Former LCK caster Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith has joined 100 Thieves.
100 Thieves has announced PapaSmithy as the team’s new League of Legends general manager in a surprise move.
“Previously an LCK caster for 4+ years, Chris is one of the most well-respected analysts / commentators in the industry. We’re thrilled to bring him to NA & can’t wait to build more for 100T LoL,” 100 Thieves said on Twitter.
On August 31, PapaSmithy said goodbye to the LCK. The caster posted on Twitter a heartfelt message regarding his time in the top Korean competition in League of Legends. His departure from the LCK took the community by surprise, and the fans immediately assumed that he would be moving to the LEC following PapaSmithy appearing as a guest analyst in Europe.
The news put an end to the speculation about PapaSmithy’s future as a caster. Instead, he’s in taking an important role within 100 Thieve, one of the newest organizations in the LCS.
100 Thieves’ journey in League of Legends so far could better be described as a rollercoaster. The team made it to the 2018 World Championship in its first year. In spring 2019, the organization signed its first major star, former SK Telecom T1 bottom laner and two-time World Champion Bae “Bang” Jun-sik. It wasn’t enough to bring the team back up the standings, as 100 Thieves finished in last place.
Ahead of the summer split, the team brought up new talent to reinforce the roster, including jungler Maurice “Amazing” StĂĽckenschneider and top laner Rookie of the Split Aaron “FakeGod” Lee. Mid laner Ryu “Ryu” Sang-wook returned to complete the lineup that would put the team back on the map. 100 Thieves was one game away from making it to playoffs, but ultimately would come up short.
100 Thieves is not giving up, as the team is committed to succeeding in League of Legends and PapaSmithy might just be the key hire that will make it happen for them. He brings along many years of experience and a deep knowledge of the game.
The community was quick to react and congratulate both parties.
“Super high IQ play by 100T, securing one of the biggest brains in LoL,” wrote a fan on Twitter.
PapaSmithy is now a general manager, but his days as an analyst might not be over. It’s possible for him to join the LCS analyst desk from time to time just like Origen’s Martin “Deficio” Lynge does in the LEC.
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