One of the biggest names and greatest League of Legends players ever, Søren ‘Bjergsen’ Bjerg announced that he is leaving the game and esports.
100 Thieves mid laner and professional League of Legends icon Bjergsen has shocked the professional gaming world by announcing that he is leaving esports.
This likely marks the end of his over 11-year professional career, during which he played for three teams in the LCS and won three LCS MVP awards.
Bjergsen retired from playing once before back in 2020, when he decided to become coach of his-then team, TSM. This time, though, it seems that he will be stepping away from League entirely.
LCS fans are shocked at Bjergsen’s announcement
Bjergsen said in the announcement he has questioned his passion to put in the work and effort to maintain his play during the 2023 LCS Spring Split, and ultimately made the decision to leave the space.
My farewell pic.twitter.com/xCM3NRrHu0
— Bjergsen (@Bjergsen) April 7, 2023
The storied mid laner assured fans that the decision to leave was not due to 100 Thieves‘ level of play or his recent performance as a player, but rather his desire to spend more time with friends and family, as well as to pursue other interests.
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In the wake of this announcement, fans, commentators, and other pro players have expressed their appreciation for Bjergsen’s contributions to League and esports.
The retirement of the GOAT ❤️ will miss Soren for the energy, kind heart and professionalism he brought – his presence within the LoL Esports scene will be missed pic.twitter.com/snl4PWdkow
— Erik Wessén (@Treatz) April 7, 2023
End of an era. Thanks for being a such a huge influence on so many people's love for League of Legends over the years. Godspeed bro.
— Clayton Raines (@CaptainFlowers) April 7, 2023
It's been such a pleasure to compete against you as a player and coach over the years. The respect and kindness you've shown to others is inspiring. Thank you.
— Jack Etienne (@JackEtienne) April 7, 2023
After eight years with TSM, the last of which as a coach, Bjergsen left the organization to continue his career with Team Liquid. But despite the hype, the team couldn’t reach the final in either LCS split, leading to a rebuild at the end of the season.
Bjergsen then decided to join 100 Thieves, where he reunited with his longtime friend and former teammate Yiliang ‘Doublelift’ Peng. After a shaky start to the season, the team finally found their groove and qualified for the playoffs, only to lose to FlyQuest and Golden Guardians.
Congratulations on an unrivaled career, @Bjergsen 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/uCwJbwmznB
— 100 Thieves VALORANT (@100T_VAL) April 7, 2023
Bjergsen’s retirement leaves 100 Thieves with a spot to fill on their roster ahead of the LCS Summer split, which is still two months away.
Though Bjergsen doesn’t close the door on returning to League or the esports scene in the future, it seems that he is prepared to take some time to reflect on his career and what direction he wants to go next.