The moment the Siberian Bear's main crystal exploded amidst a flurry of skills, the entire Magic City Esports Arena erupted into unprecedented madness.
"Victory!"
The system's female voice announcing the victory seemed to ignite a long-accumulated powder keg. Golden ribbons poured down from the top of the venue like a magnificent waterfall, painting the entire stage in brilliant colors. On the giant circular screen, the words "Star Sea Team - 2024 Star Sea Cup World Invitational Grand Champions" shone brightly.
"Champions! We are the champions!" Commentator's voice was completely hoarse, yet he was still shouting with all his might, "Star Sea Team, this young team from the China region, swept the Siberian Bear with a perfect 3:0 record, winning the championship of the inaugural Star Sea Cup World Invitational!"
Yao Yao was already in tears, her voice choked: "From internet cafe tournaments to the world's pinnacle, they have written the most glorious chapter in Chinese esports with their sweat and perseverance! At this moment, all the waiting was worth it!"
On the stage, the five members of the Star Sea Team stared at the frozen image on the screen in disbelief.
A Le was the first to jump up, vigorously waving his fists, and letting out a long howl to the sky: "We won!"
Forest Wind took off his headphones, his hands trembling slightly, tears glistening in his eyes.
Po Xiao tightly embraced his teammates beside him; even this usually calm top laner couldn't suppress his excitement at this moment.
Su Xiao sat quietly in his seat, took a deep breath, and then smiled with relief.
Bulwark, the support, was already sobbing uncontrollably, constantly wiping away tears with the back of his hand.
The coaching staff and other personnel rushed out from backstage, embracing the team members tightly. Lin Haoming excitedly patted each player on the shoulder, incoherently repeating: "Well done! You all did great!"
On the other side of the stage, the members of the Siberian Bear were downcast. Ivan, the top laner, covered his face with his hands, unwilling to get up for a long time. Despite their loss, after composing themselves, they still walked to the Star Sea Team's competition area to shake hands with their opponents.
"Good game," Ivan said to Po Xiao in stiff Chinese, with genuine admiration in his eyes.
Under the gaze of tens of thousands of spectators at the venue and millions of online viewers worldwide, the award ceremony officially began.
First to appear was the official tournament commentary team. Commentator and Yao Yao accepted their medals with tear-filled eyes; their voices had accompanied countless players through this exciting season.
Next were the referee team and technical staff; these behind-the-scenes heroes also received their due honors.
Subsequently, the Siberian Bear players ascended the stage to receive their runner-up medals. Although they narrowly missed the championship, the strength and style they displayed in this World Championship still earned them applause from the entire audience.
"Let's give our warmest applause," the host's voice echoed through the venue, "to the 2024 Star Sea Cup World Invitational Grand Champions—Star Sea Team!"
Amidst deafening cheers, the five members of the Star Sea Team and the coaching staff once again ascended the stage. This time, they were wearing the Star Sea Blue uniforms specially prepared for the champions, and their faces were beaming with excitement and pride.
Qin Feng, as the founder of Riot Games, personally presented the championship medals to the team members. When he hung the medal around Su Xiao's neck, he quietly said, "Your father would be proud of you."
Su Xiao's eyes immediately reddened, and he nodded vigorously.
The most thrilling moment had arrived.
In the center of the stage, the Star Sea Cup Grand Champion trophy glittered under the lights. This 70-centimeter-tall trophy was crafted from pure silver, with exquisite rune patterns carved into its body, and a large sapphire at the top, symbolizing the crystal of Summoners Rift.
"Now, please raise your glory!" the host announced loudly.
The team members looked at each other, then simultaneously reached out and together lifted the heavy trophy high!
"Star Sea! Star Sea! Star Sea!"
The entire audience chanted in unison, the sound waves rising higher and higher.
Golden ribbons once again drifted down from the sky, reflecting the trophy's brilliance. Photographers frantically pressed their shutters, capturing this historic moment.
After the award ceremony, the team members were interviewed by the host.
When asked about his feelings on winning the championship, Captain Forest Wind said choked up: "This journey has been so difficult. Thank you to my teammates, thank you to the coaching staff, and thank you to everyone who supported us. This championship belongs to everyone who fought for Chinese esports!"
A Le, on the other hand, showed his characteristic forthrightness: "I said I'd bring my brothers a championship, and today I did it!"
The most touching statement came from Su Xiao. This usually silent ADC looked in a certain direction offstage and quietly said, "Dad, do you see? Your son is a world champion."
Later, the audience learned that Su Xiao's father was unable to attend due to illness and was watching the match from his hospital bed.
A documentary about Star Sea Team's championship journey began to play on the big screen:
From the rawness of internet cafe tournaments to growth in city tournaments;
From tempering in national tournaments to blooming in world tournaments;
From the miracle of a reverse sweep to a perfect 3:0 finish.
It is especially worth mentioning that throughout the World Championship, the Star Sea Team used a total of 42 different champions, demonstrating astonishing tactical depth and champion pool.
"This is the esports of the new era," Qin Feng stated in an interview, "it's not just a contest of operations and reactions, but also a competition of wisdom, strategy, and innovation."
After the award ceremony, the team members held the trophy on stage, taking photos and signing autographs with fans. Golden ribbons covered the entire stage, like a golden road leading to dreams.
Backstage, Star Sea Team's lounge was already filled with flowers and congratulatory gifts. The team members took turns holding the trophy for photos, each wanting to forever cherish this historic moment.
"Remember the first time we trained in the internet cafe?" Forest Wind suddenly said, "There wasn't even air conditioning back then, and we were sweating profusely from the heat."
"How could I forget?" A Le laughed heartily, "Who would have thought back then that we could actually stand at the pinnacle of the world."
This night was destined to be sleepless.
This night, Chinese esports welcomed its new king.
This night, the name of Star Sea Team was forever etched into the annals of esports history.
The golden rain will stop, but the legend has just begun.