South Korea appoints the same roster for Esports Nations Cup as for Asian Games

As many observers had speculated in recent weeks, South Korea’s roster for the Esports Nations Cup will be identical to the one previously announced for the Asian Games. Exactly one month ago, the Korea eSports Association (KeSPA) unveiled the six players selected to represent the country after appointing Kang “Hirai” Dong-hoon as head coach several weeks earlier.

South Korea’s roster for Asian Games and Esports Nations Cup:

With both rosters assembled by the same coaching staff and during the same period, it comes as little surprise that the lineup remains unchanged across the two competitions. The roster was officially confirmed on Thursday by Team Korea’s representatives, as well as by the Esports Nations Cup itself during the announcement of the sixteen invited teams.

When the Asian Games roster set to compete on October 2 was first announced, many fans voiced their opinions and sparked debate regarding several of the selections. The jungle position, in particular, drew scrutiny, with Canyon being chosen over Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun, whose inclusion would have reunited the iconic “ZOFGK” lineup. Some fans also questioned the absence of players such as Kim “Kiin” Ki-in and Park “Viper” Do-hyeon.

Despite being allowed to select up to seven players, including two substitutes for the ENC, South Korea ultimately opted not to add an additional reserve for the Esports Nations Cup. Furthermore, the roster published on the Esports Nations Cup website appears to indicate which of the two selected mid laners is expected to start. With Zeka listed as a substitute, Faker is widely expected to occupy the starting position.

Despite enjoying an outstanding start to the LCK Season with Hanwha Life Esports, Zeka is therefore set to make way for the player who holds the record for the most World Championship titles in League of Legends history. The most likely explanation lies in Faker’s existing synergy with the rest of the roster. With the exception of Canyon, every player on the team has previously competed alongside him under the T1 banner. South Korea will enter the Esports Nations Cup directly at the main event, scheduled to take place from November 21 to 29.