Former Worlds winner Nuguri reportedly returning to DWG KIA

League of Legends esports circles are buzzing with speculation about Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon’s potential comeback to professional play. According to verified reports from Korizon Esports, the celebrated top laner appears poised to rejoin his former championship-winning organization, DWG KIA, for the upcoming competitive season. This development represents a significant shift in the LCK’s team dynamics and could reshape the regional power structure.

The sourcing from Korizon Esports carries substantial weight within the industry, given their established track record for accurate esports journalism. Their reporting indicates Nuguri’s return would mark his first competitive appearance since taking a break from professional League of Legends. The timing aligns perfectly with DWG KIA’s need to strengthen their roster following a third-place finish in the Spring Split.

What makes this potential reunion particularly compelling is the existing chemistry with former teammates. Playing alongside Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu and Heo “ShowMaker” Su again creates the potential for immediate synergy, bypassing the typical team integration period that often hampers mid-season roster changes.

Nuguri’s competitive trajectory presents a fascinating case study in professional esports career management. His crowning achievement came during the 2020 season when he played an instrumental role in DWG KIA’s World Championship victory, establishing himself as one of the most dominant top laners globally. That championship run showcased his ability to carry games through aggressive lane dominance and exceptional teamfighting awareness.

The subsequent move to China’s FunPlus Phoenix for the 2021 season represented both a financial opportunity and competitive challenge. While FPX secured second-place finishes in both domestic splits—an achievement that qualified them for the 2021 World Championship—the international performance proved disappointing. The team’s unexpected collapse during the group stage, finishing at the bottom of their bracket, marked a stark contrast to his previous Worlds success.

Common mistake many analysts make is underestimating the adaptation period required when transitioning between regions. The cultural, communication, and meta differences between LCK and LPL create significant hurdles that even elite players struggle to overcome immediately. This transitional challenge often explains the performance gap between domestic and international showings.

His current hiatus from competitive play raises legitimate questions about potential rustiness, but also suggests strategic career planning. The break may have provided necessary mental refreshment following the intense pressure of back-to-back international competitions and regional transitions.

DWG KIA’s current top lane situation has been characterized by inconsistency throughout the Spring Split. The team has utilized a rotation between Noh “Burdol” Tae-yoon and Yoon “Hoya” Yong-ho, but neither has delivered the consistent high-impact performances expected from a championship-caliber organization. This positional instability has created a clear strategic vulnerability that opponents have exploited.

Nuguri’s signature aggressive playstyle and carry potential from the top lane directly addresses DWG KIA’s most pressing competitive need. His ability to create pressure independently allows mid laner ShowMaker and jungler Canyon greater flexibility in their map movements and objective control.

Optimization tip for teams considering veteran player reintegration: focus on scrimmage schedules that gradually increase intensity rather than immediate high-pressure matches. This approach helps rebuild mechanics while restoring competitive confidence through incremental success.

The replacement of Burdol and Hoya represents more than just a roster upgrade—it signals DWG KIA’s commitment to returning to championship form. Burdol, while showing flashes of potential, hasn’t consistently met the organization’s performance standards, particularly in high-stakes matches against top-tier opponents.

DWG KIA’s Spring Split concluded with a third-place finish following an intense five-game series against Gen.G. While respectable, this result fell short of the organization’s championship expectations and highlighted specific areas needing improvement.

Missing the 2022 Mid-Season Invitational provides an extended preparation period for the Summer Split—ideal timing for integrating a returning veteran player. This extended break allows for systematic practice rather than rushed integration that often compromises team performance.

The current LCK landscape features intensified competition, with teams like T1 demonstrating dominant form. Nuguri’s return could provide the strategic edge DWG KIA needs to close the gap and reestablish themselves as true championship contenders.

Practical consideration for roster moves: the announcement timing before the next split starts allows for controlled media management and fan expectation setting. Organizations often use this period to build narrative momentum while managing competitive pressure on incoming players.

While the signing remains officially unconfirmed at this stage, the strategic logic is compelling. The move addresses a clear competitive need while leveraging existing team chemistry and championship experience—factors that often determine success in high-stakes tournaments.

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