Korean League of Legends star Ssumday has announced his retirement.
On May 7, Korean League of Legends player Kim “Sumday” Chan-ho announced his retirement, shocking the gaming community. The 27-year-old star has stated that he will serve mandatory military service in his home nation. After completing his duty, Ssumday stated that he may return to the scene as a streamer or coach.
A Decade of Glory for League of Legends
Ssumday’s retirement concludes an amazing ten-year career in League of Legends. Throughout his path, he has reached key domestic and international milestones. Notably, he won the Korean championship and competed four times in the Worlds. In addition to these feats, Ssumday earned multiple split finals and three Reflecting on his career, he stated, “I am not sure whether I have done that well, but I believe I have done a good job because there are still a lot of people who support me.
A veteran of LCK and LCS
Ssumday’s history spans two major leagues, the LCK and the LCS. He rose to fame through KT Rolster’s prestigious academy program, eventually making the playoffs in his first Worlds participation in 2015. However, his move to North America in 2017 to join Dignitas boosted his prominence in the Western scene.
Ssumday spent a year with Dignitas before joining 100 Thieves in the organization’s debut split in 2018. He was instrumental in the team’s success, propelling it to the top of the regular split ladder. Despite reaching the split is grand finals, 100 Thieves lost to Team Liquid and just missed out on a playoff slot at Worlds 2018.
Over the next four years, Ssumday established himself as a prominent top laner on 100 Thieves. His efforts resulted in a well-deserved LCS triumph in 2021, however the team nearly missed out on a Worlds playoff slot despite winning the series against eventual champions EDward Gaming. Ssumday momentarily left 100 Thieves in Spring 2023 for Evil Geniuses, but triumphantly returned to his previous squad in Summer.
However, the projected resurgence of 100 Thieves’ past greatness did not materialize, with the team finishing ninth in the 2023 season. Ssumday entered free agency after the season ended, although he remained with 100 Thieves as a streamer and content provider. He stated a desire to be involved in the League of Legends community via streaming or teaching after finishing his military service in July, while also contemplating alternatives outside of the game.