GorillA: Retirement can be ‘scary’ for even the biggest LoL stars

GorillA one of Korean gamers longest time still participating in the professional circuit, alongside superstar names like Faker, Deft and Impact of Team Liquid.

After three Korean titles with three different teams, four consecutive Worlds campaigns, 394 appearances in LCK and 26 matches against Misfits Gaming in Europe, there’s no denying that 25 year old gamer This has had an admirable career track record.

That’s not to say he’s not worried about being left behind by the next generation. That anxiety contributed at least a small part when he returned to Korea, after he signed with Sandbox Gaming in 2020.

On paper, GorillA is one of Korea’s biggest names in LoL. Internationally, however, he has played 20 times with Misfits, and it feels like he hasn’t reached the pinnacle of popularity like players like Faker, or former teammate PraY.

His inability to dominate at the highest level meant, at least from GorillA’s perspective, that he was unconnected in the minds of fan League of Legendsand could face being forgotten if he ends his long career.

He told Korizon: “Recently, I’ve started to wonder if I’m fading from people’s memories. I’ve been playing for seven years and the players who used to play with me are now retirement. We have lost some support this year.”

GorillA admits that he feels sad when he reads articles about the gamer Koreans “hang up the keyboard” and stop their careers. However, in addition to sadness, it is also the driving force that helps him succeed.

This offseason has also dealt a few personal blows to Sandbox’s new support, PraY’s long-term ADC teammate, and old friend Smeb, both of whom, by choice, have no team in the new season.

While he is disappointed that his friends won’t be participating in the LCK anymore, he also added that Smeb’s absence motivates him to do better, and shows the world that he still has Playable at the highest level.

GorillA says: “Smeb is resting and I want to be successful so I can tell him, proudly, if I can, so can he. I want to tell him that.”

He added: “I also didn’t play well before I left Korea, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do well when I come back. However, I’m back to challenge myself and if we keep going. winning like we did tonight, I think everything will be fine.”

The 25-year-old also faces a challenge he hasn’t faced before in his career. After signing with Sandbox for next year, he joins a lineup of rising stars, all of whom are his juniors. Now, he will become a wise leader.

“These kids, they’re 19, 20 years old, so they make me think about my childhood, that’s my first thought.”GorillA said while laughing.

“I was a bit nervous, because working with Leo and Route meant it could be a little awkward because of the age difference, but when that awkwardness didn’t come up. They communicated with me comfortably. I am really happy about this.”

GorillA and Sandbox Gaming defeated Griffin 2-0 on Sunday night to claim their spot in the semifinals. KeSPA Cup 2019. They will face Faker T1 and Gen.G in another quarterfinal next to their bracket.​