New Wave of Young Stars in the League of Legends Scene
In recent years, the competitive League of Legends (LoL) scene has witnessed a remarkable rise of young talents. These rising stars have taken the lead in the top leagues worldwide, not only becoming the faces of their respective organizations but also representing their regions on a global scale.
Superstars like ShowMaker, Canyon, and Chovy have become household names in the LCK league. Similarly, Elyoya, Adam, and Larssen are making their mark in the LEC. Meanwhile, Bin, Viper, and Gala have already gained worldwide recognition for their skills. What’s impressive is that all these players are only 21 years old or younger.
A New Era for North America
Across the Atlantic, the North American League of Legends community has often been on the receiving end of jokes regarding team-building strategies. The region has been criticized for heavily relying on veteran imports and yet failing to achieve significant international success.
However, it seems that things are changing in 2022. Several major teams in North America are now investing in unproven rookie talents who have the potential to elevate the region’s performance alongside other major regions.
TSM has recruited Keaiduo and Shenyi from the LDL, Cloud9 has brought in Berserker and Winsome from the Korean developmental scene, and 100 Thieves has promoted young NA players like Tenacity, Luger, and Poome from its Academy team to LCS teams this spring.
But one team, in particular, stands out in shaping the region’s future—Evil Geniuses. With its focus on young players and investments in tier-two rosters like EG Academy and EG Prodigies, the organization is betting on youth to excel in the league. Last year, EG’s developmental system gave rise to Danny, one of the LCS’ newest and youngest stars. Now, they have introduced another hyped rookie, Joseph “Jojopyun” Joon Pyun, to the world.
The Journey of Jojopyun
Jojopyun’s emergence in the League of Legends scene is relatively recent. Not much is known about this promising young talent who spent less than a year in EG’s Academy team. However, Jojopyun is eager to share his journey into League, his everyday life in the LCS, and his hunger for success in his first split.
From Casual Gaming to Competitive Esports
Jojopyun’s passion for competition started at a young age. He initially focused on games like Call of Duty before diving into the world of Fortnite in 2019. While competing in open Fortnite tournaments, he gained recognition for his high placements and even for streaming his gameplay. However, he never viewed Fortnite as a potential profession and eventually lost interest in the game.
In search of a new competitive outlet, Jojopyun turned his attention to League of Legends. Despite the stark differences between Fortnite and League, his raw mechanical skill and intense ambition set him apart from other amateur players. EG’s scouts recognized his potential and offered him a spot on the Academy team.
A New Home, a New Passion
As a young player, Jojopyun faced challenges when adjusting to his new life in Los Angeles. Being away from family and friends affected him more than expected. To cope with homesickness, he turned to basketball, a sport he has always loved. Playing basketball not only helped him bond with his teammates but also provided a source of solace during moments of loneliness.
Finding his place in the LCS
While Jojopyun’s journey in the LCS is still in its early stages, he has already made a significant impression on EG’s general manager and his teammates. Despite his young age, Jojopyun has shown remarkable leadership skills and a competitive drive to win. He aims to become the best and believes in his team’s potential to qualify for the 2022 World Championship. With the right support and guidance, Jojopyun has the determination to leave a lasting legacy in the League of Legends community.
Insights from Inspired
EG’s star jungler, Inspired, recognizes Jojopyun’s talent and aggressive playstyle. According to Inspired, Jojopyun’s confidence in his own abilities allows him to go head-to-head with established players and outperform them. However, Inspired also believes that Jojopyun needs to develop a better understanding of the overall game and his role within it. With time and experience, Jojopyun can sharpen his game sense and become an even more formidable player.
The Road to Greatness
EG and Jojopyun still have areas to improve as they face initial setbacks in their LCS journey. However, the foundation for a potential dynasty has been established. Jojopyun’s desire to succeed, combined with his confident demeanor, has won over North American fans tired of international disappointments. It is now up to him to prove his worth on the Summoner’s Rift and make his mark in the competitive scene.
Jojopyun’s path to success has been unconventional, but with the support of his all-star teammates and experienced coaching staff, he has all the tools necessary to become a true champion for North America.
Related League of Legends, Esports, NA LCS, Evil Geniuses, Rookie Talent, Rising Stars, Competitive Gaming