The Asian Games LoL competition faces controversy over poor conditions

The Asian Games have provided some of East Asia’s most talented League of Legends pros with an international competition weeks ahead of the game’s biggest tournament Worlds 2026, but with widespread criticism about the quality of everything from the production to the player condition, have the Games tipped their hand as to the future of the esports part of their event?

Critique emerged right from opening day of the competition with fans critiquing the “shabby space” that the game was being played in, as well as a lack of stream and commentary for the production. With rumors swirling that esports won’t return to the Asian Games in 2030, is this a sign the Asian Games Federation (AGF) and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have already given up on the title?

With sub-par conditions is the Asian Games on the chopping block?

As mentioned, heavy criticism has been leveled at the games so far. From pictures and limited broadcasts of the event, it seems the LoL portion of the event has been held behind closed doors, away from crowds, and in a scene that looks more like a hotel meeting room than a premier event.

Beyond this, a report from Naver suggested that there communication and headset issues between players, and the prohibition of wireless mice, as well as other bizarre and archaic rules, have created an environment where players and fans are critical of the event.

While LoL isn’t the only esport being played at the Asian Games, (PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, and Honor of Kings are also being played) it’s the LoL side where the difference in production values from other tournaments is most heavily and publicly felt. In comparison to Worlds, the 2026 edition of which is just a few weeks away, the overall quality of the event has been lacking.

Beyond this, there’s been some critique of the quality of the competition in the event. China, the biggest rival to heir-apparent winners South Korea, chose not to compete in this event. South Korea, helmed by Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, went undefeated in the group stage and advanced straight to the playoffs, where they dominated Saudi Arabia 2-0. They face Chinese Taipei in the finals tomorrow morning (Sep. 2).

The Naver report went on to publish comments from Faker about the potential end of the Asian Games esports initiative:

“It would be a shame if esports were excluded from the Asian Games. I believe that players and industry insiders must all work hard together to ensure it is recognized as an official sport”

Esports became a provisional event at the Asian Games in 2018, and an official event from 2022. The 2026 event in Nagoya Japan could be its last.