. Perhaps League of Legends can even help heal the wounds of the past. With the opportunity to reach Worlds by winning the Summer split, a Turkish team has the potential to unite the passionate fans, regardless of the team’s logo.
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