01/09/2022 - 27/11/2022

 

Hosted by:   USA MEX JPN KOR


Korea's Kimhwanhee win first-ever WBSC Virtual Cup and $10,000 in prize money, bright future ahead for WBSC's latest discipline

Korea's Kimhwanhee win first-ever WBSC Virtual Cup and $10,000 in prize money, bright future ahead for WBSC's latest discipline
27/11/2022
Hwanhee Kim and Chungyong Kim were awarded with the trophy, US$10,000 in prize money and a digital trophy in NFT format. Chungyong Kim was awared as the MVP and received a special edition baseball glove of Oh Ji-hwan, the Korean shortstop at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The first-ever WBSC Virtual Cup concluded on Sunday with kimhwanhee님의 팀 of Korea beating Tacos al Pastor of Mexico 18-12 in the final at Strikezon in Bundang-Yatap in Seoul, Korea.

From the Opening Round, that brought in record numbers of 8,146 entries, to a spectacular Final Round that became a terrific centrepiece in a high-profile location of baseball-loving Korea, the WBSC Virtual Cup Finals provided a great showpiece event to wrap up a spectacular debut event, providing an glimpse into the exciting future for the WBSC's dynamic and open-to-the-public eSport tournament.

The Final Round started at 09:00 local time (UTC +9) with a total of 10 games played in the group stage. Group D's duel between Japan's 西内 (Nishiuchi) and Korea's all-female duo 야구여신 (Yaguyeosin) was one of the highlights of a remarkable Final Round group stage action.

After a scoreless inning, Japan's Kota Kubo scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Kota and Aoi Mio, two junior high school students, were nervous in the beginning but felt relieved later on when they completed a run at the end of the game.

Group A's 웰카지님의 팀 and Group B's Tacos Al Pastor met in the first semifinal, with the Mexican team beating the Korean team 9-6. In the second semifinal, kimhwanhee 님의 팀 defeated the United States' Bash Brothers, with a walk-off by Chungyong Kim, who plays third baseman at Inha University and was a 2019 record-holder for most hits in one of the Korean National High School Baseball Championships.

USA's Bash Brothers recorded the highest number of total runs in the Finals group stage with 54 runs, but were eliminated by the champions in the semifinal with a 3-4 walk off despite being ahead most of the game and 2-1 and extending the lead 3-1 in the ninth.

The final between kimhwanhee 님의 팀 and Tacos al Pastor had an exciting start, as the Koreans scored five runs in the first inning and eventually succeeded 18-12 against the university students from Mexico to win the inaugural WBSC Virtual Cup.

Hwanhee Kim and Chungyong Kim were awarded with the trophy, US$10,000 in prize money and a LEVERADE digital trophy in NFT format. The NFT technology authenticates the digital trophies and provides a certificate of uniqueness and ownership to the athlete, recorded in the blockchain forever.

Hwanhee Kim and Chungyong Kim said "We did our best for every single game, which led us to the great Final result. We feel great!" and also commented on how to spend the prize money, "We split it first, and buy some baseball equipment that we need. We would like to give some to parents. Also, travel together"

Gold Ball Park presented the MVP award to Chungyong Kim, who received a special edition baseball glove of Oh Ji-hwan, the Korean shortstop at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Chungyong Kim's sister, Sowon Kim, who participated in the first WBSC Baseball5 World Cup in Mexico City a few weeks ago, watched the finals and congratulated her brother.

Runners-up Mexico also congratulated the inaugural champions. Jesus Muñoz and Hector Garza were pleased with the experience in the competition and are looking forward to the next tournament.

"It was a difficult game. To be honest it was tough, and we did our best. I want to congratulate the new champions," Jesus Muñoz said. "I will cherish this experience of learning about a culture from the other side of the world. The WBSC Virtual Cup was great and I like the new tournament's concept."

"kimhwanhee님의 팀 is a very strong team and it was difficult to beat them. We showed them more than what we had. We want to congratulate them," Hector Garza added.

"I like this new concept too. The event was well organised. When there is a new edition, we will participate for sure."