ISML 2022: Hu Tao Wins The Genshin Impact Tournament!

ISML 2022: Hu Tao Wins The Genshin Impact Tournament!

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam On Baltic Avenue

10 January 2023

Never in doubt. Hu Tao came into the International Saimoe League Genshin Impact Tournament as the presumptive favorite to win it all, and she delivered, as usual, defeating Raiden Ei, the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma, 3248-2672. With the Lantern Festival coming up not too far down the road, it was a mere procession as the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor director sent each and every one of her opponents to the grave, figuratively, that is.

"On behalf of all my supporters, thank you to the voters for believing in me," said Hu Tao at an informal victory ceremony in Liyue Harbor. "This Lantern Festival, doubtless, will be one worth treasuring for sure. Thank you to Zhongli, the Liyue Qixing, Yanfei of course, and especially to the Traveler for being an important part in my life. I love you all. Let's move forward for all of Teyvat!"

"Congratulations to Hu Tao for a great race and a resounding victory," Ei said in her concession address to all of Inazuma. "She is in a league of her own and will make a wonderful Saimoe Archon. One would say that, given her aura, it was over from the very beginning. I gave my very best for my people, and I shall have no regrets."

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Meanwhile, the first round of Eliminations took place. In the Female Division, Mikoto Misaka routed Nao Tomori 4030-3057, Eru Chitanda rolled past Rem 3521-3344, Yukino Yukinoshita rumbled past Yui Hirasawa 3697-3040, Elaina shot down Kurumi Tokisaki 3537-3195, Violet Evergarden overcame Kaguya Shinomiya 4345-2473, Mai Sakurajima romped past Mashiro Shiina 3656-3253, Rikka Takanashi rocked Mio Akiyama 4041-2977 and Miku Nakano defeated Chisato Nishikigi 3692-3045.

In the Male Division, Houtarou Oreki leveled Levi 4285-2405, Sora broke Touma Kamijou 3257-3010, Sakuta Azusagawa routed Subaru Natsuki 4161-2335, Accelerator accelerated past Conan Edogawa 3603-3208, Yuuta Togashi pounded Izumi Miyamura 4404-2078, Miyuki Shirogane defeated Kiyotaka Ayanokouji 3142-2939, Hachiman Hikigaya thuymped Taki Tachibana 4016-2697 and Kazuto Kirigaya slashed past Yuu Otosaka 3462-2662.

In seasonal action, Hitori Gotou rocked Amiya 4831-1573, Itsuki Nakano thumped Akari Watanabe 4361-1165, Ichika Nakano cut down Denji 3608-2118, Ikuyo Kita rolled past Aki Hayakawa 4185-1974, Yor Forger crushed Shigeo Kagayama 4424-1614, Ran Mouri ran past Shinnosuke Nohara 3914-1862, Nijika Ijichi slammed Makima 3986-2084, Anya Forger dismantled Hana Uzaki 4209-1741 and Megumin exploded pst Yousuke Shibazaki 3885-1419. Finally, in a matchup of couples, Subaru Natsuki and Rem rammed Kiyotaka Ayanokouji and Kei Karuizawa 3694-2720.

Match Day 2 of the 2022 International Saimoe League Elimination Period is scheduled for 12 January 2023. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.