TL;DR
- CLG replaces veteran Darshan with Korean top laner Ruin following disappointing Spring Split
- Ruin brings international experience from SK Gaming and 1907 Fenerbahce, including MSI 2019 appearance
- The team aims to break playoff drought dating back to 2017 with strategic roster overhaul
- New top laner expresses excitement about working with PowerOfEvil and Korean coach Irean
- Complete roster features Wiggily, PowerOfEvil, Stixxay, and Biofrost alongside Ruin
Counter Logic Gaming has initiated a significant roster transformation by replacing long-standing top laner Darshan “Darshan” Upadhyaya with Korean import Kim “Ruin” Hyeong-min. This strategic move positions CLG for a competitive resurgence in the upcoming LCS Summer Split after evaluating their spring performance gaps.
“Transitioning to CLG represents an exciting opportunity to compete in North America’s premier League of Legends circuit,” Ruin explained during his introduction. “I’m genuinely enthusiastic about connecting with the NA fanbase and will dedicate maximum effort throughout this split to deliver results for both the organization and supporters. Your encouragement would mean everything to my adaptation process.”
In the promotional content accompanying CLG’s strategic announcement hashtagged #RuinTheLCS, the new top laner highlighted his anticipation of collaborating with mid lane veteran Tristan “PowerOfEvil” Schrage. Ruin recalled PowerOfEvil’s impressive gameplay from their shared European competitive circuit experience two seasons prior. Additionally, Ruin received consistent feedback describing PowerOfEvil as both a skilled competitor and positive team presence.
The Korean import also emphasized his eagerness to work under the guidance of head coach Heo “Irean” Yeong-cheol, marking a significant coaching relationship milestone.
“This represents my inaugural experience with a Korean head coach in professional competition. I’m particularly curious to observe how his strategic approach and mentorship will elevate our team’s overall performance,” Ruin elaborated regarding the coaching dynamic.
Counter Logic Gaming’s decisive roster adjustment comes as a direct response to their underwhelming Spring Split results that failed to meet organizational expectations. The squad finished tied for seventh position with OpTic Gaming, achieving a 7-11 match record that highlighted consistent performance challenges. CLG’s playoff qualification drought now extends back to the 2017 season, creating urgent pressure for competitive improvement.
Meanwhile, Ruin brings substantial competitive credentials from his tenure with European organization SK Gaming and more recently with Turkish esports powerhouse 1907 Fenerbahce. His international competitive resume includes a notable appearance at the prestigious 2019 Mid-Season Invitational tournament, providing valuable high-stakes experience.
Ruin now completes CLG’s starting lineup alongside jungler Raymond “Wiggily” Griffin, mid laner PowerOfEvil, bot laner Trevor “Stixxay” Hayes, and support specialist Vincent “Biofrost” Wang. This reformed roster configuration aims to establish improved lane synergies and strategic coordination throughout the Summer Split campaign.
Action Checklist
- Analyze Ruin’s champion pool and playstyle compatibility with CLG’s strategic approach
- Review CLG’s Spring Split VODs to identify specific performance gaps in top lane
- Monitor early Summer Split matches to assess Ruin’s integration and team synergy development
- Compare Ruin’s statistical performance metrics with previous CLG top laners
- Evaluate coaching staff adjustments and strategic adaptations following roster changes
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Ruin joins Counter Logic Gaming as top laner heading into summer CLG's strategic roster overhaul brings Korean top laner Ruin to revitalize LCS Summer Split performance