TL;DR
- TheShy expressed uncertainty about continuing his professional career due to expiring contract and pandemic challenges
- Invictus Gaming failed to qualify for Worlds 2020 despite high preseason expectations
- The team’s performance declined significantly from Spring semifinals to Summer sixth place finish
- Personal factors including dental treatment and international travel restrictions added complexity
- The 2021 season lineup remains undetermined as the organization evaluates its options
Invictus Gaming’s star top laner and former World Champion Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok revealed during a recent live stream that his future in professional League of Legends remains uncertain. The Korean import shared candid thoughts about potentially stepping away from competitive play as his contractual obligations near expiration.
When questioned about his travel plans to prepare for the upcoming competitive season, TheShy responded with notable hesitation. His indecision stems primarily from ongoing global health concerns and personal circumstances affecting international mobility for esports professionals.
“My current contract situation leaves me evaluating multiple possibilities for next year,” TheShy explained during the broadcast. The uncertainty reflects broader challenges facing international players competing in foreign leagues during the pandemic era.
Q: When are you leaving Korea to prepare for next season?
TheShy: “I’m not too sure. I haven’t decided on whether or not I’ll be a professional player next year, since my contract is expiring this year. I’ll have to think about it, It’s mainly due to COVID-19 …”
(Continued) pic.twitter.com/GQs4pJhxwB
— Kevin Kim (@KevinKimLoL) October 19, 2020
The professional player further disclosed he’s undergoing dental correction procedures while navigating the complexities of international travel restrictions. “The inability to freely move between countries creates significant professional and personal challenges,” he noted, highlighting the unique pressures facing foreign athletes in China’s LPL ecosystem.
“While I’m carefully considering my options, barring unexpected developments, I intend to continue competing while I maintain the capability,” TheShy stated, suggesting a conditional commitment to his esports career path.
TheShy missed Worlds 2020 after a lackluster year in LPL
Following a season that fell short of organizational and fan expectations, TheShy’s career contemplation reflects broader team performance issues. Supporters entered 2020 with championship aspirations after iG secured the continued services of both Korean stars TheShy and mid lane veteran Song “Rookie” Eui-jin.
Despite fielding what many analysts considered individually talented players, the squad failed to capture domestic honors or secure qualification for the global championship tournament.
The team’s competitive trajectory showed concerning decline throughout the year. iG reached the semifinal stage during the Spring Split playoffs but experienced significant regression during the summer campaign, finishing in sixth position overall.
Their final opportunity to reach Worlds 2020 came through the Regional Finals pathway, where they faced elimination against LGD Gaming in the decisive qualification match. This marked the first time since 2017 that Invictus Gaming would miss the premier international League of Legends event.
The organization now faces critical decisions regarding roster construction and strategic direction for the 2021 campaign. Team composition remains unconfirmed as management evaluates how to rebuild competitive momentum.
The intersection of individual career considerations and team performance creates complex decision-making scenarios for both player and organization. Professional esports athletes typically face these career inflection points around contract expiration periods, requiring careful evaluation of both competitive and personal factors.
For international players like TheShy, additional variables include visa requirements, family considerations, and adaptation to foreign competitive environments. These elements become particularly pronounced during global health crises that restrict international mobility.
Teams managing imported talent must balance competitive needs with player welfare, especially when dealing with stars of TheShy’s caliber and championship pedigree.
Successful organizations often implement structured career development programs that address both in-game performance and out-of-game well-being. This holistic approach can help retain top talent while maintaining competitive performance levels.
The upcoming offseason will prove crucial for both TheShy’s personal career trajectory and Invictus Gaming’s competitive future in the increasingly stacked LPL landscape.
Action Checklist
- Assess current contract status and negotiation timeline
- Evaluate personal performance metrics and team contribution
- Analyze market value and alternative opportunities
- Consider personal factors including health, family, and lifestyle preferences
- Develop contingency plans for various career scenarios
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » iG TheShy is unsure if he will play professionally next year TheShy's career uncertainty and Invictus Gaming's disappointing 2020 season analyzed