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COVID-19 has reared its ugly head once again, as three players in the League of Legends Korea league test positive for the virus ahead of week 4. Thankfully, Kwandong Freecs do not need to completely replace the players, as they will be allowed to participate remotely.
Before the start of the summer split, LCK released a set of guidelines to curtail the spread of COVID-19, and also ensure that every team plays at full strength. Ultimately, the league put it in the hands of players to decide if they will participate after testing positive for COVID. The guidelines are listed below:
● The decision to participate is in the hands of the player
● Infected players can participate in matches online from their quarantine facilities
● Referees will not be dispatched to quarantine facilities
● Cameras and sound checks will be installed to prevent cheating
● All uninfected players will play in the LCK Arena
There were several problems with COVID during the spring split, which led to several teams playing with substitutes and in extreme cases, forfeiting matches. To combat that, the league came up with the idea to host players in a quarantine facility.
The three players affected are Kim “Kiin” Gi-in, Choi “Ellim” El-lim, and Ryu “Hoit” Ho-seong. Although all three players will feature, their performances might be affected.
Kim is the longest-serving member of the team, joining in 2017 from Ever8 Winners. Since then, he has been the team’s No. 1 toplaner. The 23-year-old has been a significant part of the good things that have happened to the team in recent years.
Ellim and Hoit joined in November 2021, and have only completed one split with the team. Their participation helped Freecs finish fourth behind T1, Gen.G, and DAMWON Gaming in the spring slit.
The Freecs will be looking to add two more in the win column as they enter week 4 fixtures. They will first take on Brion Esports on July 6 before squaring off against KT Rolster on July 8.
So far, the Freecs have a 2-4 record and are in a three-way tie for sixth in the standings. Their first win came on opening day against Hanwha Life Esports, and after enduring several losses, they put in a record-breaking performance against T1.
They beat T1 2-1 on June 29, becoming the first Korean team to hand T1 a regular-season loss in 2022. Freecs put an end to T1’s outstanding 24-series LCK winning streak in 2022 despite being the underdogs with a $10.50 win odd across several esports betting platforms.
The LCK Summer group stage, which started on June 15, will run until August 14.
A top-six finish will guarantee Freecs a slot in the playoffs. While the top four teams will get cash rewards and points, only the winner will advance to the 2022 World Championship.
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