After six years, it’s time to call it a day! Former League of Legends world champion Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon announced the end of his career a few hours ago.
Together with DAMWON KIA, Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon made his mark on much of League of Legends’ recent eSports history. In 2020, the LCK representative became world champion.
There was frequent speculation as to whether DAMWON in the line-up of the time, including Heo “ShowMaker Su at Mid Lane, could shape a dynasty similar to that once enjoyed by SK Telecom T1 around superstar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. However, as is well known, last year’s final was the end of the line. As is now also the case for the well-known top laner.
Announcement: Farewell.]
Nuguri 장하권 선수가 FA 신분으로 전환되었습니다. DWG KIA의 2022년을 책임져준 Nuguri 선수에게 무한한 감사를 표하며 앞으로 Nuguri 선수의 앞날에도 좋은 일만 가득하길 바라겠습니다. 감사합니다. DWGKIA Thankyou_Nuguri pic.twitter.com/lc3zqoqwcJ
– DWG KIA (@DWGKIA) November 16, 2022
First free agent, then retired
It was only a fortnight ago that it was announced that Nuguri was listed as a free agent when DAMWON KIA did not renew his existing contract. Nuguri himself first joined the Korean eSports organisation in 2017 until 2020, before moving to FunPlus Phoenix in the LPL for a year. He then returned to Korea to DAMWON and was active during the 2022 Summer Split.
The now ex-professional himself is only 23 years old, but looks back on a career spanning six years. The examples of Faker and Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu show that older players can still deliver. At the moment, nothing is known about the reasons why DAMWON’s ex-top laner does not want to continue playing. Nevertheless, should he wish to do so, the door should be open for a possible return – albeit not necessarily at DAMWON KIA.
