The biggest loss for SKT will be their shot caller and top laner, Jang “Marin” Gyeong-hwan. It’s not confirmed where MaRin will play next year, but speculation thus far is pointing towards him making a move to the Chinese LoL Pro League. He had a huge showing at Worlds and played a crucial part in SKT only dropping one game the entire tournament (he earned MVP honors for his exceptional play).
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok will remain on the team, but backup mid laner Lee “Easyhoon” Ji-hoon has left the team to find a full time starting position. Easyhoon saw significant playing time even as a backup, often splitting series with Faker. His differing playstyle, Faker is more aggressive while Easyhoon is exceptional at controlling waves and farming creep score, allowed SKT to change their style of play game to game.
SKT fans can agree that it’s long past due for Easyhoon to have his own time in the sun, emerging from the shadows of Faker. It’s unclear at this time which team Easyhoon will play for next year, but whoever signs him to a contract will be getting a champion and world class player.
Meanwhile, backup jungler Im “Tom” Jae-hyeon will also be leaving the team. The emergence of Bae “bengi” Seong-ung in the jungle makes this less of a blow to SKT, but it still limits their playstyle somewhat.
SKT has been phenomenal at finding talent so expect them to be contenders again next year. They’re well known for finding solo que talent and player development, but the loss of MaRin will be huge shoes to fill. Faker will need to step up and become more of a leader as his playing time will undoubtedly increase with the loss of Easyhoon. Questions remain who will be the primary shot caller as well.
Both Huni and Reignover joined Fnatic in 2015 as the organization looked to upgrade their team roster and return to the glory days that saw the team win the first ever League of Legends World Championship. Huni received the Outstanding Rookie reward following his dominating performance in the Spring split (this was his first time playing in a professional league). Reignover is another Korean player from a long standing culture of producing exceptional players.
While it’s unclear what team the two players will join next year, they both have stated that they wish to join the same team in the North American LCS. “It was not in my plan even a few weeks ago, but as I thought about it after Worlds, and having been offered a good opportunity elsewhere, I think it is the right decision for me,” Reignover stated. “I really love playing at Fnatic, love my teammates, and fans, but I hope they understand me. Thank you.”
Currently, expectations are that Bunny FuFuu will be coached by Hai to become the team’s primary shot caller. Bunny FuFuu showed with Gravity Gaming last year that while his Thresh play is still perhaps the best in the world, his champion pool is not just limited to that one champion.
