KeSPA CUP Kicks Off in South Korea: Maple's Final Performance

The highly anticipated KeSPA CUP, organized by the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA), officially commenced today, December 30. This year, the tournament features an all-star lineup from the Republic of China (Taiwan), with the Taiwanese team securing their first victory. They are set to compete again on Monday.

In the 2024 KeSPA CUP, teams competing include the Chinese Taipei team, Vietnam's representatives, and ten teams from Korea's LCK. The Taiwanese team is grouped in Pool A alongside FOX, BRO, KT, KDF, and DRX. The roster for the Taiwanese side includes top laner AZHI, jungler KARSA, mid laner MAPLE, AD carry BETTY, support WOODY, along with coaches WARHORSE and CORGI.

Maple's Last Stand

Notably, mid laner MAPLE, who previously played for PSG, announced that he will retire following the KeSPA CUP, making this tournament his final stage. Fans are eager to see how he will perform in his last appearance, adding emotional weight to the competition.

Match Highlights

In today's matches, the Taiwanese team faced KDF first, achieving a solid victory. However, they ended the day with a split, losing to BRO in their second match, resulting in a record of one win and one loss on the opening day.

Upcoming Matches

The group stage will continue with the Taiwanese team scheduled to face off against DRX, KT, and FOX on December 2. The preliminary rounds are set to run from November 30 to December 3, with the knockout stage occurring from December 4 to 5, starting at 3 PM Taiwan time. The finals will take place on December 7 and 8, beginning at 2 PM Taiwan time.

Broadcast Information

This year’s KeSPA CUP will be broadcast in Chinese by CARRY 鍇睿國際. Fans can catch the live action on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. For more detailed scheduling information, viewers can check the official KeSPA fan page.

Excitement in the E-Sports Community

The KeSPA CUP not only showcases top-tier e-sports talent but also serves as a celebration of the game's community. With teams from various countries participating, it fosters international camaraderie and competition. The inclusion of an all-star Taiwanese team highlights the growing prominence of e-sports in the region, and fans are eager to support their favorite players.

Future of Taiwanese E-Sports

As the tournament progresses, the performance of the Taiwanese team could have significant implications for the future of e-sports in Taiwan. With rising stars and established players like MAPLE, the local scene is gaining more recognition on the international stage. The hope is that strong showings at events like the KeSPA CUP will inspire more young players to pursue careers in competitive gaming.

The Legacy of Maple

As fans prepare to bid farewell to MAPLE, discussions about his impact on the game are already heating up. His strategic prowess and ability to adapt in high-pressure situations have made him a beloved figure in the e-sports community. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of gamers.