A significant development in the LCK esports community recently saw Deft and Rascal named as match analysts for the LCK at the Asian Games. Following this announcement, many fans wondered if the duo could bypass or expedite their military service obligations if they contribute to the team’s victory. Given that both Rascal and Deft are still in their prime, many viewers and supporters are eager for them to return to the competitive scene quickly. (Faker is now 30, with two years left on his contract, while Deft is even younger.)

However, an unexpected turn of events occurred on Korea’s FMKOREA forum, where many viewers questioned whether Deft and Rascal became analysts through personal connections. These viewers argued that Deft and Rascal would likely struggle to play League of Legends during their military service, and some even claimed they rarely watched basic LCK matches. Thus, they believed the LCK should have chosen top-tier analysts currently working in the league—such as those from T1, GEN, and HLE—rather than Deft and Rascal, for the Asian Games to be more reasonable.

After widespread criticism, Rascal recently released a video response. He stated that the LCK players participating in the Asian Games are world-class in terms of skill, mentality, and strategy, and he couldn’t offer much tactical help. However, he said he could provide off-field support and psychological encouragement, adding that he holds a “military cook specialty certificate,” which allows him to ensure the players’ meals are safer and more hygienic.

Many LPL viewers watching Rascal’s video jokingly compared him to “Zhu Kai” of the LCK, noting that Rascal focuses on keeping the team’s meals “clean and hygienic” while Zhu Kai is known for “ordering takeout.” Some viewers also felt that Zhu Kai’s role in the LPL is less significant than Rascal’s, since Rascal is participating as an analyst for the Asian Games, while Zhu Kai serves as the LPL head coach.(Recently, an Asian Games staff member criticized Zhu Kai’s ability, suggesting that the previous LPL Asian Games failure was his fault.)

Deft also posted a video on his social media accounts explaining why he was selected for the Asian Games. He thanked Coach Kang Dong-hoon for his trust and noted that although he had never participated in the Asian Games before, his extensive competition experience would help the team win. Many viewers acknowledged Deft’s in-game experience, considering him the second most prominent figure in the LCK after Faker—LCK officials once used the metaphor of “the sun and the moon” to describe Faker and Deft. (It seems even Gumayusi would have to call Deft “senior.”)

Some viewers also believe that the LCK’s goal in participating in this Asian Games is simply to “divide the spoils.” Since only China and South Korea are dominant in League of Legends, and the LPL has clearly withdrawn, the LCK is almost guaranteed to win. Therefore, it’s reasonable to add a few favored individuals to the project—after all, even three-time world champion jungler Oner was left off the roster, despite his theoretical strength and in-game performance clearly surpassing Canyon’s, while Canyon made the cut.

Conclusion

Do you think the LCK will fail in this Asian Games? If the LPL performs exceptionally well at the upcoming MSI, is there still a chance for the LPL to participate in the Asian Games? Given that the LCK’s current roster does not consist of the strongest players, it seems that if the LPL sends its best lineup, they still have a good chance of winning.