The esports world, particularly the League of Legends circuit, is rarely a stranger to seismic shifts. Teams, like professional football clubs, are perpetually engaged in a high-stakes dance of roster construction, ever chasing that elusive perfect synergy. Yet, even by these volatile standards, the recent developments within Team Liquid`s League of Legends division stand out as a profound restructuring, signaling the conclusive end of an era and the undeniable beginning of another.
At the epicenter of this transformation is the departure of Kim ‘Reignover’ Yeu-jin, who has concluded his three-year tenure as a pivotal figure in Team Liquid`s coaching staff. Announced on October 7th, 2025, Reignover`s exit is not merely a change in personnel; it`s the most prominent domino to fall in a series of strategic adjustments that have already begun to reshape the North American giant.
A Legacy Forged in Blue
Reignover’s journey with Team Liquid began in late 2022, marking his transition from a celebrated jungler to a leader behind the scenes. His time with the organization was, by any measure, a period of notable achievement. Under his guidance, Team Liquid ascended to claim the LCS 2024 Spring title, a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership. Further demonstrating their prowess, the team secured victory at the LTA 2025 Cross-Conference tournament.
Beyond regional triumphs, Reignover steered the squad through two demanding World Championship appearances, a feat that, despite not culminating in a grand victory, showcased Team Liquid`s consistent presence on the global stage. A particular highlight was their impressive top-four finish at the Esports World Cup 2024, solidifying their reputation as a formidable contender.
The Inevitable Pivot: When Aspirations Fall Short
However, the highly competitive nature of League of Legends esports dictates that past glories, no matter how significant, often offer little insulation against the harsh realities of current performance. The irony, some might observe, is that after a period of considerable success, it was a single disappointing campaign that served as the catalyst for such extensive change.
Team Liquid’s recent performance in the LTA North Split 3 yielded only a top-six placement, an outcome that fell far short of the organization’s lofty expectations. The consequence was severe: failure to qualify for the LTA Championship and, critically, missing out on a spot at this year’s prestigious League of Legends World Championship. For a team with Team Liquid`s pedigree, such an omission is not merely a setback; it`s a profound call to re-evaluation.
“Big love to the fans, players, and coaches who have trusted and supported me over the past three years,” Reignover shared on social media, reflecting on his time. “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.”
His sentiments paint a picture of genuine affection for the organization and its community, a reminder that behind every strategic decision are human connections and shared journeys.
Beyond Reignover: A Comprehensive Overhaul
Reignover’s departure is not an isolated event but part of a larger strategic recalibration. The signs of this sweeping change became evident even before his announcement. In September, the steadfast top laner, Jeong ‘Impact’ Eon-young, a name synonymous with consistent performance and a previous returnee to the Team Liquid banner in 2023, confirmed his exit.
Adding to the coaching staff`s transformation, Simon ‘Swiffer’ Papamarkos, who served as both interim Head Coach and Assistant Coach, also departed on October 1st. These successive changes paint a clear picture: Team Liquid is not just tweaking; it`s performing a comprehensive reset.
And the changes may not yet be complete. The Global Contract Database indicates that Jo ‘CoreJJ’ Yong-in’s contract is set to expire at the close of 2025. CoreJJ, a veteran support and one of the most respected figures in the scene, represents another potential point of significant change as the team charts its course for the future.
Looking Ahead: The Return of LCS and a Blank Canvas
This period of intense transition for Team Liquid aligns with broader structural changes within the League of Legends esports ecosystem, most notably Riot’s farewell to the LTA and the much-anticipated return of the LCS in 2026. For Team Liquid, this confluence of internal changes and external shifts presents both immense challenges and unparalleled opportunities.
The canvas is being wiped clean. The task of rebuilding a championship-caliber roster and coaching infrastructure is monumental, demanding meticulous planning, shrewd acquisitions, and a renewed vision. Fans will be watching intently, eager to see how the storied organization navigates this pivotal off-season.
The ultimate goal, as always, remains clear: to build a team capable of dominating the domestic scene and making a formidable impact on the international stage. With Reignover`s era concluded, Team Liquid steps into an unknown future, armed with the lessons of past triumphs and recent disappointments, ready to write its next chapter in the annals of esports history. The question is, will this grand reset lead them back to the summit?
Oliver Brampton