The tournament runs from May 4 to May 26, culminating in finals in Seoul
Category: Sports
SOOP, formerly known as AfreecaTV, is set to host the Korean selection tournament for the Esports World Cup (EWC), which will take place from May 4 through May 26, 2026. According to SOOP, this event will be broadcast live, featuring teams from the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) competing for a chance to represent Korea at the EWC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The EWC is an international club-based esports competition, and the LCK selection tournament serves as the final hurdle for teams aiming to secure their place in the main event. Defending champions Gen.G Esports will enter the finals directly as an invited team, with two additional teams qualifying through this selection process.
The tournament will be conducted online on May 4, 5, 12, 18, and 19, with the culminating finals scheduled for May 25 and 26 at the SOOP Coliseum in Sangam, Seoul. Ticket sales for the offline finals will be announced at a later date.
SOOP's involvement in the EWC LCK selection marks a continued commitment to fostering competitive gaming in South Korea, a nation renowned for its vibrant esports culture. The EWC itself, hosted in Riyadh, highlights the growing global interest in esports as a legitimate sport, attracting participants and audiences worldwide.
In addition to the competition, SOOP plans to engage fans with various interactive viewing events, including drops and other participatory activities. This approach enhances viewer engagement and seeks to broaden the appeal of esports beyond traditional gaming audiences.
The broadcast will feature a diverse commentary team, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of viewers. Korean commentary will be provided by casters Chae Min-jun and Kim Kyu-hwan, along with analysts Kim Dong-jun and Lee Chae-hwan, known as 'Prince.' The English broadcast will include casters Valdes, Atlas, and Dgon, alongside analysts Wolf and Aux, ensuring that international fans can also follow the action.
As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the finals, which are expected to draw considerable attention from both local and international audiences. The finals at the SOOP Coliseum will showcase the top teams from Korea and serve as a celebration of the esports community.
With the EWC scheduled to take place in Riyadh, the outcomes of this selection tournament will be closely watched. The two teams that qualify alongside Gen.G will face the challenge of representing Korea on an international stage, which could significantly impact their careers and the future of esports in the region.
SOOP's role in this tournament extends beyond merely broadcasting; it encompasses production and operational responsibilities as well. This comprehensive involvement positions SOOP as a key player in the esports industry, enhancing its reputation and influence as a leading platform for esports content.
The tournament's unique multilingual broadcasting strategy aims to cater to a global audience, with broadcasts in Korean, English, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese. This approach reflects the diversity of the esports community and ensures that fans from various backgrounds can engage with the content.
As the tournament approaches, fans eagerly await ticket sales for the finals, which promise to be a highlight in the esports calendar. With the event set to be streamed in multiple languages, the excitement surrounding the EWC LCK selection is likely to resonate far beyond South Korea, drawing in viewers from around the world.
In a statement, SOOP emphasized its dedication to delivering high-quality esports content, stating, "We are committed to providing an engaging and entertaining experience for all esports fans, both locally and globally." The tournament is anticipated to set new standards for esports broadcasting and viewer participation.