Famed jungler Trick returns to Europe to join FC Schalke 04

LEC team FC Schalke 04 has signed four-time EU LCS champion Kim "Trick" Gang-yun.

Schalke is adding a new name to its LEC roster, as Trick is making what the team hopes will be a triumphant return to Europe. Known primarily for his time at G2 Esports, Trick first made a name for himself in the European pro scene.  Wearing G2’s uniform, the jungler competed in the 2017 Mid-Season Invitational where the European side finished in second place behind only SK Telecom T1.

“With his skills and rich experience, he will help us to continue to improve. We are glad that Kang-Yun has chosen Schalke,” said Schalke head coach Dylan Falco.

Trick had a brief run in the LCK with bbq Olivers and then moved to Turkey to join Galakticos in the TCL. That squad finished a disappointing ninth place in the lower tier league and released most of its roster. He now joins a Schalke team that finished the LEC Spring Split in seventh place, a significant drop from what was a promising 2018.

Schalke was one of the strongest teams at the beginning of the 2019 spring season but fell dramatically down in the standings after week five, eventually missing the playoffs.

“Schalke is a unique club that has done a lot for esports. I’m pleased to play for Royal Blue in the future and can hardly wait for the new season to begin,” said Trick in the official announcement.

The jungler will be sharing the starting position with Jonas “Memento” Elmarghichi. Utilizing two junglers is an increasingly common practice, as second junglers are able to bring different pathing techniques and levels of aggression than their counterparts. Schalke officials will hope that Trick will be able to show his old form and challenge Memento for playing time with the LEC team.

Schalke is getting ahead of the summer split with early roster changes. Earlier in April the team also announced that it would be parting ways with Maurice "Amazing" Stückenschneider.