Who is SwordArt – the Super Newcomer of VKE?
On the morning of December 10, MGN Vikings Esports announced a “blockbuster” signing by recruiting SwordArt – the 1996-born Support and former teammate of SofM. This transfer can be said to be surprising. Although past his peak, the reputation of the former Suning star is undeniable. His joining VKE is seen as both a professional and emotional connection with SofM when they both competed in the LPL.
SwordArt (left) has been very close with SofM since their time at SN.
When mentioning SwordArt, most will remember the achievement of being the World Championship runner-up in 2020 with SN. But more than that, the 1996-born player is considered one of the legends of League of Legends, hailing from Taipei, Taiwan. In fact, “Sword” debuted even before “Demon King” Faker when he officially turned professional in 2012.
He spent most of his career wearing the colors of Flash Wolves – the legend of PCS. For long-time League of Legends fans, SwordArt is likely not a stranger. However, the real peak of this player probably only came in the 2020 season. Despite having played for many years, SwordArt was not the most outstanding player in the lineup. Moreover, after the explosive season with SN, he also somewhat lost his peak form.
After the explosive 2020 season, SwordArt (on the far right) also fell off form and left the team.
Nevertheless, he left SN with a “huge” contract from Team SoloMid. The once-famous LCS team offered up to $6 million (about 152 billion VND) for SwordArt at the end of 2020 – an unbelievable amount for a Support at that time, who still only had the best achievement of being World Championship runner-up.
However, the “relationship” did not last long. SwordArt left TSM after just one season. He returned to Weibo Gaming (formerly SN) but also did not succeed and has been “wandering” since the end of 2022 until now.
SwordArt once joined TSM with a “huge” salary of up to $6 million.
What Can VCS Fans Expect from SwordArt?
First, VCS fans should completely abandon the notion that SwordArt will compete for a starting position at VKE. This is because he is older now. And VKE certainly does not see LCP 2025 as a battleground for “experimentation.” Therefore, the likelihood of the former SN star contributing from the coaching bench will be much higher.
Furthermore, the current VKE lineup is already quite solid. If SwordArt does indeed take on a playing role, SiuLoong’s opportunities will be somewhat diminished. This will pose a challenge and unnecessary pressure for this young player.
VCS fans are also very excited to see how SwordArt will contribute to VKE.
However, the role of SwordArt will be arranged by SofM and the coaching staff, as well as by himself. It can only be said that the 2025 season will be very interesting and VKE will likely not disappoint the audience.