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{{Short description|South Korean esports player (born 1980)}}
{{Redirect|boxeR|other uses|Boxer (disambiguation){{!}}Boxer}}
{{family name hatnote|[[Im (Korean name)|Lim]]||lang=Korean}}
{{Infobox Pro Gaming player
| ID = BoxeR
| name = {{lang|ko|임요환}}
| name_trans = Lim Yo-hwan
| image = Boxer in 2021.jpg
| caption = Lim Yo-hwan in 2021
| nickname = The Terran Emperor
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|09|04}}
| birth_place =
| nationality = South Korean
| team =
| role = Terran
| leagues =
| games = ''[[StarCraft]]''<br />''[[StarCraft II]]''
| career_start = 1999
| career_end = 2013
| coach_start = 2012
| coach_end = 2013
| years1 = 2000–2002
| team1 = IS
| years2 = 2002–2003
| team2 = Orion
| years3 = 2003–2004
| team3 = 4U
| years4 = 2004–2006
| team4 = [[SK Telecom T1]]
| years5 = 2006–2008
| team5 = Air Force ACE
| years6 = 2008–2010
| team6 = SK Telecom T1
| years7 = 2010–2012
| team7 = SlayerS
| cyears1 = 2012–2013
| cteam1 = SK Telecom T1
| signature = SlayerS BoxeR signature.svg
}}
'''Lim Yo-
Lim won his first ''StarCraft: Brood War'' tournament in 1999. From 2001 to 2002, he won multiple major championships, including two [[OnGameNet Starleague]] titles and two [[World Cyber Games]] gold medals. In 2002, he also created the team Team Orion, which later became [[SK Telecom T1]] (SKT T1) in 2004. He began his [[Conscription in South Korea|compulsory military service]] in 2006, where he played on South Korea's newly formed Air Force esports team Airforce Challenge E-sports. In late 2010, he retired from ''StarCraft: Brood War'' and founded the ''StarCraft II'' team SlayerS. He then briefly returned to SKT T1 as a coach in 2012 before retiring due to health related issues. Lim finished his playing career with a record of 603 wins and 430 losses (58.4%).
Following his retirement from esports, Lim became a [[professional poker]] player. He won his first [[Asian Poker Tour]] (APT) title in September 2018 and his second in January 2019.
== Career ==
=== Early career (1998–2000) ===
In 1998, during his third year at Seongbo High School in Seoul, South Korea, Lim developed a passion for the video game ''[[StarCraft]]''.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:임요환과 스타크래프트 |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/2740048 |access-date=April 12, 2023 |work=[[The JoongAng Ilbo]] |date=May 26, 2007 |language=ko}}</ref> Initially playing as the [[Protoss (StarCraft)|Protoss]] race, he later switched to the [[Terran (StarCraft)|Terran]] race following a game [[patch (computing)|patch]] implementation.<ref name="Nam2">{{cite news |last1=Nam |first1=Yoon-seong |script-title=ko:게이머그라피 {{!}} e스포츠를 알리다...임요환(1) |url=https://sports.news.nate.com/view/20121004n24510 |access-date=April 12, 2023 |work=[[Nate (web portal)|Nate]] |date=October 4, 2012 |language=ko}}</ref>
After the release of the ''StarCraft'' expansion, ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]'', Lim attempted to create a [[Clan (video games)|guild]] called Slayer. However, facing difficulties in establishing it, he adopted the [[Battle.net]] ID SlayerS_'BoxeR' instead. As he achieved high rankings on Battle.net, his ID gained widespread recognition. It was during this time, in August 1999, that Kim Yang-joong, the president of management company Sinabro, approached Lim while he was playing at a [[PC Bang]]. Kim offered him the opportunity to become a [[professional gamer]]. After accepting the offer, Lim had to seek his parents' approval, as pursuing a career in video gaming was an unconventional choice at the time. After considerable effort, Lim convinced his parents, allowing him to sign with Sinabro.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Tae-hoon |title='Slayers_Boxer'가 임요환의 아이디 된 사연 |url=https://segye.com/view/20070403000330 |access-date=April 12, 2023 |work=[[Segye Ilbo]] |date=April 3, 2007 |language=ko}}</ref> In December 1999, Lim secured his first tournament victory at the SBS Multi-Game Championship.<ref name="Staebell" /> Almost a year later, in October 2000, he joined team IS, which later became known as Hwaseung OZ.<ref name="Jang">{{cite news |last1=Jang |first1=Woo-young |script-title=ko:[스타g] '테란의 황제' 임요환, 이 아이는 커서 김가연의 남편이 됩니다 |url=https://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/386656 |access-date=April 25, 2023 |work=Sports Seoul |date=April 29, 2016 |language=ko}}</ref>
=== The first bonjwa (2001–2003) ===
The term "Royal Road" is used to describe a player's achievement of winning an [[OnGameNet Starleague]] (OSL) title in their rookie season. Despite the perceived weakness of the Terran race, Lim defied expectations and walked the Royal Road in the 2001 Hanbitsoft OSL. He advanced to the semifinals, where he faced and defeated [[Kingdom (gamer)|Park "Kingdom" Yong-wook]] with a score of 2–1.<ref name="Nam2" /> In the grand finals, he went on to defeat Jang "JinNam" Jin-nam with a score of 3–0, becoming only the third player to walk the Royal Road.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nam |first1=Yoon-seong |script-title=ko:[옥션 올킬 결승 예고] 역대 로열로더 누가 있나 |url=https://www.dailyesports.com/view.php?ud=201210261237210068445 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=데일리e스포츠 |date=October 26, 2012 |language=ko}}</ref> Throughout the tournament, Lim won 11 games and lost only one. His success proved that the Terran race was a viable option in ''StarCraft'', earning him the nickname "The Hope of Terran".<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Patrick |title=The Emperor strikes back: the rise of Boxer |url=http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/31853-The_Emperor_strikes_back_the_rise_of_Boxer |access-date=April 25, 2023 |work=SK Gaming |date=January 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403103055/http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/31853-The_Emperor_strikes_back_the_rise_of_Boxer |archive-date=April 3, 2012}}</ref> Lim continued his winning streak by securing the championship in the subsequent OSL, the 2001 Coca-Cola OSL. In the finals, he faced [[Yellow (gamer)|Hong "Storm" Jin-Ho]], defeating him with a score of 3–2. Lim's achievements extended beyond OSL titles. He also won a gold medal at the [[World Cyber Games 2001]], where he emerged victorious against [[Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier]]. Additionally, he finished as the runner-up in the 2001 SKY OSL, losing to [[Garimto|Kim "Garimto" Dong-soo]] in the finals.<ref name="Koo">{{cite news |last1=Koo |first1=Hyun-mo |script-title=ko:[스덕일기1] '황제' 임요환의 탄생: 즉위식 |url=http://www.bizhankook.com/bk/article/10561 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=BizHankook |date=May 13, 2016 |language=ko}}</ref>
In April 2002, Lim secured another championship title at the 2002 KPGA 1st Tour.[[MBCGame StarCraft League|2002 KPGA 1st Tour]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Taek-soo |script-title=ko:임요환, 2002 KPGA투어 1차리그 우승 |url=http://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2002041602013709551001 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=Digital Times |date=April 16, 2002 |language=ko}}</ref> However, his performance in the first OSL event of the year, the 2002 NATE OSL, was not as successful as he was eliminated in the round of 16.<ref name="Koo" /> In the subsequent OSL, the 2002 SKY OSL, he reached the finals but suffered a loss to [[Reach (gamer)|Park "Reach" Jeong-seok]], ultimately finishing in second place.<ref name="Koo" /> At the end of the year, Lim added another achievement to his list by winning his second consecutive gold medal at the [[World Cyber Games 2002]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Phil |title=Looking back at the history of the World Cyber Games |url=https://www.redbull.com/ie-en/world-cyber-games-2019-xian-retrospective |access-date=April 6, 2023 |work=[[Red Bull]] |date=April 4, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Due to his performances and consistent victories between 2000 and 2002, Lim became recognized as ''StarCraft''{{'s}} first "bonjwa", a player who dominates all others for an extended period. It was around this time that he also earned the nickname "The Terran Emperor."<ref name="Reimer">{{cite news |last1=Reimer |first1=Jeremy |title="For the swarm!" Inside the world of professional StarCraft players |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/08/for-the-swarm-inside-the-world-of-professional-starcraft-players/ |access-date=April 6, 2023 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |date=August 30, 2011 |language=en-us}}</ref>
In January 2003, Lim secured another championship victory at the 2003 KTF Bigi Four Kings Battle. He faced off against [[NaDa|Lee "NaDa" Yoon-yeol]] in the finals, emerging as the winner with a score of 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Byeong-gu |script-title=ko:임요환, 스타크래프트 4대천왕전 우승 |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/112332#home |access-date=April 13, 2023 |work=[[JoongAng Ilbo]] |date=January 30, 2003 |language=ko}}</ref>
After his previous team, IS, disbanded, and with the [[On-Media|Orion Group]] sponsoring him individually, Lim found himself without a team during the WCG 2002. In anticipation of the formation of the new professional ''StarCraft'' [[Proleague]] in 2003, Lim, along with manager Joo Hoon, established the team Orion in November 2002.<ref name="Nam">{{cite news |last1=Nam |first1=Yoon-seong |script-title=ko:[게이머그라피] 무엇이든 처음이었다...임요환(2) |url=https://www.dailyesports.com/view.php?ud=201210120928230067755 |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=데일리e스포츠 |date=October 12, 2012 |language=ko}}</ref><ref name="Ahn">{{cite news |last1=Ahn |first1=Chi-yong |script-title=ko:게임계 '레알 마드리드' 꿈꾼다 |url=https://www.khan.co.kr/article/200311170807511 |access-date=April 13, 2023 |work=[[Kyunghyang Shinmun]] |date=November 17, 2003 |language=ko}}</ref> Entering the KTF EVER Cup Proleague in March 2003, Orion was not initially expected to perform well and was often referred to as "Lim Yo-hwan's one-man team". The team faced personnel challenges at the start of the regular season, as two of their members were amateurs. However, midway through the season, they acquired two more players and finished the regular season in second place. On September 30, 2003, Orion became the Proleague champions by defeating Hanbit Stars in the finals with a score of 4–1.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Soong |title=[e스포츠]오리온,온게임넷 프로리그 우승 |url=https://www.etnews.com/200309050002 |access-date=April 13, 2023 |work=Electronic Times News |date=September 6, 2003 |language=ko}}</ref>
Following their Proleague championship, the Orion Group made a decision not to re-sign any of their players and instead offered to sponsor Lim individually. However, Lim declined the individual sponsorship, as he believed that a team sponsorship held more value. As a result, he decided to rename the team to 4U.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:비즈한국 |url=http://www.bizhankook.com/bk/articlePrint/11048 |access-date=April 13, 2023 |work=Biz Korea |date=August 8, 2016}}</ref> The 4U team continued to achieve success and went on to win another Proleague, the LG IBM MBC Team League. In April 2004, the South Korean wireless carrier [[SK Telecom]] acquired the team with a substantial investment of $2{{nbsp}}million. This acquisition resulted in the official creation of the team known as [[SK Telecom T1]].<ref name="Jin">{{cite book |last1=Jin |first1=Dal Yong |title=Korea's Online Gaming Empire |date=October 1, 2010 |publisher=MIT Press |isbn=978-0-262-28896-5 |page=95 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H21v3d-ErXMC |language=en}}</ref>
=== Decline and military (2004–2010) ===
[[File:Limyohwan.png|thumb|Lim at the 2006 Sky Proleague]]
As the years went by, Lim's win rate experienced a gradual decline. In 2001, his win rate stood at 73%. However, it dropped to 61% in 2002, followed by further declines to 55% in 2003 and 54% in 2004.<ref name="Nam" /> During this period, Lim's status as a "bonjwa" started to fade as newer and younger players emerged in the competitive scene. Despite this, he still managed to achieve high placements in some premier tournaments. In 2004, Lim reached the finals of the EVER OSL, where he faced his teammate [[iloveoov|Choi "Cheater Terran" Yeon-sung]] (who was later known as iloveoov). However, he ultimately lost the match by a score of three to two.<ref name="Reimer" /> In 2005, Lim finished as the runner-up in the So1 OSL after a defeat in the finals against Oh "Anytime" Yeong-jong. Notably, Lim became the oldest person to reach the finals of an individual league.<ref name="Nam" /> During that year, his contract with SK Telecom T1 was valued at $200,000, making it the largest esports contract in history at the time.<ref name="Jin" /> In 2005 and 2006, Lim's win rates were recorded as 58% and 56%, respectively.<ref name="Nam" />
In October 2006, Lim began his [[Conscription in South Korea|mandatory military service in South Korea]], joining the [[Republic of Korea Air Force]]. This service lasted for a period of 27 months.<ref name="Wallace">{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Bruce |title=The Emperor rules over South Korea's video-game passion |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/the-emperor-rules-over-south-koreas-video-game-passion/ |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |date=March 26, 2007}}</ref> On April 1, 2007, the Air Force announced the creation of its own esports team, known as Airforce Challenge E-sports (ACE). Lim joined this team along with other former professional gamers, including his SK Telecom T1 teammate Sung "MuMyung" Hak-seung. The team's participation commenced with the 2007 season of the Proleague championship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wohn |first1=Dong-hee |title=Air Force has serious purpose for gamers |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2874085 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |date=April 3, 2007 |language=en}}</ref> During his time with the Airforce Challenge E-sports team, Lim achieved a total of 24 wins and 38 losses.<ref name="Do">{{cite news |last1=Do |first1=Byung-wook |script-title=ko:'테란의 황제' 임요환, 군복무 마치고 컴백 |url=https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2008122113564526919 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=MoneyToday |date=December 12, 2008 |language=ko}}</ref>
After completing his military service on December 21, 2008, Lim returned to his team, SK Telecom T1, as his contract with them was still in effect until 2010.<ref name="Do" /> His first match back with the team took place on January 17, 2009, in a match against ACE's Oh "Anytime" Yeong-jong in the Shinhan Bank Winners League, which was part of the 2008-09 Shinhan Bank Proleague. Although Lim lost that match, SK Telecom T1 went on to win the 2008-09 Shinhan Bank Proleague.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nam |first1=Yoon-seong |title=[GamerGraphy] 'e스포츠 황제' SK텔레콤 임요환(하) |url=https://www.dailyesports.com/view.php?ud=200909080004290015039 |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=데일리e스포츠 |date=September 8, 2009 |language=ko}}</ref> It wasn't until October 25, 2009, that Lim secured his first win since returning from the Air Force. In a match against Hwaseung OZ's Park "Killer" Joon-oh in the 2009-10 Shinhan Bank Proleague, Lim emerged victorious. This win was significant as it made him both the first former Air Force player and the first player in his 30s to win a match in the Proleague.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Koo |first1=Yoon-hee |script-title=ko:황제 임요환, 1년 만에 값진 첫 승 |url=https://www.inews24.com/view/537890 |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=iNews24 |date=December 5, 2009 |language=ko}}</ref>
=== ''StarCraft II'' (2010–2012) ===
[[File:Boxer fighting!.jpg|thumb|upright|Lim at MLG Anaheim 2011]]
Lim's contract with SK Telecom T1 expired on August 31, 2010. He made an announcement on October 9, 2010, stating his decision to switch to playing ''[[StarCraft II]]'' professionally. He planned to begin his professional career in ''StarCraft II'' by participating in the [[Global StarCraft II League]] (GSL) open tournament.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:황제 임요환 스타2 전향 "30대 게이머 길 걷는다" |url=https://biz.newdaily.co.kr/site/data/html/2010/10/10/2010101010007.html |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work={{ill|Newdaily|ko|뉴데일리}} |date=October 10, 2010 |language=ko}}</ref> During the GSL open tournament, Lim managed to reach the quarterfinals of the main event. In that stage, he faced [[NaDa|Lee "NaDa" Yoon-yeol]], who was regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and someone Lim had never defeated in a major event. The match between them, which marked Lim's first televised match in years, attracted millions of viewers and briefly crashed the internet in Korea due to its high viewership. Lim emerged victorious in this match. Subsequently, he faced [[NesTea|Lim "NesTea" Jae-duk]] in the semifinals but was unable to secure a win, finishing the event in the top four.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reimer |first1=Jeremy |title=The Dawn of Starcraft: e-Sports come to the world stage |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/03/the-dawn-of-starcraft-e-sports-come-to-the-world-stage/ |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |date=April 1, 2011 |language=en-us}}</ref> After experiencing difficulties playing without a team, Lim announced on November 9, 2010, that he would be forming a new ''StarCraft II'' team called SlayerS.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:황제 임요환, 스타2 클랜 '슬레이어즈' 결성 |url=https://sports.donga.com/it/article/all/20101109/32471657/1 |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] |date=November 9, 2010 |language=ko}}</ref>
In March 2011, Lim was relegated from Code S, the highest ranked division in the Global StarCraft II League, to Code A. He subsequently, along with many other Korean players, applied to join the upcoming [[North American Star League]] (NASL).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Rich |title=The biggest name in e-sports heads stateside: SlayerS_BoxeR applies to join NASL |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-biggest-name-in-e-sports-heads-stateside-slayers_boxer-applies-to-join-nasl/ |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |date=March 18, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> Following, Lim shifted his focus from competing in individual events to the [[Global StarCraft II Team League]] (GSTL).<ref>{{cite news |last1=De Guzman |first1=Joshua |title=The Godfathers of eSports: Part 2 |url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/the-godfathers-of-esports-part-2 |date=October 12, 2016 |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=[[Red Bull]]}}</ref> Under the banner of the SlayerS team, Lim and his teammates achieved success by winning both the March and May 2011 GSTL championships.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zacny |first1=Rob |title=SlayerS StarCraft 2 team disbands amidst public quarreling, president of Korean eSports Federation resigns |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/starcraft/slayers-starcraft-2-team-disbands-amidst-public-quarreling-president-korean-esports-federation-resigns |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=[[PCGamesN]] |date=October 22, 2012 |language=en}}</ref>
Lim received an invitation to compete at the 2011 [[Major League Gaming]] (MLG) event in Columbus, Ohio. However, he was dealing with [[tendonitis]] in his shoulder, an injury typically seen in individuals twice his age. Due to his condition, Lim decided to give his invitation to his teammate Moon "MMA" Sung-won. Ultimately, MMA went on to win the event. In July 2011, Lim participated in the MLG Pro Circuit in Anaheim. During the group stage of the event, Lim performed well, remaining undefeated and advancing to the [[double-elimination tournament]] stage. In the upper bracket semifinals, he defeated Park "Rain" Seo-yong, securing a place in the upper bracket final against Jeong "Mvp" Jong-hyeon, a two-time GSL champion. Lim lost to Mvp in the upper bracket final and was subsequently sent to the lower bracket final. In the lower bracket final, Lim faced his teammate MMA. While he lost the first game of the match, he managed to win the second game, equalizing the series. However, MMA emerged victorious in the third match, leading Lim to finish the event in third place.<ref name="Reimer" />
=== Coaching (2012–2013) ===
In April 2012, it was reported that Lim would be taking a break from professional play in order to undergo physical therapy. He had been experiencing shoulder pain for over a year, which limited his ability to play more than five games a day. In addition, he mentioned dealing with multiple injuries, including spinal pain, inflammation, and pain in his wrists, waist, neck, and other areas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Brian |title=StarCraft Champ Might Be Wrecking His Body, And He's Not Getting Married |url=https://kotaku.com/starcraft-champ-might-be-wrecking-his-body-and-hes-not-5905289 |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=April 26, 2012 |language=en}}</ref> Starting from May 1, 2012, Lim's shoulder injury prevented him from participating in competitive matches. As a result, he forfeited his GSL matches and withdrew from competition.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Breslau |first1=Rod |title=BoxeR may not return until Heart of the Swarm |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/boxer-may-not-return-until-heart-of-the-swarm/1100-6383967/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=[[GameSpot]] |date=June 26, 2012}}</ref>
On August 16, 2012, SK Telecom T1 announced that Lim had joined the team as a coach, signing a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Jong-min |script-title=ko:테란의 황제 임요환, SK텔레콤 코치로 복귀 |url=https://www.etnews.com/201208160331 |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=ET News |date=August 16, 2012 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Park |first1=Myung-ki |script-title=ko:'황제' 임요환, 코치로 친정 SKT 복귀 |url=https://www.hankyung.com/it/article/201208177029v |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[Korea Economic Daily]] |date=August 17, 2012 |language=ko}}</ref> After serving as a coach for eight months, Lim was promoted to the position of head coach on April 3, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jun |first1=Heo |script-title=ko:'황제' 임요환, SK텔레콤 T1 감독 승격 |url=https://www.inews24.com/view/735422 |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=iNews24 |date=April 3, 2013 |language=ko}}</ref> However, Lim made the decision to retire from professional esports entirely on September 26, 2013, citing health complications.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Brian |title=Korean Gaming Legend BoxeR Is Leaving eSports, It Seems |url=https://kotaku.com/a-korean-gaming-legend-is-leaving-esports-it-seems-1399704688 |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=September 26, 2013 |language=en}}</ref>
== Player profile ==
During this early time in his career he innovated heavily, creating many new strategies that saw much use afterward, most notably making much more effective use of the Terran Dropship unit than had previously been achieved. He also gained a reputation for being able to turn around matches against the odds and having excellent [[Micromanagement (gameplay)|micromanagement]] (unit control) skills. He would often continue the game despite heavy disadvantages yet still pull out a victory. In contrast, some commentators{{who|date=March 2023}} consider poor [[Real-time strategy#Micromanagement and macromanagement|macromanagement]] (economy/unit production) skills his weakness, in comparison to other top-level professional StarCraft players.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
BoxeR is most renowned for his creativity; often building proxy barracks. In many games, he has gone for quick attacks ("rushes") or [[special ops]] units ("ghosts") which make the games extremely entertaining. He is very well respected in StarCraft both in Korea and abroad.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
== Legacy ==
Lim was integral in popularizing ''StarCraft'' and esports around the world in the 2000s, becoming a [[pop culture icon]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rea |first1=Stephen C. |title=Crafting Stars: South Korean E-sports and the Emergence of a Digital Gaming Culture |journal=[[Education About Asia]] |date=Fall 2016 |volume=21 |issue=2 |pages=22–27 |url=https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/crafting-stars-south-korean-e-sports-and-the-emergence-of-a-digital-gaming-culture/ |access-date=April 24, 2023}}</ref> In 2003, the [[Government of South Korea#Executive branch|Korean executive branch]] named Lim a "cultural celebrity" in its annual report on the culture industry.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rea |first1=Stephen C. |title=Chronotopes and Social Types in South Korean Digital Gaming |journal=Signs and Society |date=2019 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=115–136 |doi=10.1086/700704 |url=https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/700704|url-access=subscription }}</ref> PGR21.com's Seiji wrote:<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lowe |first1=Kyle |title=A History of Pro-Gaming's Most Famous Athletes |url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/08/pro-gaming-history-famous-athletes/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |work=[[Complex Networks|Complex]] |date=August 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020180951/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/08/pro-gaming-history-famous-athletes/ |archive-date=October 20, 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nordmark |first1=Sam |last2=Çakır |first2=Gökhan |title=The 10 Best Players in Esports History |url=https://dotesports.com/general/news/best-players-esports-1 |access-date=April 24, 2023 |work=[[Dot Esports]] |date=May 7, 2022}}</ref>
{{blockquote|In the NBA, Michael Jordan was but one athlete, but had the influencing power beyond that of a mere basketball player. "It is safe to say that because of his presence, the NBA grew rapidly and basketball was no longer the American game, but an international sport. Would it be an overstatement if one were to say that Lim Yo Hwan has a value like Michael Jordan? The greatest significance Lim Yo Hwan has towards e-sports is that he has transformed it from a festival of mere maniacs to a mainstream culture that is now {{sic|broadcasted}} by the media. His value can be seen as he raised the understanding of what was once considered as a mere childish game to the dignified acceptance by all as part of the mainstream culture.}}
The ''[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]'' also wrote that Lim was "the most prominent gamer on the planet for any computer game that's ever existed."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Alex |title=Frag Reel Friday: Starcraft |url=https://www.abc.net.au/technology/articles/2010/11/26/3077442.htm |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] |date=November 26, 2010 |language=en-AU}}</ref>
Throughout his playing career, Lim recorded a total of 603 wins and 430 losses, with a win rate of 58.4%, in 1033 matches.<ref name="Jang" />
== Awards and honors ==
;Individual titles
* 1999 [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] Multi-Game Championship
* 2000 Samsung Digital Cup KIGL King of Kings
* 2000 M.police Game League
* 2000 Korea.cnet Game Tournament
* [[WCG 2001|2001 World Cyber Games]]
* [[Ongamenet Starleague#StarCraft: BroodWar League Champions|2001 Coca-Cola Ongamenet Starleague]]
* [[Ongamenet Starleague#StarCraft: BroodWar League Champions|2001 Hanbitsoft Ongamenet Starleague]]
* 2001 3rd Game-Q Starleague
* 2001 Zzgame.com Progamer 32 Invitational
* [[WCG 2002|2002 World Cyber Games]]
* [[KPGA Tour#League Championships|2002 KPGA 1st Tour]]
* 2003 KTF Bigi 4 Kings
* 2003 Toona BIG 4 SPECIAL
* 2004 KT Megapass Nespot Premierleauge
{{small|Source:<ref name="Kang">{{cite news |last1=Kang |first1=Jin-young |script-title=ko:임요환 |url=https://www.hanryutimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=45674 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=Hanryu Times |date=July 4, 2021 |language=ko}}</ref>}}
;Team titles
* [[Proleague#OnGameNet and MBCGame Leagues|2003 KTF EVER Cup]] (Orion)
* [[Proleague#OnGameNet and MBCGame Leagues|2003–04 LG IBM MBC Team League]] (Orion)
* [[Proleague#OnGameNet and MBCGame Leagues|2004 Tucsan MBCGame Team League]] (SK Telecom T1)
* 2005 SKY Proleague Season One (SK Telecom T1)
* 2005 SKY Proleague Season Two (SK Telecom T1)
* [[Proleague#United League|2005 SKY Proleague Grand Final]] (SK Telecom T1)
* 2006 SKY Proleague Season One (SK Telecom T1)
* [[Proleague#United League|2008–09 Shinhan Bank Proleague]] (SK Telecom T1)
* [[GSTL#Main Events|2011 GSTL March]] (SlayerS)
* [[GSTL#Main Events|2011 GSTL May]] (SlayerS)
{{small|Source:<ref name="Kang" />}}
;Records
* Most wins on televised matches (500)<ref name="Razer" />
* First player to win more than one OSL (Hanbitsoft 2001, Coca-Cola 2001), and the first to win two consecutive OSLs
* First player to make the OSL finals three times in a row
* First player to achieve 100 wins in Ongamenet Starleagues (OSL)
* Longest time to hold first place in [[KeSPA]] rankings – 17 months<ref name="Razer" />
;Halls of Fame
* Korea Esports Hall of Fame – Class of 2018<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:임요환·홍진호 등 'e스포츠 명예의전당' 영구 헌액 |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20180503086600005 |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=[[Yonhap]] |date=May 3, 2018 |language=ko}}</ref>
* {{ill|Esports Hall of Fame StarCraft: Brood War|lt=Esports Hall of Fame ''StarCraft: Brood War''|ko|e스포츠 스타크래프트 브루드 워 명예의 전당}} – Class of 2012<ref>{{cite news |last1=Go |first1=Yong-jun |title=e스포츠 명예의 전당, '사대천왕' '택뱅리쌍' 등 20명 선정 |url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1109466738 |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work={{ill|Osen (newspaper)|ko|OSEN|lt=OSEN}} |date=September 14, 2012 |language=ko}}</ref>
* [[ESL Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2019<ref>{{cite news |last1=Makar |first1=Connor |title=BoxeR is the latest addition to the Esports Hall of Fame |url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/boxer-is-the-latest-addition-to-the-esports-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=[[Gamereactor UK]] |date=February 20, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
;Media
* Named ''[[ESReality]]''{{'s}} "Greatest Gamer of All Time"<ref name="Razer">{{cite news |title=Highest Earning StarCraft 2 Pro Gamer – Lim "SlayerS_BoxeR" Yo-Hwan Joins Team Razer – Razer Press |url=https://press.razer.com/esports-partnerships/highest-earning-starcraft-2-pro-gamer-lim-slayers_boxer-yo-hwan-joins-team-razer/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=[[Razer, Inc.|Razer]] |date=February 15, 2010}}</ref>
* Named one of ''[[MTV]]''{{'s}} "Top 10 Most Influential Gamers of All Time"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Totilo |first1=Stephen |title=Playa Rater: The 10 Most Influential Video Gamers Of All Time |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/q978hi/playa-rater-the-10-most-influential-video-gamers-of-all-time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201183029/https://www.mtv.com/news/q978hi/playa-rater-the-10-most-influential-video-gamers-of-all-time |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2023 |work=[[MTV]] |date=June 20, 2006 |language=en}}</ref>
* Esports Awards Lifetime Achievement Award – 2020<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ashford |first1=Alex |title=Lim "BoxeR" Yo-Hwan |url=https://esportsawards.com/boxer/ |access-date=April 8, 2023 |work=Esports Awards |date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>
== Post-retirement ==
=== Poker ===
[[File:Boxer WPT 2014.jpg|thumb|upright|Lim during the 2014 WPT National Philippines]]
In December 2013, Lim embarked on a new career path as a [[professional poker]] player after signing with [[Me2on]]. His first notable tournament appearance was at the Macau Poker Cup in January 2014. Despite being relatively new to the poker scene, he reached the final table and finished in eighth place out of 235 participants.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Yeong-rok |script-title=ko:'포커 플레이어 변신' 임요환, 첫 출전 대회 8위 올라 |url=https://www.donga.com/news/Sports/article/all/20140121/60306227/1 |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] |date=January 21, 2014 |language=ko}}</ref> Over the years, Lim continued to compete in various poker tournaments. In 2016, he secured his first tournament title at the [[Asian Poker Tour]] (APT) Kickoff Manila. Later that year, he added another title to his name by winning the APT Macau.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Namita |title=APT Vietnam 2019: Lim 'Boxer' Yohwan Claims His 2nd APT Championships Event Title For VND 2,040,542,000 ($88,000) |url=https://pokerguru.in/poker-news/apt-vietnam-2019-lim-yohwan-championships-event/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=PokerGuru |date=January 21, 2019}}</ref>
In September 2018, Lim achieved a significant milestone in his poker career by winning the APT Philippines Championships II event. In the final [[heads up poker|heads-up]] battle, he successfully eliminated Si Yang Phua to claim the championship title. This victory marked his first-ever APT championship win and earned him a substantial prize money of approximately {{USD|{{Formatnum:{{To USD|2819900|PHL|year=2018}}}}}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lim Yohwan wins the Championships Event! |url=https://archives.theasianpokertour.com/huge-victory-for-lim-yohwan-at-the-championships-event/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=[[Asian Poker Tour]] |date=September 24, 2018}}</ref> The following year, he continued his success in the APT series by securing his second APT Championship title at the 2019 APT Vietnam Kickoff series in January. In heads up against Slaven Popov, who held a two-to-one chip lead, Lim emerged victorious. The final hand saw him clinching the win with a [[nut flush]] on the board. The victory brought him a prize of $87,946, his largest live cash earnings to date, and it also propelled him to the 10th position on South Korea's all-time money list.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lim Yohwan bags his 2nd APT Championships title |url=https://gutshotmagazine.com/lim-yohwan-bags-his-2nd-apt-championships-title/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=Gutshot Magazine |date=January 21, 2019}}</ref>
At the 2020 APT Kick-Off Vietnam, Lim achieved another milestone in his poker career by winning his first-ever APT Super High Rollers title. He earned a prize of approximately $32,200.<ref>{{cite news |last1=David |first1=Tricia |title=APT Kick-off Vietnam: Rayhaan Adam ships first APT Main Event of 2020; Yohwan Lim, Vincent Li, & Lu Zheng Hao win trophies - Somuchpoker |url=https://somuchpoker.com/apt-kick-off-vietnam-rayhaan-adam-ships-first-apt-main-event-of-2020-yohwan-lim-vincent-li-lu-zheng-hao-win-trophies/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=So Much Poker |date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> By January 2023, Lim's live earnings from poker tournaments had surpassed $714,265.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Perez |first1=G. R. |title=Yohwan "BoxeR" Lim resumes playing international poker tournaments starting with the Hanoi World Poker Championship 2023 |url=https://lifeofpoker.com/news/2023/01/yohwan-boxer-lim-resumes-playing-international-poker-tournaments-starting-with-the-hanoi-world-poker-championship-2023 |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=Life of Poker |date=January 9, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Show matches ===
[[File:NaDa and BoxeR at StarCraft KT GiGA Legends Match I - 14.jpg|thumb|Lee "NaDa" Yoon-yeol (left) and Lim "BoxeR" Yo-hwan (right) at the KT GiGA Legends Match]]
On November 6, 2015, Lim participated in a two-versus-two exhibition show match in ''StarCraft'' at [[BlizzCon 2015]].<ref>{{cite web|author=ByPhil Iwaniuk |url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/starcraft-ii/starcraft-legends-are-coming-out-of-retirement-to-play-an-archon-exhibition-showmatch-on-6-november |title=Starcraft legends are returning to play an Archon exhibition showmatch |work=[[PCGamesN]] |date=2015-10-28 |access-date=2018-07-07}}</ref> On February 20, 2016, Lim took part in the KT GiGA Legends Match, a show match that included three other prominent ''StarCraft'' players: [[Guillaume "Grrrr..." Patry]], [[NaDa (gamer)|Lee "NaDa" Yoon-yeol]], and [[Yellow (gamer)|Hong "YellOw" Jin-ho]]. Lim finished in third place at the event.<ref>{{cite news |title=KT 기가 레전드 매치 임요환 홍진호 승부 이번엔 누가 웃었나 |url=https://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20160221500001 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |work=[[Seoul Shinmun]] |date=February 21, 2016 |language=ko}}</ref> Another show match involving Lim took place on February 22, 2022, called "Again Lim Jin-rok". It was a best-of-five series against YellOw. Lim emerged victorious with a score of three to two. The event garnered over 210,000 viewership.<ref>{{cite news |last=Park |first=Gangsu |title=우리 생애 마지막 '찐찐 콩콩절'… 홍진호 "200년 뒤에 만나요" |url=https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/sports/sports_general/1032243.html |access-date=April 23, 2024 |work= [[The Hankyoreh]] |date=February 24, 2022 |language=ko}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
Lim was born on September 4, 1980.<ref>{{cite news |title=Korea: Interview with "Terran Emperor" |url=https://iesf.org/news/3961 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |work=[[International Esports Federation]] |date=May 4, 2010}}</ref> In his youth, he was passionate about football and spent much of his time playing the sport.<ref name="Staebell">{{cite news |last1=Staebell |first1=Brett |title=BoxeR in Brief |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/boxer-in-brief/ |access-date=April 6, 2023 |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |date=April 6, 2010}}</ref> He enrolled at [[Wonkwang University]] in 2002 and graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in game science.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gwon |first=Oyong |title='우등생' 임요환, 7학기만에 졸업 |url= https://sports.khan.co.kr/article/200608252237543 |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=[[Sports Kyunghyang]] |date=August 25, 2006 |language=ko-KR}}</ref> Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a graduate degree at [[Sangmyung University]]{{'s}} Graduate School of Digital Media.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:상명대 디지털미디어대학원. 임요환(프로게이머)에게 특별장학증서 수여 |url=https://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=184607 |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=NewsWire |agency=Sangmyung University |date=September 11, 2006 |language=ko}}</ref>
During the [[2008 Paralympic Games]] held in Beijing, Lim met South Korean actress and media personality [[Kim Ga-yeon]]. They began dating, and their relationship was publicly revealed in April 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Jae-hoon |script-title=ko:김가연, "임요환과 첫 키스는 이모티콘으로" |url=https://nownews.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20100416603018 |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=Now News |date=April 16, 2010 |language=ko}}</ref> In 2011, Lim and Kim filed for marriage without holding a ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ko |first1=Dong-hwan |title=Former Starcraft pro names his child Marine |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/01/511_172325.html |access-date=April 19, 2023 |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=January 23, 2015 |language=en}}</ref> Their first child, a daughter, was born on August 1, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=It's a daughter for Lim Yo-han, Kim Ka-yeon |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2023/01/688_184050.html |access-date=April 19, 2023 |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=August 3, 2015 |language=en}}</ref> Although they had married five years earlier, they held a wedding ceremony on May 6, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bahk |first1=Eun-ji |title=Lim Yo-hwan, Kim Ga-yeon hold wedding ceremony - finally |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/11/688_204225.html |access-date=April 19, 2023 |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=May 8, 2016 |language=en}}</ref>
== Media figure ==
=== Endorsements ===
Lim has enjoyed sponsorship deals with various companies throughout his career, including [[LG Corporation|LG]] and [[Intel]]. In 2011, he became an Intel spokesman and appeared in the Visual Life commercial series alongside [[Girls' Generation]] (SNSD). The commercial featured a Terran vs. Zerg (TvZ) match between him and Girls' Generation member [[Im Yoona]]. The scene was set in the top-floor cafeteria of the SM Entertainment office in Chungdamdong to promote the gaming capabilities of Intel computers. During the commercial shoot, Lim and Im exchanged autographs, with Im signing Lim's keyboard. However, the commercial was eventually pulled from Korean TV when Intel executives discovered that the gameplay footage was a replay of one of Lim's earlier televised matches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soshified.com/forums/topic/61207-others-intel-episode-filming-details/|title=[OTHERS] Intel Episode Filming Details - Translated Goodies - Soshified|website=www.soshified.com}}</ref>
=== Film and television ===
Lim has made several appearances in various television programs and films. In 2001, he appeared on an episode of [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]]'s ''{{ill|Morning Yard|ko|아침마당}}'', and in 2006, he was featured in a KBS ''{{ill|Power Interview|ko|파워인터뷰}}''. He has also participated in entertainment programs such as ''[[Let's Go! Dream Team Season 2]]'' and ''{{ill|Brain Survivor|ko|브레인 서바이버}}''. He has also served as a presenter at award shows, including the [[Seoul Music]] Awards in 2004 and the [[Melon Music Awards]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:임요환-김택용, '2009 멜론 뮤직 어워드' 시상자로 참석 |url=https://v.daum.net/v/M0MBL8UJ0D |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=[[Daum (web portal)|Daum]] |date=December 5, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |script-title=ko:임요환ㆍ김택용, 가요대상 시상자로 나서 |url=http://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2009121102011231699005 |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=Digital Times |agency=Digital News Department |date=December 10, 2009 |language=ko}}</ref> Lim has showcased his acting skills in the 2002 film ''{{ill|Can't Live Without Robbery|ko|도둑맞곤 못살아}}'' and the KBS soap opera ''{{ill|This is Love (TV series)|lt=This is Love|ko|사랑은 이런거야}}''.<ref name="Nam" /> Additionally, he made a special guest appearance on ''[[Saturday Night Live Korea]]'' in November 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Brian |title=Korean Gaming Pros Appeared on SNL in Counter-Strike Parody |url=https://kotaku.com/korean-gaming-pros-appeared-on-snl-in-counter-strike-pa-1471741625 |access-date=April 19, 2023 |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=November 26, 2013 |language=en}}</ref> In 2014, Lim was a cast member of ''[[The Genius: Rule Breaker]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ko |first1=Dong-hwan |title=Former Starcraft pro names his child Marine |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/01/511_172325.html |access-date=April 13, 2023 |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=January 23, 2015 |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, he participated as a contestant on the web show ''Accomplices''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=003&aid=0011602340|author=Choi Yoon-jeong|script-title=ko:임요환→에이전트 H, 살벌한 마피아 게임 시작...'공범2|trans-title=Lim Yo-hwan → Agent H, the bloody mafia game begins... 'Accomplice 2|publisher=[[Newsis]]|via=[[Naver]]|date=December 21, 2022|access-date=December 21, 2022|language=ko}}</ref>
=== Books ===
Lim has authored several books focusing on his life and ''StarCraft''.
*''Lim Yo-hwan's Dropship'' (Minu Communications, 2001).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Park |first1=Kwang-soo |script-title=ko:'테란의 황제' 임요환 프로게이머 전략·전술집 나온다 |url=https://www.donga.com/news/Entertainment/article/all/20010809/7724646/1 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] |date=August 9, 2001 |language=ko}}</ref>
*''(Try and Be) As Crazy As Me'' (2004).<ref name="Wallace" />
== See also ==
*[[StarCraft professional competition]]
==
{{reflist}}
{{Professional StarCraft competition}}
{{The Genius (TV series)}}
[[Category:South Korean esports players]]
[[Category:StarCraft players]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:T1 (esports) players]]
[[Category:Team Razer players]]
[[Category:Air Force ACE players]]
[[Category:StarCraft coaches]]
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