He might return later as a coach or content creator.
South Korean League of Legends (LoL) pro Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho has retired from competition effective immediately on May 7, he announced on Twitter.
The 27-year-old player had been working as a streamer and content creator under 100 Thieves after the 2023 season concluded. The reason behind Ssumday's sudden retirement from LoL is that he felt it was his "turn" and he'll undergo his mandatory military service in South Korea starting in July.
Ssumday might return to the scene as a coach or streamer after completing his military service, but he might also find "another job outside of league."
Ssumday's career achievements in LoL
Ssumday retired from LoL after spending the last 10 years as a professional player. The top laner started his career in KT Rolster in 2013 and moved to North America in 2016 to play for Team Dignitas. While he only played for KT Rolster in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) circuit, he also represented 100 Thieves and Evil Geniuses in the League Championship Series (LCS).
Ssumday most notably won the Champions Summer with KT Rolster in August 2014 and the LCS Summer with 100 Thieves in August 2021. Besides that, he played in four Worlds Championships — once with KT Rolster in 2015 and three times with 100 Thieves in 2018, 2021, and 2022 — before retiring.
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LoL's community reacts to Ssumday's retirement
As expected, several LoL pros and esports personalities left heartwarming messages to Ssumday after he retired from pro play. This, more than anything, shows that the top laner left a positive mark on the community and will be missed.
The mandatory military service in South Korea can last up to 21 months, so it'll take a while before Ssumday potentially comes back to the LoL scene.
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