Rox Tigers story

In the bright lights of the e-sport arena, one team has risen like a phoenix from the ashes, captivating hearts all over the world with their talent and unwavering dedication. Let me tell you about the enchanting saga of the Rox Tigers, a legendary team born in the fertile lands of Korea, forged in the flames of competition and elevated to the rank of prodigies of the virtual world.

The story of the “Rox Tigers” is an ode to friendship, weaving together the indestructible bonds between its protagonists and showing how, despite the trials and tribulations, they tirelessly help and support each other, offering a vibrant tale of altruism and solidarity. The perseverance of the characters brilliantly illustrates how, through their determination and unshakable courage, they overcome the obstacles, transforming each challenge into an adventure where friendship becomes an indomitable force, making this story a vibrant testimony to resilience and determination.

At the heart of this story is a team of exceptional players founded in 2015, brought together by a shared passion for League of Legends, the online strategy game. Led by the charismatic Smeb, an unflappable ace of the top lane, the Tigers were more than just a team – they were souls bound together by fierce ambition and unwavering determination.

What is League of Legend? 

League of Legends is a massively multi-player online game from Riot Games, launched in 2009 and quickly becoming one of the most influential games in video game history. In this game, players control champions with unique abilities and compete in teams to destroy the opposing base on a map divided into lanes and jungles. Each player selects a champion from a vast selection, each with specific skills and roles, and earns experience and gold to upgrade their champion by destroying turrets and eliminating enemies.

Renowned for its competitive edge, League of Legends boasts renowned global tournaments and a thriving e-Sports scene. The game has a huge global community and is regularly updated with new champions, maps, events and gameplay improvements to keep players interested.

The foundations of “Koo Tigers”

From “Huya Tigers” to “GE Tigers”

The sudden change in the number of teams in the LCK in 2015 plunged gamers into an abyss of disarray, shattering their dreams of competition and profoundly upsetting the competitive balance. Many saw their future emptied of perspective, leaving behind a fragmented and desperate community.

In the midst of this knockout, Gorilla, who is considered to be one of the best in the world, decided to leave his club and form a new team by joining HUYA, a Chinese streaming platform with no real budget but which wanted to finance a League of Legend team. That’s how Gorilla formed the “Huya Tigers” team with Kuro, Lee, Pray and Smeb, who at the time hadn’t performed very well throughout their career.

Unluckily for them, the first team they faced was “SKT T1”, the monster in the field and the first club to bring the world championship title to the country, and to make matters worse, they were joined by the current Number 1 among gamers, FAKER. After this defeat, the team became the “GE Tigers” for the rest of the season for a number of reasons, one of which was the lack of funding from their sponsor HUYA.

“GE Tigers” fast evolution

The team stood out in its first season because of its exceptional performances and innovative style of play, but also because of all the techniques used to attract the public’s attention. In the early days, the team’s players, such as Smeb, Lee, Kuro, Pray and Gorilla, attracted attention for their original pseudonyms and remarkable playing skills. The “GE Tigers” quickly stood out for their impressive coordination, aggressive playing strategies and ability to execute unusual tactics that captivated spectators. This combination of individual talent and team synergy led to rapid recognition of the team and its players, elevating their popularity with the public right from the start of their LCK careers.

The “GE Tigers”, after their incredible progress and successive victories during their season, managed to qualify for their first PLAYOFFS against the formidable “SKT T1”, one of the most dominant teams in the history of League of Legends.

In a digital arena filled with fervour, the “GE Tigers” took to the stage, confident but full of apprehension. They knew they’d have to pull out all the stops to compete with the legendary “SKT T1”, led by the famous Faker, one of the game’s most iconic players.

GE Tigers vs SKT T1

The first match got off to a thrilling start. The GE Tigers seemed well prepared, executing complex strategies, but the SKT T1s reacted with unfailing control and precision. Every move, every decision by the SKTs seemed to predict the actions of their opponents, often leaving them one step behind. The virtual crowd held its breath with every skirmish, every change of objective.

Despite the desperate efforts of the GE Tigers to turn the match around, the SKT T1s dominated. Their coordination, synchronisation and ability to exploit each enemy rift was impressive. The GE Tigers fought hard, but in the face of their opponents’ experience and cohesion, defeat seemed inevitable.

The following matches only reinforced the supremacy of SKT T1. The GE Tigers fought bravely, but the SKTs seemed almost invincible. Every manoeuvre the Tigers made was thwarted, every attempt at a reversal was dashed by the implacable strength of their opponents.

The story of this first PLAYOFFS clash between the GE Tigers and the SKT T1s became a chapter of admiration for the power and skill of the SKTs, but also a lesson for the GE Tigers, who faced a legendary team and had to improve to reach this level of excellence. After this defeat, the GE Tigers changed their name again to the “KOO Tigers” before taking part in the “WORLDS 2015”.

The KOO Tigers and the formidable ROX Tigers

In 2015, the KOO Tigers dazzled the e-sports world with their exceptional performances. The team reached the tournament finals, where they were stopped by the formidable Korean team SKT T1, which at the time was led by the legendary Faker. Despite their defeat, the KOO Tigers have kept the smile on their faces and their strong determination for the 2016 season. Their route at the World’s reinforced their reputation as a formidable team.

After the 2015 Worlds, the team underwent some changes. The KOO organisation was bought by Hanwha Life E-sport, which led to a restructuring of the team. The KOO Tigers became the Rox Tigers, retaining much of their original line-up except for Lee, who was replaced by Peanut as he wanted to continue his streaming career.

Under their new name, the “Rox Tigers” have continued to impress. Their performance during the 2016 LCK season was remarkable, and they finished top of the regular season standings ahead of SKT. However, despite their exploits in Korea, their quest to win a world title remained an unfinished goal.

The ROX Tigers at WORLDS 2016

The world was suspended in an electric atmosphere, vibrating to the pulsating rhythm of the League of Legends Worlds 2016. In this competitive universe where legends are born and destinies are forged, a Korean team, the ROX Tigers, were preparing to enter the arena. Their footsteps sounded like war drums, conveying fierce determination and a desire for greatness. Their story was like a modern epic, a mixture of dreams, sacrifice and courage.

It all started in the excitement of the preliminaries, where the Tigers showed their ferocity, dominating every opponent with flawless agility and strategy. They were masters of the battlefield, displaying a symphony of coordinated moves, defying expectations and pushing the boundaries of League of Legends gaming.

Role of the ROX Tigers members

Their captain, Smeb, was a force of nature, handling his character with a skill that defied the imagination. His flamboyant style of play and fighting spirit were the soul of the Tigers. Ready to face any challenge, he was the rock on which the team rested, tireless in its quest for victory.

Next to him, Gorilla, the Tigers’ support, was a tower of support. His surgical precision in movement and tactical choices were crucial in securing objectives and protecting his team-mates. He was their guardian, keeping the team together and ready to take on anyone who dared challenge them.

Peanut, the juggler, was a force of nature. His ability to anticipate opponents’ moves and sneak into the most unexpected corners of the game made him a formidable asset. His calculated risk-taking was often the spark that ignited the battlefield, creating opportunities for the Tigers.

Kuro, the midlaner, was the team’s strategist. His vision of the game and mastery of timing were essential in seizing opportunities and controlling the pace of the confrontations. His Olympian calm and pinpoint accuracy often turned the tide at crucial moments.

Finally, Pray, the AD Carry, was the pillar of offensive power. His acute sense of damage and ability to capitalise on enemy weaknesses were the keystone of the battles, unleashing an avalanche of destruction on his opponents.

League of Legend’s finest match

The Tigers moved forward with unshakeable confidence, racking up victories and climbing the competitive ladder. Each stage was a ballet of strategy, perfect execution and unbridled passion for this electronic sport. Their legendary clash against SK Telecom T1 in the semi-final was a titanic confrontation. The eyes of the world were riveted on this epic battle between two giants. Every manoeuvre, every dodge, every blow was followed by millions of captivated fans. The Tigers fought with unparalleled ferocity, but SKT’s experience and tenacity prevailed in the end.

The Dissolution of the Rox Tigers

In 2016, the team enjoyed remarkable success in the Korean League of Legends league, the LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea), ranking among the best teams in the world. However, in 2017, the team underwent major changes. The Rox Tigers organisation lost its main sponsors and had to restructure. This led to changes, including the departure of key players from the team.

After this period of restructuring, most of the original members of the Rox Tigers left the team to join other organisations. Some players joined professional team Kingzone DragonX, while others found opportunities elsewhere. These changes marked the end of the team as it had been known, and the Rox Tigers finally disappeared as a competitive entity.

However, former members of the Rox Tigers continued to play in professional teams, contributing to the competitive League of Legends scene, but under new team names and banners.

The legacy of the Rox Tigers

Despite the defeat, the ROX Tigers left an indelible mark on the history of the 2016 Worlds. Their heroic journey, their unquenchable passion and their team spirit have inspired generations of players around the world. Their masterful performance will forever be engraved in the collective memory, reminding us all that in the virtual arena, legends are born and that sometimes, true victory lies in courage, passion and surpassing oneself.

 

In conclusion, the story of the Rox Tigers is one of ambition, talent and perseverance. Although they never won the coveted world title, their impact on the League of Legends competitive scene is undeniable, and their memory lives on among fans and e-sports enthusiasts.

The Rox Tigers, symbols of perseverance and synchronicity, have amazed the e-sports world. Their meteoric rise has propelled them to the top of the world rankings, winning tournament after tournament with unrivalled grace and mastery.

Each confrontation was an exhilarating spectacle, a symphony of coordinated movements, refined tactics and innovative strategies. Their epic duels, heroic victories and evocative setbacks wove a spellbinding saga that captivated fans all over the world.

But beyond their triumphs in the arena, it was their team spirit, camaraderie and resilience in the face of adversity that made them truly legendary. The Tigers were a family, supporting each other in times of glory and defeat, forming a unit welded together by trust and camaraderie.

Their journey has been one of constant transformation, of continuous evolution towards perfection. Each challenge was another step towards immortality in the annals of e-sport, etching their name in the marble of history. The Rox Tigers will forever be icons, pioneers of a new era where video games were not just a pastime, but a competitive arena where legends were forged. Their legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those privileged enough to witness their rise, an epic tale of bravery, unity and triumph, set against the glittering skies of Korea and beyond.