Gen.G‘s bot laner, Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan, redefined the rookie experience in the LCK, setting new standards and benchmarks in his inaugural year.
Kicking off his career in 2020 with Gen.G Academy, he rose through the ranks, advancing to Gen.G Challengers in 2022 before earning his spot on the main team in 2023.
Peyz has had a remarkable rookie year, besting T1 3-1 and 3-0 in the Spring and Summer respectively to win the LCK championship. He set a new record as the youngest bot laner to clinch an LCK split win and be honored as the split Finals MVP. These accomplishments have catapulted him to prominence in the League of Legends professional scene.
Behind 2023’s successes, he still experienced significant challenges with highs and lows. In an exclusive interview with ONE Esports earlier in the year, Peyz broke the news in our interview about receiving tutelage and we follow up on the topic here at Worlds.
Peyz remains grateful towards his League of Legends tutor
Peyz’s entry into the competitive realm of League of Legends was very unique, even by South Korea’s standards — he received personal mentorship from a League of Legends tutor.
“While it’s common for players to receive coaching in an academy, having a personal tutor is unheard of, even in South Korea,” he told ONE Esports. This mentor wasn’t just any guide but a former professional player who dedicated himself to offer personalized instruction.
The period leading up to Peyz’s transition to Challengers was particularly crucial. Facing significant obstacles, he benefited immensely from his tutor, who agreed to live with him for a month, providing around-the-clock support that eventually helped him overcome those hurdles.
He believes that the undivided attention from a dedicated tutor expedited his path to pro due to its tailored guidance compared to the more conventional coaching sessions. It is a path that he would recommend aspiring pro players, if given the rare opportunity.
Rookie life on Gen.G during the 2023 season
Stepping into a role previously occupied by JDG’s bot laner, Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk, one of the world’s best bot laners, was no small feat. “As you know, Ruler is not just good,” said Peyz, implying that he sees him at the best. “So I am not sure if I can say that I have filled his shoes completely.”
Moreover, while they experienced substantial success domestically in the LCK, Gen.G hasn’t seen the same success internationally. The team entered MSI with high expectations, seen by many as favoriates to win. Yet, their campaign concluded sooner than expected, ending at the semifinals after they lost 3-0 to BLG.
Being in a team of seasoned veterans in itself is something that he had to work on actively. “Trying to get closer to them was perhaps my biggest non-gameplay related challenge of the year,” Peyz chuckled.
Now, he’s back on the international stage at Worlds 2023, and expectations remains high. He didn’t just survive the Swiss stages; Gen.G dominated them with a perfect 3-0 run, taking down giants like T1 and G2.
A bigger challenge begins in the Knockout Stage where he’ll face off against the world’s elite teams. Peyz is not just here just to match his predecessor — he aims to surpass him one day and forge a legacy of his own.
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