Former G2 Esports jungler Trick is retiring, future unclear

Former G2 Esports jungler Kim “Trick” Gang-yun has announced his retirement from professional play. Trick won’t be returning to the stage next spring, as the jungler said goodbye to his career through Twitter.

“Bye pro-gamer life maybe esports life was really fun and I had good experience I will miss LEC, players, teammates, LCK, fans. I love you all you guys I hope you guys doing well,” Trick wrote.

Trick started his career in 2014 with the now disbanded VTG 2, where he originally played as a support. Later that year, he transferred to the iconic South Korean organization CJ Entus and switched to the jungle role. Trick’s first opportunity to shine came in late 2015 when he joined G2.

With Trick as its jungler, G2 won four consecutive EU LCS titles in 2016 and 2017. Trick left Europe on a high note and returned home to join bbq Olivers in the LCK. The team barely avoided relegations in spring of 2018, but didn’t have the same luck in the summer split. bbq Olivers lost its slot to MVP and was demoted to Challengers Korea. Trick left the team after the relegation tournament, just in time to avoid the drama involving bbq Olivers, Sebastian “Malice” Edholm, and Nick “LS” De Cesare.

From bbq Olivers, Trick jumped to Turkey where he played with Galakticos for one split. Ahead of the 2019 TCL Summer Split came his opportunity to return to the LEC with FC Schalke 04. Trick brought new life into Schalke, who just placed seventh the previous split.

A newfound aggression coming from the jungle helped the team stay competitive. Schalke finished the regular season in fourth place and guaranteed a spot in playoffs. The team would end up getting third place and a chance to compete in the regional finals. Schalke was one series away from qualifying to the World Championship that year, but ultimately came up short.

Trick joined the final team of his career ahead of the 2020 season, SK Gaming. During his time with SK, Trick would be regarded as the best player on the team and was instrumental to the team’s brief successes. After the team was eliminated from the playoffs in Europe, Trick parted ways with the organization. On October, Trick announced his free agency only to retire three months later.

Trick didn’t share his plans for the future. He might turn to streaming or perhaps take a coaching role. As a citizen of South Korea, Trick must go through mandatory military service, so that might be another option.

One thing is for sure: He will be missed on the Summoner’s Rift.

Who won the LEC 2020?

G2 Esports won both 2020 Spring and Summer splits in the LEC. Fnatic was the runner-up on both occasions.

How does the LEC work?

The LEC is a franchised league in Europe, meaning it has no promotions or relegations. Ten teams compete across two splits. The spring split takes place between January and April, and the summer split takes place between June and September. Each split consists of an eight-week regular season leading up to a playoff. The winner of the spring split qualifies to the Mid-Season Invitational. The winner of the summer split seeds directly to the World Championship.

Is the LEC canceled?

No, the LEC is not canceled. Due to current travel and live event restrictions, the LEC is being played online and without live fan attendance. The 2021 LEC Spring Split starts on January 24.