TL;DR
- GimGoon retires after 8-year career, including 2019 Worlds championship with FunPlus Phoenix
- Known as ‘Weak Side King’ for playing effectively with minimal team resources
- Specialized in scaling champions like Gangplank, earning permanent Worlds skin
- Unable to secure new team after FPX departure despite championship pedigree
- Legacy includes revolutionizing weak side playstyle and earning massive fan admiration
Professional League of Legends veteran Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem has officially concluded his competitive gaming journey. The South Korean top laner’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in esports history.
GimGoon achieved legendary status as a crucial component of FunPlus Phoenix’s historic 2019 Worlds championship roster. His unique ability to thrive in disadvantaged situations earned him the respected title of “Weak Side King” – a player who could consistently win lane matchups while receiving minimal jungle attention or team resources.
GimGoon’s Transition from Championship to Retirement
Following his departure from FunPlus Phoenix alongside teammate Kim “Khan” Dong-ha at the conclusion of 2020, GimGoon encountered unexpected difficulties in securing a new competitive home. Despite his championship pedigree and proven track record, the evolving meta and team priorities created a challenging free agency landscape for specialists of his playstyle.
The top lane specialist’s contract expiration came after a season where team strategies increasingly favored resource-heavy carry tops over self-sufficient weak side players. This shift in competitive philosophy left many teams hesitant to invest in a player whose greatest strength was functioning independently.
Throughout his FPX tenure, GimGoon developed exceptional proficiency with scaling champions like Tryndamere and Gangplank. His 2019 Gangplank performances became so iconic that he selected the champion for his permanent Worlds championship skin – a rare honor reserved for the most impactful performances.
Gangplank perfectly embodied GimGoon’s strategic approach: surviving difficult early game matchups through precise wave management, then accumulating incremental advantages to become a mid-game powerhouse. This methodology required exceptional game sense and patience, qualities that defined his career.
Understanding weak side fundamentals involves mastering several critical skills: precise minion wave manipulation, optimal recall timing, threat assessment, and teleport usage. Many aspiring top laners struggle with the mental fortitude required to consistently play from behind while still contributing to team objectives.
GimGoon now joins the distinguished group of South Korean world champions who have transitioned from professional competition. His name remains permanently etched in League of Legends history alongside those who have lifted the Summoner’s Cup.
His self-sufficient, team-oriented approach established him as an icon during an era increasingly focused on individual highlight plays and mechanical outplays. This contrast made his success even more remarkable and educational for players studying team-based strategies.
Global Community Honors GimGoon’s Legacy
The announcement of GimGoon’s retirement triggered an immediate outpouring of appreciation from fans worldwide. Supporters celebrated his career with affectionate nicknames including “GP God,” “The Strongest Shield,” and “KingGoon” – testament to his profound community impact.
His professional journey spanned an impressive eight-year period since his competitive debut in 2013, representing one of the longest tenures among world championship players. This longevity speaks volumes about his adaptability and consistent performance across multiple meta shifts.
Action Checklist
- Analyze 2019 Worlds VODs focusing on GimGoon’s wave management techniques
- Practice weak side fundamentals in custom games with limited jungle assistance
- Study Gangplank matchups to understand scaling champion power spikes
- Review FPX team coordination during 2019 season for strategic insights
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Former world champion FPX GimGoon retires GimGoon's retirement marks the end of an era for League of Legends weak side specialists and FPX legacy