Legends tell stories of legends. Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min shone brighter as he became the first global football icon to officially promote League of Legends. Like many people, the superstar came to enjoy playing online games outside his sport. With this collaboration, a bridge connected traditional sports with esports leagues. Making Son Heung Min League of Legends appearance as one for the books.
From Football Fields to Summoner’s Rift
A superstar and a pride to South Korea. Son Heungmin continues to awe people with his exceptional performances in Tottenham Hotspur and the Korean national team. While he is mainly known for his field contributions, there is more to him that fans do not know. Outside the football fields, Son Heungmin is taking his talents to the battlefield of League of Legends.
He revealed himself to be an avid LoL player for approximately five years. His venture on league began during the COVID-19 period, where everything stood still for quite awhile. Besides, he had known about the game since then. What makes Son’s gaming experience unique is his commitment to playing on Korean servers despite being based in the UK. While this may pose a challenge to his connection, reaching over 200 ping, he continues to play and connect with his close ones.
A Jungler at Heart
Son is extending his wisdom from football fields to the rifts. His approach to playing League of Legends is no different from his football philosophy. Son, interestingly, plays the position of Jungler in the league. This role perfectly captures Son’s will to seize opportunities across the map, similar to his role as a striker on the football pitch.
Son enjoys varied champions in his play in the league. He can go from Lee Sin to Nidalee, Rammus, Viego, Vi, or Brand on his matches. With these, it brings him a delightful and enjoyable playing experience despite the competitive nature.
The T1 Connection
There’s no doubt how popular T1 is in Korea given their exemplary talent and performances. Like many Korean League of Legends enthusiasts, Son found himself devoted to the LCK team, T1. They stand to be one of the most successful organizations in League history with their history in the World Stages. Son particularly shared his admiration for T1’s legendary mid-laner Faker. He highly regarded Faker as “the greatest player in esports history,” which draws parallels between their roles as representatives of South Korea.
However, these stars’ connection goes beyond fan and idol after Son had an opportunity to meet the team. He was able to take photos with the team, including Faker himself, during the Tottenham Hotspur tour to Korea. With that, Son was able to accomplish another feat, only this time in his fanboy life.
Gaming as a Home Connection
It’s difficult to play when you are far from home. For Son, League of Legends evolved as something more than an entertainment to him. At the age of 16, Son had to live abroad for his football career to flourish. With League of Legends, it became a vital link for himself to his homeland. By playing League, he was able to experience “pure joy,” which is important given his job. It helped him cope with the taxing pressures he was facing as a professional football player.
At first, Son had hesitation in starting the game as a beginner. After all, players can be competitive and throw criticisms immediately around. However, Son took a leap and dove in straight, which eventually led him to be an enthusiastic member of the League community. From there, he was able to share his gaming passion with others. Even more, he can now reach out and teach the game to his friends that are seeking entry to League. It was lovely how Son grows as a person through his connection with League of Legends.
Conclusion
The rift is as competitive as the fields. Son Heung Min League of Legends story emulates the parallels between the traditional game and esports games. While seemingly unbelievable, the Korean football superstar was able to draw similarities with his job and hobby. Like in the field, he believes that seizing every opportunity presented is as important as playing League. Aside from the competition, League of Legends brings a wave of joy to him that eases the tensions in his career.
Certainly, this collaboration will make a big mark in the history of the Korean League. Son was chosen as the first major football star to officially promote League of Legends. With this partnership, it seeks to foster the linking connection between traditional sports and esports games.
