Gen.G retains core players, revamps coaching staff with veteran tactician

In a fairly chaotic offseason in League of Legends esports, Gen.G has stood out by choosing stability, retaining its full core roster while making a decisive coaching shift aimed at injecting fresh energy into the team and driving better results.

As part of a significant coaching overhaul, the organization has brought in veteran coach Yoo “Ryu” Sang-wook, a respected former star League mid laner whose deep understanding of the game makes him a valuable addition to Gen.G’s staff. He was previously a part of the BNK FEARX squad in the LCK, which lifted the Asia Invitational 2025 trophy. 

Gen.G’s 2025 season was marked by strong individual performances with a consistent team identity. The roster remained competitive in the LCK, securing domestic titles, a 27-match undefeated win streak, and solid regular season results. However, the team struggled to convert their momentum at Worlds despite securing other international trophies like the Esports World Cup and MSI 2025. 

Despite receiving multiple offers as a free agent during the offseason, Canyon has decided to re-sign with the squad, keeping the roster unchanged with Kiin, Chovy, Ruler, and Duro. Gen.G’s CEO, Arnold Hur, revealed on X that he was initially surprised by Canyon’s decision, given the state of the market and the offers that the jungler received to switch his team. And with Ryu on their side, Gen.G is looking solid for the upcoming season.

Ryu’s legacy is intertwined with one of the most iconic rivalries in League esports history: his Zed 1v1 with Faker during the formative years of the LCK. Although Ryu was on the wrong end of one of the most famous outplay clips ever recorded, it cemented his place in esports culture, while people started to take notice of Faker during the SKT T1 days.

While the rivalry belongs to the past now, its competitive spirit still resonates. Ryu’s firsthand understanding of what it takes to face and attempt to overcome Korea’s most dominant dynasty gives Gen.G a coach with both historical perspective and competitive fire. 

It’s a symbolism that Gen.G supporters won’t overlook as the organization continues its pursuit of breaking past T1 on the international stage, especially at Worlds, where the team is still looking for a world championship and add that elusive star on their jersey.

Gen.G’s identity has long revolved around disciplined laning, structured map control, and clean mid-game teamfights. However, the team has often struggled in adaptability, decisive playmaking in clutch moments, and sustaining momentum through knockout series at Worlds. While they are the reigning back-to-back MSI champions, they always seem to fall at the semis in the biggest tournament of all. So, Ryu might be the one who can help them lift the Worlds trophy.

As Gen.G enters the 2026 LCK regular split, they won’t have to worry about rebuilding team synergy since they’re keeping the same roster. But they will still need to adapt to the evolving meta, and maintain their momentum throughout the season if they want to win Worlds.