SwordArt retires from the professional League of Legends
Taiwanese support player Hu “SwordArt” Shuo-Chieh has officially announced his retirement from professional League of Legends. After playing for more than a decade at the top level of competitive play, SwordArt comes to an end with the professional League of Legends. He was considered one of the most impactful support players in the history of League of Legends. SwordArt leaves behind an incredible legacy marked by several regional titles, international upsets, and guiding leadership during the early days of League esports.
SwordArt’s Esports Journey
SwordArt started playing esports in 2012, but it was in the Flash Wolves team under LMS where he earned global recognition. Together with the teammate jungler Karsa, Flash Wolves dominated the LMS and famously defeated SKT T1 in their IEM Katowice 2016 matchup, earning the title “Korean Slayers”. SwordArt’s contribution and his game understanding helped Flash Wolves’ success.
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In 2019, SwordArt moved to China’s LPL and joined Suning Gaming. With SwordArt on the roster, the team was able to pull off an incredible run to the finals at the 2020 World Championship, defeating tournament favourites Top Esports teams in the semifinals. SwordArt’s clutch play on Leona stands as one of the greatest in support gameplay history.
Then, he joined TSM in the LCS with a huge contract of 6 million. Although his stint in North America didn’t lead to Worlds qualification, his influence on the team and region was widely acknowledged.
Later, he returned to the LPL and the PCS, reuniting with former teammates and continuing to compete at a high level.
Retirement and Legacy
In a retirement message on Weibo, SwordArt mentioned his life and career. SwordArt stated that he started as a mid-school gamer and eventually turned into one of the most celebrated veterans in the gaming world. He appreciated his fans in his retirement and also posted an emotional farewell video of eight minutes.
He has received a lot of support over the years, and also in his retirement. His legendary era comes to an end. Along with Uzi, he built League of Legends esports to the world stage. People didn’t just know him for his mechanical abilities but also for his great strategic insight and leadership skills, which helped him redefine the support role. He also mentored a lot of younger players and continues to do that even today.
Even as he leaves the stage, the legacy of SwordArt will always remain as a pioneer and a legend.
