From Tilburg to Seoul: how Maurits Meeusen became a top esports commentator
No job application at a law firm for Maurits Meeusen. After studying law at Tilburg University, he’s chasing his real dream: providing live commentary on esports matches. ‘The League of Legends World Championship is the absolute pinnacle.’

Maurits Meeusen (center) with colleagues. Image: private collection.
Players clash, projectiles fly, cheers and shouts fill the air. Things can get intense when gamers compete at the highest level. Esports is serious business. But who’s winning, what tactics is a player using, and what should we be paying attention to? Just as a football commentator narrates a football match, an esports commentator does the same for gaming tournaments.
Maurits Meeusen (30) has been working as an esports commentator for several years. And not just anywhere—he does this in South Korea, a country where gaming culture is huge, covering matches of League of Legends, one of the most popular video games worldwide. During a brief visit to the Netherlands for the League of Legends World Championship in London, Meeusen took the opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and Univers. He shares his thoughts on the country, the esports industry, and his unique career switch.
From law student at Tilburg University to esports commentator in South Korea. How does one make such a leap?
‘During my bachelor’s degree, I was far from an exemplary student. I gamed a lot and barely managed to earn my study credits. When it came time to choose a minor, I saw my chance to go to South Korea. Seoul, in particular, is the place for esports.
‘I justified my exchange in Seoul by claiming an interest in Korean culture, which in practice mainly meant my love for gaming. My time as a student in Korea was an amazing experience. I had a lot of freedom and thoroughly enjoyed the gaming culture there.
‘Back in the Netherlands, I co-founded the Tilburg esports association TESA with fellow student Jos Buijvoets. After completing my master’s degree in law—which took a bit longer due to my board years at TESA—I decided to start freelancing as a commentator for esports tournaments in the Benelux. Initially unpaid, but later with compensation.’
What are the biggest differences between working as an esports commentator in the Benelux versus South Korea?
‘In South Korea, esports is incredibly professional and centralized, especially in Seoul. In the Benelux, it’s less popular, and there’s much less money involved.’
You work under the name Chronicler. Where does that name come from?
‘The name comes from The Kingkiller Chronicle, a fantasy book series. It’s the name of one of the characters. It was my favorite book series at the time, although less so now—I’ve been waiting eleven years for the third installment. Fortunately, I still like the name.’
What does a typical workday as an esports commentator look like?
‘During the season, I work five to seven days a week. A workday often starts in the afternoon. I travel to the studio, where I go through makeup and styling. At 5 PM, the competition begins, which is broadcast live. This can last until 9:30 PM, but sometimes until 11:30 PM, depending on the day.
‘Outside the season, such as in November and December or April and September, things are relatively quiet. Then I prepare for the new season or work on volunteer projects in the esports world, mainly streaming and commentating on matches under my own name without pay.’
Korea is known for its strong performance culture. How does that affect your work?
‘Korea indeed has a strong performance culture, even within esports. The pressure is high, but it’s different from traditional professions like teaching. There, people often work from eight to six and then attend mandatory drinks with the boss. However, I hear from friends in South Korea that this is decreasing with the younger generation.
‘Fortunately, I’m in a relatively free position. As a commentator, I’m a freelancer and work with many international colleagues. Still, you notice the discipline and hard work all around you, such as the rush-hour crowds.’
You provided commentary for the League of Legends World Championship final. What does such an achievement mean in the esports world?
‘The World Championship is the absolute pinnacle. League of Legends is the biggest game in the world, with over 50 million viewers tuning in for the final. Last year, we commented from a basketball arena in South Korea, and we even won a Sports Emmy for the production.
‘Yes, the same Emmys that non-gamers know! It’s a tremendous honor. The production quality is often outstanding. For example, the trailer for the 2023 World Championship semi-finals was incredibly impressive.’
What’s your most memorable moment as a commentator?
‘Getting hired by the LCK, the Korean League of Legends competition, in 2020. That had always been my goal, and achieving it was special. Without that, all my other experiences in South Korea wouldn’t have happened.
‘For instance, attending the 2022 quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden in New York. A player who had been competing at the top level for ten years without ever winning a World Championship beat his opponent by the smallest of margins. If that wasn’t remarkable enough, he went on to win the entire championship. That moment had an emotional impact on the whole competition, and I got to witness it up close.’
Do you see yourself staying in South Korea?
‘No, although I’m having an incredible time here. South Korea has so much to offer: excellent infrastructure, amazing food, and a unique esports environment. But I miss my family and friends deeply. So I expect to return someday, perhaps for a role in Dutch media.’