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Berserker parts ways with Cloud9 League of Legends roster
Kim “Berserker” Min-cheol has said goodbye to Cloud9 as he parts with the team and organization after 2 years with the roster. The announcement came after Cloud9’s failure to qualify for Worlds this year, ending their 3-year streak of appearances and one of Berserker’s poorest individual seasons, performance-wise.
Despite his individual form missing the mark this year, he was still highly regarded in the LCS for his explosive and incredible skills, leading the way for Cloud9 to dominate the LCS in 2023.
Domestically, he was widely regarded as one of the best ADCs in the league mechanically speaking, which made his dropoff in form all the more disconcerting for fans.
This news comes off the heels as well of Jojopyun reportedly on his way out as well.
Raised as a Champion
The Korean AD Carry trained under the T1 banner from the age of 17, first appearing on the T1 Academy roster in July 2020.
He played only 4 months on that roster before moving up in December of that same year to the T1 Challengers roster, spending the whole of 2021 competing.
During his time with the Challengers roster, he attained 1st place in both the LCK CL Spring regular season as well as 1st in the Spring Playoffs. Unfortunately, he was unable to replicate that success in Summer, finishing 10th during the regular season.
North America’s Champion
Following the conclusion of that season, Min-cheol got the call from the LCS, and crossed the ocean to join Cloud9. In 2022, he replaced at-the-time ADC Jesper “Zven” Svenning. The two joined forces shortly after in the Summer, creating one of the now most iconic bot lane powerhouse duos in NA.
Together with Zven, he seized the LCS Championship at the tender age of 19. He won the LCS Championship Finals MVP that year, and the LCS MVP the following year in Spring. There, he was also instrumental in one of Cloud9’s most dominant seasons to date.
The team took home 1st place in the LCS 2023 Spring and Summer seasons, as well as the Spring Playoffs. They finished 2nd in the Summer Playoffs and 5th-6th at MSI in 2023, cementing both Cloud9 and Berserker in 2023 as one of the frontrunners for North American League of Legends success.
Unfortunately Cloud9 faltered at Worlds 2023, not making it past the Swiss Stage after losses to LNG, T1 and Fnatic. Their sole win to MAD Lions, while still applaudable, was far from the expectations the rest of their season had set.
What’s Next for Berserker?
Min-cheol released his own statement following the announcement, emphasizing his own mix of emotions and his uncertainty in his own future.
“I don’t know what to say because it’s my first time leaving a team that’s been around for a long time. But I can tell you for sure I improved a lot gamewise and as a person. I think I’ve experienced a lot of joy, sadness, and anger for 3 years.”
However, Min-cheol’s words also suggested his intentions at this stage to continue competing, and wished that the fans would continue supporting him in his next endeavor.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen next year, but I’d appreciate it if you guys cheer for me.”
Finally, he thanked Cloud9 owner Jack Etienne for the opportunity, as well as all the fans who had supported him. While we can only speculate and predict where Berserker will next end up, one thing’s for certain, he won’t be warming the sidelines for long.
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Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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