Gen.G, one of South Korea’s most prominent esports organizations, has decided to make significant changes to its roster following a somewhat underwhelming performance in the 2023 League of Legends competitive season.
Despite high hopes and a star-studded lineup, Gen.G fell short of securing a world championship title, and as they prepare for the 2024 season, they are set to part ways with several key players and coaching staff.
Major departures
The organization has chosen not to renew the contracts of some of its most renowned players, including Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon, Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, Yoo “Delight” Hwan-joong, and top laner Choi ‘Doran’ Hyeon-joon.
All of these players had contracts expiring after the 2023 World Championship. Despite their previous contributions to the team, Gen.G has opted to move in a different direction for the upcoming season.
The only player who will remain on the Gen.G roster is rookie Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan. Peyz, who signed a contract that extends through 2024, has shown promise during his time with the team and will likely play a pivotal role in Gen.G’s rebuilding process.
Unfulfilled expectations
Gen.G’s journey in 2023 was not without its triumphs. The team managed to secure victories in the LCK Spring and Summer Playoffs, earning them a ticket to both the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and Worlds 2023. However, when it came to the international stage, Gen.G faltered.
At MSI, they faced Bilibili Gaming in the semifinals and fell short, unable to advance to the finals. The disappointment continued at Worlds 2023, where Gen.G’s journey was cut short in the quarterfinals once again at the hands of Bilibili Gaming. These results left the organization eager for change.
Gen.G’s decision to part ways with its coaching staff is also a noteworthy development. The coaching staff’s contracts, like those of the players, expired after the 2023 Worlds. With these changes, Gen.G is essentially hitting the reset button and seeking to redefine its competitive identity.
While the decision may seem drastic to some, it is not uncommon in the esports world. Roster changes are a strategic move aimed at improving a team’s performance and competitiveness in the fiercely competitive League of Legends scene.
Looking ahead to 2024
With the departure of key players and coaching staff, Gen.G now has the opportunity to rebuild its roster from scratch. The organization will likely delve into the pool of free agents and explore potential talent to fill the void left by their departing stars.
As the esports offseason unfolds, fans and analysts eagerly await news of Gen.G’s revamped lineup for the 2024 season. Roster changes are common during this period, and Gen.G’s actions will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized within the esports community.
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