ASAN, South Korea — The Chungnam Content Agency (Acting President Sohn Byung-sun) announced on October 22 that the "2026 Korea e-Sports League (KEL) Eternal Return Super Week Chungnam Asan," held over a two-day run from Saturday, October 19 to Sunday, October 20 at the Asan Lee Sun-shin Gymnasium, successfully concluded with a total of 3,155 spectators in attendance.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and co-organized by the Korea KeSPA, Nimble Neuron Corp., and the Chungnam Content Agency, the tournament brought together franchise teams representing 16 regions nationwide to compete fiercely for the Circuit 3 championship title. Following the loser's bracket and final preliminary matches on the first day, "GC Busan Stella" claimed the ultimate victory after a tight and intense battle in Sunday's grand finals.

The event significantly exceeded its initial target of 2,000 attendees, drawing 3,155 visitors and demonstrating Chungnam's competitive edge as a host for nationwide e-sports competitions.

The Super Week drew particular attention as the first-ever home game for the local franchise team, "Chungnam CNJ e-Sports," in KEL history. Both the venue and various locations across Asan were decorated in CNJ’s signature purple, integrated with regional characteristics of Chungnam and Asan. Fans continuously lined up for commemorative photos at the giant inflatable mascot "Carrie Owl" installed at the entrance, the championship trophy exhibition zone, and the player photo wall. Bolstered by the enthusiastic support of home fans, Chungnam CNJ e-Sports displayed its resilience by finishing as the runner-up.

Side events tailored for citizens and families experiencing e-sports for the first time received an enthusiastic response. The venue buzzed with activity throughout the weekend as visitors flocked to entertainment zones featuring basketball and VR sim racing, an Eternal Return IP experience zone, and a popularity vote for the Chungnam CNJ mascot dubbed the "Class President Election." Long queues also formed at "Lumia Night Market," a fan-created goods flea market operated on the second floor, and the Nimble Neuron official merchandise shop. Celebration performances by singer Ryu Su-jeong on the 19th and Scosism on the 20th further amplified the lively atmosphere.

Integration with the local economy was another notable highlight. Free shuttle buses connecting metropolitan routes from Seoul and Gyeonggi Province to Cheonan-Asan Station and Onyangoncheon Station helped draw fans from across the country to Asan. Thanks to the "Receipt Challenge," which rewarded visitors with souvenirs upon verifying purchases made in local commercial districts, spectator traffic naturally extended to restaurants and shops throughout downtown Asan.

Acting President Sohn Byung-sun remarked, "Thanks to the nationwide fans and provincial residents who came together for this tournament hosted as Chungnam CNJ e-Sports' home ground, we were able to bring it to a successful close. Having confirmed our potential and box-office power as a venue for national competitions through this Super Week, we will continue to foster an environment where fans and the local community can enjoy themselves together and the industry can grow, ahead of the opening of the Chungnam e-Sports Arena next year."

Meanwhile, Chungcheongnam-do is constructing the nation's first public-led permanent e-sports arena in Asan, scheduled to open in 2027, and continues to expand local e-sports ecosystems through initiatives such as the Chungnam Governor's Cup e-Sports Tournament.

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