Growing up in the States, I knew League of Legends as a game. In Southeast Asia, it felt closer to a religion. Packed arenas, devoted communities, and young players betting their futures on making it to the next level.
I spent weeks with a team of high school students at Republic Polytechnic as they competed against schools across Asia, following them from Singapore to Taiwan through the full arc of what team sports actually feels like. The wins, the losses, the way they communicated under pressure, the moments between matches that never make the highlight reel.
I came to document and create a story of a competition. I left with a better understanding of eSports culture and a few extra amazing friends.
For Riot Games
Cinematographer (Taiwan): Zukelfi Zain
Cinematographer (Singapore): Jason Chua
Writer/Director/Producer: Philip Giancola