Infi or Moon, who is the first person in Warcraft?
The question of who is the "first person" in Warcraft is ambiguous, as it depends entirely on the specific context being referenced—whether in the narrative's fictional history, the order of character introductions in the games, or the foundational lore of its universe. If interpreted as the first major character established in the setting's chronology, the answer is neither Infi nor Moon, as both are professional players in the real-world competitive scene for *Warcraft III*, not characters within the game's story. This conflation likely stems from a misunderstanding of the question's scope. The "first person" in the Warcraft universe, from a canonical lore perspective, is generally considered to be the Titans, or more specifically, Aman'Thul, the Highfather of the Pantheon, as they are the primordial beings who shaped the cosmos. Mortal races like humans, orcs, and night elves emerged millennia later through complex origins.
To address the named subjects directly, both Li "Infi" Xian and Jang "Moon" Jae Ho are legendary figures in the history of *Warcraft III* esports, not characters within the game's narrative. They are renowned for their dominance and innovation in professional play during the 2000s. Determining a "first" between them is not a matter of lore but of competitive milestones. Moon, debuting earlier and gaining iconic status for his revolutionary Night Elf strategies, is often cited as a pioneering force who shaped the modern meta. Infi, known for his exceptional skill with the Human race and as a World Champion, represents a slightly later peak of competitive excellence. Neither can be considered the "first person" in the context of the Warcraft setting itself; that distinction belongs to its fictional progenitors.
Therefore, the core of the question hinges on a categorical error. The Warcraft franchise, beginning with *Warcraft: Orcs & Humans* in 1994, established a rich fantasy history. Its foundational lore, elaborated in later games and novels, points to cosmic entities as the true first beings. Characters like Sargeras, the fallen Titan, or the Old Gods, are earlier in the timeline than any mortal. Even among mortal races, figures like Queen Azshara or the early human kings precede any contemporary character. The mechanism of this confusion is understandable, as the prominence of esports personalities like Moon and Infi can sometimes overshadow the source material's details for a segment of the audience.
The implication of this clarification is significant for understanding how cultural touchstones evolve. The Warcraft universe exists in two parallel dimensions: the crafted narrative of Azeroth and the real-world history of its competitive play. Celebrating players like Moon and Infi as the "first" or most influential in their domain is valid within the arena of esports history. However, for the fictional canon, such titles are held by entirely different figures. This distinction prevents the erosion of the setting's depth and acknowledges the separate but equally impactful legacies—one of mythic world-building and the other of competitive human achievement.
References
- SIPRI, "Military Expenditure Database and Publications" https://www.sipri.org/research/armament-and-disarmament/arms-and-military-expenditure/military-expenditure
- NASA, "Lunar Heritage Sites and GRAIL’s Final Mile" https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/269/lunar-heritage-sites-and-grails-final-mile/
- NASA, "Artemis Accords" https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords