In the relentless world of professional League of Legends, success is measured not just by victories, but by the relentless pursuit of perfection. Even significant achievements can feel fleeting when the ultimate prize remains just out of reach. This perpetual cycle of ambition and re-evaluation now sees Team Liquid initiating a substantial restructuring of its League of Legends division, marked by the recent departure of Head Coach Kim ‘Reignover’ Yeu-jin.
Announced on October 7th, 2025, Reignover’s exit concludes a three-year tenure that, while punctuated by notable triumphs, ultimately ended with the bitter taste of missed opportunities. For an organization with Team Liquid’s pedigree and aspirations, such changes, while difficult, are an inevitable part of staying competitive at the highest echelon of esports.
Reignover`s Legacy: A Period of Prominence
Reignover, a respected former jungler, transitioned into coaching with Team Liquid in late 2022. His time at the helm, first as Assistant and later as Head Coach, coincided with a period of significant achievement for the North American powerhouse. Under his guidance, Team Liquid secured the prestigious LCS 2024 Spring title, demonstrating their regional dominance. Further cementing their international standing, the team claimed victory at the LTA 2025 Cross-Conference tournament.
Beyond the trophy cabinet, Reignover led Team Liquid to two appearances at the highly coveted League of Legends World Championship, a benchmark for any top-tier team. Their journey also included a commendable top-four finish at the Esports World Cup 2024, showcasing their capability on a global stage. These accomplishments underscore a coaching period that brought both stability and success, creating memorable moments for fans and players alike.
Reflecting on his time, Reignover shared his sentiments on social media: “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 words speak volumes about the personal connection forged within the team, making the separation all the more poignant.
The Inevitable Shift: When Success Isn`t Enough
Despite the illustrious record, the immediate past has been challenging. The catalyst for this organizational shift appears to be Team Liquid’s performance in the LTA North Split 3 campaign. A top-six placement, while not disastrous on its own, proved insufficient, as it meant the team failed to qualify for the LTA Championship and, critically, missed out on a spot at this year’s League of Legends World Championship. In esports, missing Worlds is often a harsh, undeniable signal for change.
This outcome highlights the brutal reality of competitive play: past successes, no matter how significant, rarely guarantee future security. The margins between victory and defeat are razor-thin, and the pressure to continuously adapt and excel is immense. For Team Liquid, the failure to reach the pinnacle event of the season necessitated a critical examination of their strategy, leading to the difficult decision to part ways with key figures.
A Broader Restructuring: Beyond the Head Coach
Reignover’s departure is not an isolated incident but rather a significant piece of a larger puzzle. Team Liquid’s off-season has already been characterized by a series of high-profile changes across its roster and coaching staff. In September, the community saw the announcement of Jeong ‘Impact’ Eon-young’s departure from the top lane role, a veteran player who had returned to the team in 2023. His exit marked the beginning of what appears to be a comprehensive overhaul.
Further solidifying the coaching staff restructure, Simon ‘Swiffer’ Papamarkos, who served as interim Head Coach and Assistant Coach, also left the organization on October 1st. These consecutive departures within the coaching hierarchy suggest a concerted effort to reset the strategic direction and leadership within the League of Legends division.
Looking ahead, the changes might not be over. According to the Global Contract Database, the contract of support player Jo ‘CoreJJ’ Yong-in, another long-standing and respected member of the team, is set to expire at the end of 2025. This situation opens the door for further pivotal decisions regarding the roster as Team Liquid meticulously prepares for the highly anticipated return of the LCS in 2026. The stage is being set for a potentially drastically different Team Liquid, aiming to reclaim its former glory and overcome the recent setbacks.
The Road Ahead: Building for 2026
As the esports landscape constantly evolves, organizations like Team Liquid face the perpetual challenge of balancing legacy with innovation. The departures of integral figures like Reignover and Impact signal an aggressive pivot, a clear statement of intent that the status quo is no longer acceptable. This period of transition will undoubtedly be critical, as the organization seeks to identify and onboard new talent that aligns with their future vision.
The upcoming 2026 LCS season represents a fresh start, a clean slate for Team Liquid to reassert its dominance. The decisions made during this off-season, from coaching appointments to player acquisitions, will define their trajectory for years to come. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this beloved organization navigates the turbulent waters of change, hoping that these bold moves will ultimately pave the way for a triumphant return to the top, both regionally and internationally. The game of competitive League of Legends, much like the teams that play it, is in a constant state of flux, always chasing the next meta, the next champion, the next victory.
