_{(Banner: Ubisoft / João Ferreira)}

Looking back on stage 1 of the APAC North Division, no one would have imagined the true potential of DWG KIA.

Their “Siege” start was tumultuous, and the organization made changes to the list a few days after joining the stage. Players claimed that not having time to prepare for the first stage affected their performance, as they finished in seventh place, giving them zero SI points.

But things were changing. A second place in Stage 2 in APAC North was followed by a Mexico Major qualifier, where the Koreans absolutely surpassed their opponents as they defeated not once but twice both G2 Esports and Ninjas in Pajamas.

Although Team Liquid put an end to DWG KIA’s Cinderella story in Mexico, a quarter-final draw meant the Koreans were alive in the SI 2022 race.

In stage 3, the Koreans qualified for Sweden Major after defeating Elevate. A few days later, DWG KIA would be drawn into Group D, the ‘group of death’, as the Koreans would be forced to force themselves over Spacestation Gaming, Team Empire and FURIA Esports to get an SI 2022 qualifier.

The majority of viewers, including experts, did not expect DWG KIA’s aggressiveness to prove effective. Many of them expected their opponents to be prepared to face the Korean style of play.

However, the opposite happened. After two regulatory victories over the Brazilians and Team Empire, DWG KIA was first in its group at the end of day one. The Koreans added two more points after a maximum overtime victory over the all-American list Spacestation Gaming.

Now, results from day three have given DWG KIA a ticket to SI 2022, which added the SANDBOX Gaming qualification makes Korea the current strongest region in APAC.

This will also be the first time we see not one but two Korean lists make it to a major playoffs, and the first time since SI 2019 where two APAC lists make it to a major international competition playoffs.