League of Legends veteran SwordArt announces retirement
After more than a decade at the pinnacle of professional League of Legends, Hu 'SwordArt' Shuo-Chieh has officially announced his retirement.
SwordArtIn a heartfelt message shared on his Weibo account, the legendary Taiwanese support reflected on his journey - from a game-loving middle schooler to one of the most respected figures in the global LoL scene.
SwordArt rose to prominence in the now-defunct LMS region - which featured teams from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau - before competing in China's LPL. Known for his sharp macro play and in-game leadership, he was part of a pioneering generation that helped shape the early international competitive scene.
"Retiring isn't as good as leaving quietly," he wrote, linking to an eight-minute video thanking those who supported him throughout his career.
SwordArt's professional journey began in 2012, but it was with Flash Wolves that he truly left his mark. His fearless style helped them claim multiple LMS titles and earn the nickname "Korean slayers" after their upset win over SKT T1 at IEM Katowice 2016.
Perhaps his most iconic moment came at the 2020 World Championship with Suning, where he led a young roster to the finals. His Leona performance in the semifinal against Top Esports remains a textbook example of world-class support play.
As one of the last remaining pros from League's early international era, SwordArt's retirement closes a defining chapter in the game's history.
