Darshan “Darshan” Upadhyaya has parted ways with Counter Logic Gaming after five years with the esports organization.
CLG made the announcement through social media as the team shared a video featuring highlights taken from Darshan’s career.
Darshan joined CLG after leaving Team Dignitas in 2014. The top laner became one of the emblematic players in the organization, acting as a leader both in and out of the game. Darshan achieved two LCS titles with CLG and made several international appearances.
His biggest accomplishment with the team was playing a key role in CLG qualifying for the 2016 Mid-Season Invitational, where the team managed the best international placement ever achieved by a North American League of Legends team at an official Riot tournament, finishing second behind SK Telecom T1.
Darshan is leaving the organization after CLG missed the playoffs for the third time in a row. Struggles for CLG began in 2018 in the newly franchised LCS. In the spring, the team finished in eighth place, moving up only one slot to finish seventh in the summer. That streak of missed playoffs continued in 2019’s spring split when the team finished seventh again.
Throughout the underperforming splits, CLG made adjustments in the jungle and coaching staff, and now the team is ready for a change in the top lane. Darshan’s underperformance through the 2019 season is no secret, and he was at times replaced by substitute player Kevin “FallenBandit” Wu.
It’s rumored that former 1907 Fenerbahçe top laner Kim “Ruin” Hyeong-min is joining CLG in the summer. As for Darshan, the player is now looking for new opportunities, including a potential coaching role.
In North America, more teams are expected to make roster changes before the summer split, specifically 100 Thieves. After finishing in tenth place, 100 Thieves parted ways with mid laner Choi “huhi” Jae-hyun. The team is yet to announce a starting mid laner and may not settle for academy player Max “Soligo” Soong.
The LCS returns on June 1.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
