Team Liquid’s League of Legends Team Exits World Championship
Team Liquid’s League of Legends team has been eliminated from the 2023 World Championship after a surprising loss to Vietnam’s GAM Esports. As the season comes to a close, the players, coaches, and staff of the team must regroup and prepare for the new year. This includes Hong “Pyosik” Chang-hyeon, who faces important decisions for his future in 2024.
If Pyosik decides not to extend his contract with Liquid, he will become a free agent in the upcoming offseason. This will give him the freedom to either stay in North America, return to Korea, or explore opportunities in another region. Despite not achieving the desired success with Liquid, Pyosik expressed how he grew to enjoy playing in NA throughout the year.
In an interview with Korizon’s Ashley Kang, the 23-year-old jungler revealed that he initially had reservations about playing in NA but joined Liquid due to a lack of options. However, as time went on, he began to appreciate the region for its focus on player happiness. NA stood out as a place that not only emphasized in-game performance but also fostered a supportive and enjoyable environment for players.
“I’ve come to realize that NA promotes team bonding through various creative activities, both in and out of the game. After spending four years playing professionally, I can say that NA has the highest level of happiness,” Pyosik explained.
Over the course of the season, Pyosik’s perception of the LCS expanded, and he now acknowledges that NA is not as bad as he initially thought. However, he remains disappointed with his performance at Worlds, especially considering the improvements he made in shotcalling, communication, and overall game knowledge. Pyosik also believes that the pressure placed on Liquid’s rookies, following losing streaks in scrimmages against LCK teams, may have impacted their performance on the main stage.
Future Options for Pyosik
Looking ahead, Pyosik must make significant decisions for his career. In the upcoming offseason, he can choose to continue playing in the LCS as a top jungler candidate. Alternatively, he can take a risk and explore opportunities in the LPL or LCK, where securing a starting position on a competitive roster may be more challenging. Regardless, Pyosik has ample time to weigh his options before the start of free agency.
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