Pirean returns to Phoenix1 as Ryu asks for a break

Phoenix1 announced Friday that Choi “Pirean” Jun-sik will return to the team as the starting mid laner.

Originally the mid laner for Phoenix1 last year, Pirean became a substitute in the spring split when Yoo “Ryu” Sang-wook joined the team. He moved to EnVyUs for the summer split, where he received a chance to play and performed well for a surprisingly strong Envy team.

“It feels good to be playing with my old team and friends again,” Pirean said in a statement.

The decision likely followed after EnVy was able to solve the visa issues of Yasin “Nisqy” Dinçer, who has started for the last few weeks, with Pirean going back to the bench. No “Ninja” Geon-woo was the mid laner in the spring split but has since left the team.

Pirean is expected to be the new starting mid laner for Phoenix1, as the announcement details that Ryu has expressed difficulties with playing the game, citing burnout after a five-year career without vacation. Ryu will step down for the time being in the best interest of his mental well-being. The team did not give a timeline about when or if he would return.

After a third place finish in the spring split of the North American League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS), the summer has been a disaster for Phoenix1, which is in ninth place with a record of 3-9. The team has cycled through three junglers, with Michael “MikeYeung” Yeung taking the reins from Rami “Inori” Charagh, who left for Team Liquid. Phoenix1 plays Cloud9 at 6 p.m. Friday to start Week 7 of the LCS.

Cover photo courtesy of Riot Games