A significant overhaul is underway at Team Liquid`s League of Legends division, signaled by the departure of Head Coach Kim `Reignover` Yeu-jin. This move marks a pivotal moment for the storied North American organization as it grapples with recent setbacks and sets its sights on a renewed future.
In the relentlessly competitive world of esports, even recent triumphs offer no guaranteed immunity from the winds of change. Such is the current narrative unfolding within the ranks of Team Liquid`s League of Legends division. Following a season that fell short of their championship aspirations, the North American esports giant has initiated a comprehensive shake-up, commencing with the widely announced departure of Head Coach Kim ‘Reignover‘ Yeu-jin.
Reignover, a name synonymous with strategic acumen from his playing days as a formidable jungler, joined Team Liquid’s coaching staff in late 2022. His three-year tenure, which concluded on October 7th, 2025, was far from uneventful. Under his guidance, Team Liquid celebrated significant victories, including the LCS 2024 Spring title and a championship at the LTA 2025 Cross-Conference tournament. The team also made two appearances at the prestigious League of Legends World Championship and secured a respectable top-four finish at the Esports World Cup 2024. These are achievements many organizations would envy, yet in esports, the pursuit of perpetual dominance is an insatiable beast.
The Unforgiving Nature of the Summoner`s Rift
One might ponder: how does a coach with such a commendable track record find himself at the center of a post-season overhaul? The answer lies in the brutal reality of professional League of Legends. While past glories are cherished, the present season’s performance dictates the future. For Team Liquid, the Achilles` heel was their showing in the LTA North Split 3. A top-six placement, while not disastrous on its own, was insufficient. It meant failing to qualify for the LTA Championship and, critically, missing out on a spot at this year’s League of Legends World Championship – an event that stands as the ultimate benchmark of a team`s global standing.
Reignover himself articulated his feelings with grace: “Big love to the fans, players, and coaches who have trusted and supported me over the past three years. My time in Team Liquid has been truly special. It’s been a place where I’ve always wanted to be, enjoying every day with fun, passion and happiness. I will always carry these warm memories.” Such sentiments underscore the personal investment and passion these professionals bring, even as the professional landscape demands cold, hard results.
A Domino Effect: Beyond the Coaching Staff
Reignover’s exit is not an isolated incident but rather a significant piece in a larger puzzle of transformation. The repercussions of missing Worlds have rippled through the entire organization. In September, the community saw the departure of veteran top laner Jeong ‘Impact’ Eon-young, who had returned to the team in 2023. Shortly after Reignover’s announcement, Simon ‘Swiffer’ Papamarkos, who served as interim Head Coach and Assistant Coach, also departed on October 1st.
Further changes could be on the horizon. The Global Contract Database indicates that the contract of star support player Jo ‘CoreJJ‘ Yong-in is set to expire at the close of 2025. This introduces another layer of uncertainty and potential for a radically different roster as Team Liquid gears up for the much-anticipated return of the LCS in 2026.
Gazing Towards 2026: The Path to Redemption
The upcoming season promises to be one of profound redefinition for Team Liquid. With key figures moving on and the competitive structure evolving with the return of the LCS, the organization faces the monumental task of rebuilding. The challenge isn`t merely to find new talent but to forge a cohesive unit capable of reclaiming past glories and, more importantly, securing future ones. The North American scene, in particular, will be keenly watching to see how this storied franchise navigates its current crossroads.
As the dust settles on this intense period of change, one thing remains clear: in esports, the cycle of ambition, performance, and reinvention is perpetual. Team Liquid`s latest strategic shift is a testament to the unyielding pressure at the pinnacle of competitive gaming, where yesterday’s champions must continually prove themselves anew to stay in the race for tomorrow’s coveted trophies.
