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An Early Farewell: Legendary Top Laner Nuguri announces retirement from professional play
Legendary Top Laner and former Worlds Champion Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon has officially announced his retirement from professional League of Legends. Shortly after parting ways for the second time with DAMWON KIA on Nov 16th, the top laner officially retired from competitive play. The announcement was confirmed by Korizon Esports’ Ashley Kang.
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In a South Korean landscape brimming with new talent all the time, “Nuguri” succeeded in carving a name for himself as one of the greatest top laners. A large part of that was his explosive entry onto the scene. Mechanical prowess and clever aggression were signatures that allowed him to dominate his lane opponents. In 2020, he earned the moniker as one of the most aggressive top laners ever in the League of Legends esports scene.
Back to where it all began
In 2017, “Nuguri” was part of the I Gaming Star roster, competing in the Challengers League. Their peak came in the Spring Split, placing at top six. In the off-season, “Nuguri” made the swap, joining a fledgling DAMWON Gaming squad in 2018. This early iteration included later legendary players as well such as Heo “ShowMaker” Su and Cho “Beryl” Geon-hee. Immediately, their team placed second in the CK 2018 Spring Split. By Summer Split, they had won the whole thing.
Earning a promotion into the LCK now, DAMWON began ramping up, placing 5th in the LCK 2019 Spring Split and 2nd in the Summer Split. DAMWON Gaming began making a name for themselves as a powerhouse team and organization. A quarterfinals placement at their first Worlds in their first year translated into win in the Summer Split and Playoffs. This was followed by their 2020 Worlds win over Suning.
Following their win, “Nuguri” announced his transfer to the LPL team FunPlus Phoenix. With FunPlus Phoenix, “Nuguri” initially won the LPL Summer Split, and placed second in both the Spring and Summer Playoffs. However, a worrying trend was emerging, “Nuguri” was faltering in more games. The dominant top laner that many cited as one of the world’s best was no where to be seen. In fact, he looked downright average. FPX would exit Worlds 2021 in the Group Stage. Following a disastrous 2021 stint in China, “Nuguri” returned to DAMWON (now know as DAMWON KIA).
Reunited with “ShowMaker” and Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, glimmers of the old “Nuguri” re-emerged. Sadly, it was not to be, as DAMWON KIA would see their Worlds 2022 journey end at the hands of Gen.G 3-2. In the off-season, DAMWON announced “Nuguri’s” departure and entry into free agency.
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Legacy
As the most aggressive and one of the most mechanically gifted top laners the LCK has ever birthed, the departure of “Nuguri” will have lasting impact on generations of players to come. Considering the teammates and rivals that he has earned the respect of, and the number of fans that have cheered him on, both in the LCK and the LPL, his retirement at the age of 23 will be marked by sadness.
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One of the biggest what-ifs of his career will always be his stint in the LPL. Many interviews and talks have had him revealing experiencing depression during his time there. Moreover, he felt feelings of homesickness and outsider syndrome. Fans have speculated on the impact that transition had on the legendary player and what could have been otherwise.
Image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
