“Hello, viewers. The long-awaited day has arrived. The 1st Eo War Streamer Championship is about to have its grand opening. I am the caster Bang Hyeong-jae, and with me are streamer Maple and commentator Kang Seong-hoon.”
The three men bow their heads slightly.
The official broadcast, shot in a similar format to the last time, had a neat atmosphere different from personal streams.
Yet, as internet broadcasters, the banter among the three was free and pleasant.
“Now, Gongspi has just surpassed 30,000 viewers. Such numbers right from the start show that the audience’s interest in this tournament is quite visible.”
“What does Gongspi mean?”
“Oh, it’s a combination of the official broadcast and the KOSPI index. It means the viewer count has exceeded 30,000.”
Bang Hyeong-jae, who has hosted many of these competitions on the Switch official broadcast, lightened the mood with a casual comment.
“On the day of the tournament! With the start of the competition approaching, we will determine the matchups for the four teams and conduct short pre-interviews.”
“Since the opposing teams are decided on the day itself, we haven’t prepared any specific strategies or tactics.”
“I would like to remind you once again of the designated rules for a more thrilling tournament.”
“And what is commonly referred to as ‘dobang’. To prevent players from secretly watching the official broadcast, there will be a 5-minute delay on the official broadcast and the streamers’ broadcasts.”
“In addition, to prevent proxy gaming, participating streamers must have a camera setting that shows at least their upper body, so please keep this in mind.”
With the important announcements delivered in a serious yet gentle tone, the much-anticipated time for determining the matchups arrived.
“This time, the fate of the four teams rests in my hands. Which teams will face off against each other will be decided right here in this box.”
“I heard you received some criticism last time, caster Bang Hyeong-jae.”
“They say even an anti-fan is still a fan. I hope to gain more fans from this opportunity.”
“You’ll be living a long life, I envy you.”
Hahaha—
Responses such as “The trio’s banter is smooth” filled the chat window.
With a satisfied expression, Bang Hyeong-jae received the “OK” sign from the producer and reached into the box to pull out the matchup papers.
“The 2030 1st Eo War Streamer Championship will proceed in Groups A and B, with the winners from Group C and the losers from Group D scheduled to compete next week.”
“Now, without further ado, I will reveal the actual matchups. Which teams will face off against each other…”
A childish sound effect of “dugudugu” rang out, and the results were revealed in Bang Hyeong-jae’s hand.
Two pieces of paper unfolded to reveal what was written inside.
“It’s Team Kim Goon and Team Jackie! The two teams have been categorized into Group A and will compete first!”
“Naturally, the remaining teams, Team Panoro and Team Jose, will be grouped in Group B to compete.”
The chat window buzzed with excitement.
Bang Hyeong-jae skillfully picked and read the chats that drew attention yet seemed controversy-free.
“Fighting, the milky-skinned Yoon Su Ah, Team Kim Goon wins, Jose Jackie team going to the losers’ bracket… Some people are already certain about the winning and losing teams.”
“It’s still too early to make conclusions. Unexpected results can come up.”
“It wouldn’t be fun just to watch this match, would it? We are running an event where those who correctly guess the rankings of all four teams will receive a small prize. If you want to participate, please type ‘!God of Competition’ in the chat.”
“Then, let’s proceed with a short pre-interview starting with Group A, Team Kim Goon.”
As he spoke, the streamers’ images appeared on screen.
The streamers who usually turned on their cameras showed their faces.
Those who streamed without a cam were set up to show only their upper bodies.
“It’s been a long yet short two-week practice period. Director Kim Goon, how do you expect your team to rank?”
“Isn’t this such a cliché question? Of course, we aim for 1st place.”
“True, if the director looks unconfident, it would lower the morale of the players.”
The confident figures of the players appeared behind Director Kim Goon, who answered without hesitation.
Bang Hyeong-jae nodded and continued with the questions.
“Player Dead Song, I’ve heard that your form has significantly improved in preparation for this tournament. I also heard you picked up a grand nickname, ‘Steel Shield Dead Song.'”
“Oh, that nickname is a bit overwhelming. It’s too much. It’s true my form has improved. After the tournament, when I play solo rank, my perspective on the game has changed enough to boost my tier. It’s all thanks to the rigorous training from the director.”
Interviews with Dead Song and team members continued.
Bang Hyeong-jae directed his question towards Su Ah.
“Yes, I hear you loud and clear. ‘Let’s hear from our Su Ah’—I will now speak to player Su Ah.”
“Yes, this is Su Ah.”
“Ah, Su Ah, what do you expect your team to rank?”
“I want to say 1st… but everyone is a fierce competitor. Regardless of the results, our mindset is to give it our all.”
“That’s great to hear. You’ve taken on the ace position as the top tier of the team; is there a particular player from another team you find challenging?”
“Um… I can think of two right off the bat.”
After a moment of contemplation, Su Ah spoke up.
“I feel that Oh Dae-sik from Team Panoro and Mollu from Team Jackie will be tough opponents.”
“Given that Oh Dae-sik has been on a winning streak in scrims, I can see why you’d feel that way, but Mollu has been getting a lot of criticism for being on the ‘wrong team’ and leading the team to ruin. That’s a bit surprising.”
“Both are skilled players.”
“By the way, I heard you have a special connection with Mollu. You mistakenly thought Mollu was using illegal programs but later realized their skill and appointed them as a teacher?”
“Yes… it’s a big mistake on my part, but I’m glad I was forgiven generously.”
“It’s amusing that the match setup ended up this way. You’ll be facing each other immediately. How do you feel about that?”
“It’s true that it’s a bit daunting, but Eo War is a team game. I believe our teamwork will be stronger.”
“Yes, thank you. That was the confident Team Kim Goon, showcasing their unique personalities in the interview.”
“Next, let’s meet Team Jackie, who will be facing Team Kim Goon.”
As Bang Hyeong-jae spoke, the screen and audio connected together.
“Hello—” greetings like that were broadcasted.
It was a lively and noisy team that brought to mind the phrase “harmony”.
Bang Hyeong-jae was focused on the voices and images of the streamers when he suddenly let out a small gasp.
“Huh.”
This was due to witnessing a scene on the streamers’ screens that he hadn’t anticipated.
Though a bit surprised, he managed to maintain his professional demeanor.
However, not everyone was as composed.
Bang Hyeong-jae elbowed the person beside him, who was staring with their mouth agape.
“Kang Seong-hoon, your jaw is going to drop.”
The three of them were being streamed live.
Every moment, including Kang Seong-hoon dazedly watching someone’s camera feed, was captured.
Bang Hyeong-jae gave him a half-hearted reprimand, suggesting he regain his composure.
Kang Seong-hoon, now back to reality, waved his hands in explanation.
“Oh, that’s not it. I’ve actually been a fan of Mollu. But I never imagined seeing this kind of appearance.”
“What kind of appearance?”
“…Very beautiful.”
Indeed, it was true.
The image of the streamer ‘Mollu’ on the camera had a significant impact.
Even Kang Seong-hoon, known for his straight-laced demeanor and having been called a ‘stiff nerd’, showed such a reaction.
“Mollu is a guy, huh, Kang Seong-hoon?”
“No, it’s my admiration as a fan. That’s not what I meant—.”
“We got to see a different side of commentator Kang Seong-hoon.”
“It seems the interview is ready. Let’s proceed with an interview with Mollu, who has stolen Kang Seong-hoon’s heart. Mollu?”
“Yes.”
Mollu’s calm voice rang out as the broadcast screen zoomed in on Mollu.
The screen was filled with the commentator on one side and Mollu on the other, causing the chat window to go wild.
Most responses were reactions to Mollu’s revealed upper body.
“Um… it seems you had to turn on the camera due to this tournament, but do you plan on doing camera broadcasts in the future?”
“…is that a question?”
“It was an ad-lib to gauge the viewers’ needs.”
Bang Hyeong-jae cleverly shifted the tone.
The producer seemed slightly annoyed at the unexpected action, but it was necessary.
After all, asking questions related to the match now would be meaningless since all attention was focused on Mollu’s stream.
[ㄲㅂ]
[The commentator’s broadcast is going well, haha]
[You won’t turn on the cam with that body?]
[Why didn’t you turn it on before?]
[Oh, I can’t help but think bad thoughts…?!]
[I can’t resist]
[Oh, this is why you didn’t turn it on]
[Crazy incel trolls]
“Here’s the real question: It’s a customary question asked of all team aces. What do you expect your team to rank?”
“1st.”
“Oh, you answered decisively without hesitation. However, it seems the viewers do not think so. In the real-time voting for the God of Competition, Team Jackie is predicted to record the lowest rank—many expect this.”
“Everyone must be out of their minds.”
As these unexpected words came from her innocent voice, Bang Hyeong-jae stuttered a moment before redirecting the conversation.
“Uh? Yes. That’s what they say. Yes. The votes are modifiable until the start of the God of Competition match, so if anyone wants to change, please do so now.”
With that humorous note, the interview concluded.
*
“Yes, that was a unique interview showcasing the vibes of both teams. The 2030 Eo War Streamer Championship that 40,000 viewers have been waiting for is now ready. Without further ado, let’s jump straight into the match!”
Let the game begin—!
Now, the opening had arrived.
