China has fallen just short of the League of Legends World Championship two years in a row. This year, they’ll approach taking one with a different strategy: by buying it.
The entire Samsung Galaxy White world champion squad will compete in China this year, as marksman Gu “imp” Seung-bin will join LGD Gaming, OnGamers reports.
Gu’s destination was in question after it became clear Samsung would not return any of the 10 players who dominated the League of Legends landscape in Korea last year. He hinted at retirement, or at least a break from competition, but now it’s clear he’ll be back for more as a member of LGD Gaming.
The Chinese team placed fourth in the Summer season of last year’s LoL Pro League, narrowly missing out on the third World Championship qualification spot that went to eventual finalist Star Horn Royal Club.
Singing Gu, one of the most consistently strong marksman in Korea over the past two years despite his risky and aggressive play style, allows LGD Gaming to keep up in the Chinese arms race.
China is buying up talent left and right. Gu certainly won’t be lonely in the new country—his four teammates, plus members of Samsung Galaxy Blue, are all slated or rumored for teams competing in the LPL.
Image via Riot Games/Flickr | H/T onGamers
