The launch of Star Sea Live was like a giant rock thrown into calm waters, stirring up huge waves both inside and outside the industry.
The fervor of public opinion, the attention of capital, and the anticipation of the player community all created an atmosphere of excitement and urgency within Riot Games.
In this atmosphere, at a core meeting discussing the company's future strategic direction, a proposal that many considered "a matter of course" was officially put on the table.
"President Qin, colleagues," Zhao Dong, the Vice President responsible for international esports expansion, spoke with a hint of barely suppressed excitement, "Currently, the popularity of our domestic server continues to climb, and major overseas servers are also growing steadily.
Our player base and competitive level are rapidly improving.
The launch of Star Sea Live also provides us with an excellent content output platform.
I believe the time is ripe to begin preparations for our first league of legends World Championship!
Gathering the top teams from various major regions to determine the true world champion will undoubtedly push our event brand and game influence to a whole new level!"
This proposal immediately received agreement from many in the conference room.
"Yes, President Qin, the popularity is high now, striking while the iron is hot is the best!"
"The hype of a World Championship is enough to ignite the global gaming market!"
"We can learn from the successful experience of the National Championship and replicate it globally!"
The conference room was filled with an eager atmosphere, as if the grand blueprint of the World Championship was already within reach.
However, Qin Feng, sitting in the main seat, had been listening silently, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table, with no trace of excitement on his face.
After the discussions quieted down, he slowly raised his head, his gaze calmly sweeping over every expectant face in the room.
"I understand everyone's feelings." Qin Feng's voice was steady, carrying a cool, clear power that instantly brought down the somewhat overheated atmosphere.
"Hosting a World Championship and determining a world champion is, of course, one of our ultimate goals.
But, now, is not the time."
One sentence instantly quieted the conference room, and everyone looked at him with some surprise.
"Why?" Zhao Dong couldn't help but ask, "President Qin, we now have popularity, a player base, and a live streaming platform.
What else are we missing?"
"We lack maturity, we lack an opportune moment, and we lack a key figure," Qin Feng clearly articulated three phrases.
He stood up and walked to the whiteboard in the conference room.
"First, maturity." He drew a curve graph.
"Our overseas operations have just begun, and the ecosystems in various regions are still very nascent.
North America and Europe might have some strong teams, but Korea, Southeast Asia, and other regions—their competitive levels, team systems, and audience bases all need time to develop.
Hasty organization of a global competition now could very likely turn into a game for only a few regions, failing to truly embody 'global' nature and making it difficult to create a lasting sensation in other regions."
He paused, then continued: "Secondly, the opportune moment.
We are currently planning a global competition based on our own plans and current popularity.
But this is not enough.
We need to wait until global players themselves strongly and spontaneously call for a worldwide competition, until they are no longer satisfied with conflicts within their own regions and yearn to compete against strong players from other continents.
That immense, bottom-up demand is the most powerful driving force for a successful event.
We want this competition to be a product born of its time, not a project we forcefully push."
Finally, he wrote down the words "Key Figure."
"In the history of global esports, the success of any groundbreaking event is inseparable from iconic players or teams.
We need to wait for that superstar who can, on the world stage, single-handedly change the tide of battle, write legends, and become the idol and topic of all players.
His existence will be the best calling card and narrative guarantee for the World Championship.
Currently, we have not seen such a person, a true 'god' with global appeal, emerge in various regions.
We cannot rush; we must wait for the wind to come."
Qin Feng's analysis was like a bucket of cold water, sobering some colleagues who had been carried away by enthusiasm.
He saw not just the immediate prosperity, but also the long-term foundation and explosive potential.
"So what is our main goal now?" someone asked.
"Solidify the foundation, cultivate patiently," Qin Feng replied decisively.
"Our primary goal remains to maintain and update the game itself, ensuring league of legends' lasting vitality and appeal.
Secondly, we must fully support and supervise the operations in various acting regions, helping them establish healthy server ecosystems, cultivate local teams, and foster community atmospheres.
Star Sea Live must progress steadily, becoming a bridge connecting global esports enthusiasts, rather than a hastily launched event broadcasting tool."
He looked around at everyone, his tone unequivocal: "The World Championship will be the most brilliant jewel in our crown.
But this jewel must be set at the most opportune moment, in the most perfect way.
Before that, any impetuous actions could destroy its rightful radiance.
What we need to do is continue to cultivate deeply, patiently waiting for that moment when 'all is ready, only the east wind is lacking.'"
The meeting concluded in a calmer and more pragmatic atmosphere.
Although the World Championship plan was temporarily shelved, the team clarified its core tasks for the current stage and understood Qin Feng's profound strategic intentions.
After the meeting, as soon as Qin Feng returned to his office, the internal phone on his desk rang.
The caller ID showed Lin Haoming.
Qin Feng answered the phone, and Lin Haoming's smiling voice came through: "President Qin, I just heard you rejected the World Championship proposal?"
News travels fast.
Qin Feng was not surprised, and he smiled, responding: "What, does President Lin also think I'm too conservative?"
"No, quite the opposite." Lin Haoming's tone became serious.
"On my way back, I thought about it carefully, and combined with some cases I learned about overseas, I believe your decision is extremely correct.
Prematurely exhausting concepts and expectations is not as good as accumulating strength and then making a stunning debut.
Waiting for that true 'tipping point' is indeed a more brilliant strategy.
I called to express my support for your strategic patience."
Upon hearing this, Qin Feng's face showed a relieved smile.
Having a partner who could understand his long-term vision was undoubtedly a fortunate thing.
"It seems we've reached a consensus on the matter of 'waiting,'" Qin Feng said.
"Yes, a consensus.
Then let's work together first to lay a stronger foundation for'Star Sea,'" Lin Haoming replied on the other end of the phone.
Hanging up the phone, Qin Feng walked to the window.
Outside the window was the city, gradually being transformed by the esports craze.
He knew that the true pinnacle showdown, the world's carnival, would require more patience and preparation.
And he was willing to wait for the best moment.