KeSPA has announced that South Korea has officially conquered Asia, clinching its first-ever overall victory at the Esports Championships Asia (ECA) 2026, held in Jinju, Gyeongnam, on the 26th. South Korea dominated the three-day event with a total of 2,625 points. Vietnam trailed in second place with 1,685 points, while Japan secured third with 1,500 points.

South Korea earned 500 points each for runner-up finishes in fighting games and PUBG Mobile. They then secured an additional 625 points by taking 1st and 2nd place in the individual category and 1st place in the team event for the Steppin title. Finally, they sealed the overall title with a 1st place finish in Eternal Return, adding 1,000 points to their tally. For their efforts, the squad was awarded the winner’s trophy and a prize of 17.9 million KRW.

This year's ECA is particularly significant, as it marks the largest participation since the tournament expanded from the Korea-China-Japan format into an Asia-wide competition, and it returned to South Korean soil for the first time in three years. More importantly, this is the national team’s first overall victory since the event's inception, serving as a vital opportunity for players expected to compete in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to test their performance and competitiveness on the international stage.

In his closing remarks, KeSPA Chairman Kim Young-man noted, "With a record-breaking 120 athletes from 7 countries competing across various titles, we’ve confirmed the potential of this event. The camaraderie and experience shared here will serve as a vital foundation for future international esports cooperation."

Throughout the 2026 ECA, the area around the Jinju Indoor Gymnasium buzzed with energy, thanks to experience zones, pop-up stores, and cosplay parades organized by KeSPA, South Gyeongsang Province, and Jinju City. Around 5,700 fans and families flocked to the venue. Athletes were also treated to a taste of local culture, including Hanbok experiences, boat rides on the Kim Si-min, and tours of the Namgang Yudeung Exhibition Hall.