Wonju to Host 2026 LCK MSI Representative Selection Tournament, Embracing Global Esports Fever

Gangwon Tourism Foundation and Wonju City Secure Joint Hosting of the 2026 LCK MSI Representative Selection Tournament
15,000 Visitors and 23 Billion Won in Economic Impact Expected
Anticipated Boost for Local Economy and Tourism

Gangwon Tourism Foundation, led by CEO Choi Sunghyun, announced on November 27 that it has successfully secured the hosting rights for the "2026 LCK MSI Representative Selection Tournament" in collaboration with Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and Wonju City. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Wonju Gymnasium over three days, from June 12 to June 14, 2026.

Gangwon Tourism Foundation has successfully secured the hosting rights for the "2026 LCK MSI Representative Selection Tournament" in collaboration with Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and Wonju City. Photo by Gangwon Tourism Foundation

The "LCK MSI Representative Selection Tournament" is the official qualifier that determines the team representing the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) at the MSI (Mid-Season Invitational), an international esports competition for League of Legends (LoL) that attracts worldwide attention. It is a major event that draws significant interest from both domestic and international fans.

During the tournament period, approximately 15,000 people-including players, staff, and visitors from Korea and abroad-are expected to visit Wonju. This influx is anticipated to invigorate the local economy across sectors such as accommodation, dining, transportation, and tourism. The economic impact is projected to reach approximately 23 billion won, based on the MICE economic impact calculation standards from the Korea Tourism Data Lab operated by the Korea Tourism Organization.

Since July, Gangwon Tourism Foundation has participated in the entire bidding process by working with relevant organizations on practical consultations, preparing a joint proposal, and supporting on-site inspections. Moving forward, the foundation plans to support tournament operations and develop tourism content-linked programs to create a new regional revitalization model that combines esports with local tourism.

Choi Sunghyun, CEO of Gangwon Tourism Foundation, stated, "This achievement is a valuable result made possible by the close cooperation of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Wonju City, and related organizations. We will use this as an opportunity for Wonju to emerge as a global esports city by leveraging new growth engines that combine esports and tourism."

The foundation will continue to promote the expansion of economic impact through the convergence of tourism, sports, and MICE, as well as the activation of stay-type tourism in the region.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.