According to sources close to Korizon, Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon is expected to take a break from professional competition in 2022. Though the former World Champion was met with various offers from LCK teams such as T1 and his old squad, Damwon Kia, Nuguri has chosen to rest.
Nuguri is most well-known for his time spent on Damwon Kia, where he won several LCK Championships and claimed a World title in 2020. The toplaner notably joined FunPlus Phoenix in the LPL and formed a supposed ‘superteam’ in China. The squad largely failed to live up to his sky-high expectations.
FPX failed to win either Split despite making finals twice and was mos notably knocked out in Groups Stage by both Cloud9 and Rogue. It is unclear whether or not this difficult season had any sway over Nuguri’s decision to take a break in the following year.
Nuguri has also reportedly suffered from health issues. The young toplaner had a major health incident in 2020 following the Summer Finals wherein he required surgery to recover a collapsed lung. Nuguri managed to recover and bounce back to win a world title, but health and further recovery may be a reason behind his hiatus.
The toplaner’s move to China also proved difficult, as several reports came out about his difficultly adapting to the country and culture. While the team still managed to pile together some impressive regular seasons, this likely took a toll on the toplaner. No matter the reason, it seems that one of the best players to touch the toplane will be missing come next season.
More offseason news:
- Team Liquid brings on Guilhoto as its new LCS Head Coach
- CLG promises ‘a new age’ with its 2022 roster
- Cloud9 set to sign 3 LCK players to its 2022 League of Legends roster
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