Lack of New Talent Worrying Gen.G CEO

Gen.G CEO Warns LoL Esports and LCK are Facing Lack of New Talent

The world of LoL esports might soon face a shortage of young, talented players at the grassroots level, according to Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur. This concern isn't just limited to one region but spans globally, including the highly competitive Korean scene.

Growing Concerns Over the Talent Pipeline “People in the know are getting pretty worried about the lack of talent pipeline for League, even in Korea,” Arnold Hur expressed on X (Twitter) on June 17. He explained that this shortage is noticeable at the trainee level before players even secure spots in the Challengers League (CL) and get a chance to rise to stardom like Quid, Delight, or Gen.G’s own Peyz. Despite Korea's impressive track record in international tournaments, the issue of declining new talent persists even in the LCK.

Comparing Talent Pools Across Games

Hur noted that the scarcity doesn't stem from a lack of talent in the gaming world, but rather from a shift in the direction of that talent. Riot Games' sister title, VALORANT, has a significantly larger pipeline of future pro-level talent compared to League of Legends. Young players with competitive skills are gravitating towards other games, leaving LoL with fewer rising stars.

The Declining Number of New LCK Players

Despite the LCK's mainstream popularity and cultural relevance among the youth, there's still the question of why young players aren't investing as much time in League of Legends compared to other games. Hur suggested that the rise in esports viewership might be diverting potential players from actively participating. Additionally, the trend of esports franchising, which reduces the number of teams and paid roster spots, may indirectly limit opportunities for new talent.

Due to the ever-narrowing path towards becoming a pro-player, thousands of high-ranking gamers are directing their efforts towards LoL Elo Boosting instead.

Gen.G CEO Wants to Boost the Talent Pipeline

Arnold Hur remains optimistic about finding solutions to this challenge. He proposed several long-term strategies to rejuvenate the talent pool in League of Legends Esports:

Integration of Open Team Qualifiers: Similar to VALORANT, this could provide more entry points for new talent. Collegiate Opportunities: Expanding collegiate esports programs can nurture young players. Increased International Attention: Drawing global focus to the LCK and other regions could attract more aspiring players.

Hur also mentioned Gen.G’s initiatives to act as a “launchpad for the best gamers in the world.” The organization plans to collaborate with other esports organizations, colleges, and publishers to create more opportunities and boost the competitive scene. More updates on these initiatives are expected in the summer of 2024.

Gen.G's Recent Success

Despite concerns about the talent pipeline, Gen.G has been dominating the esports scene internationally. The team won the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the 2024 VCT: Masters in Shanghai and finished as runners-up in the 2024 VCT: Masters in Madrid. Domestically, Gen.G made history by becoming the first LCK team to win four splits in a row, breaking several viewership records along the way.

For now, the League of Legends esports environment is suffering from an increasing shortage of new talent. However, with proactive measures and strategic initiatives, there is hope for revitalizing the talent pipeline and ensuring the future of LoL esports remains bright. Gen.G’s efforts to boost opportunities for young players could play a crucial role in this revival.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on League of Legends esports.

 

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