Last update images today Griffin Roster: A Legacy Remembered
Griffin Roster: A Legacy Remembered
Introduction: The Rise and Fall of Griffin
The name "Griffin" resonates deeply within the League of Legends (LoL) esports community. Their meteoric rise and tragic downfall captivated audiences worldwide. This article explores the iconic Griffin roster, their achievements, the controversies that plagued them, and their enduring impact on the game. We'll delve into what made them so special and where the players are now. This article is aimed at LoL esports enthusiasts, fans of the LCK, and anyone interested in the dramatic narratives that unfold within professional gaming.
The Genesis of Griffin Roster: A Challenger Dream
The story of Griffin begins in the Korean Challenger Series, a breeding ground for aspiring professional LoL teams. Formed in 2017, this initial team was a collection of talented but relatively unknown players. Their goal? To climb the ranks and ultimately conquer the LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea), the most prestigious and competitive LoL league in the world. Their initial roster consisted of:
- Sword (Choi Sung-won): Top Laner
- Tarzan (Lee Seung-yong): Jungler
- Chovy (Jeong Ji-hoon): Mid Laner
- Viper (Park Do-hyeon): AD Carry
- Lehends (Son Si-woo): Support
Griffin Roster's Meteoric Rise: LCK Dominance
Griffin's journey to the LCK was nothing short of spectacular. They dominated the Challenger Series, earning promotion to the LCK in the summer of 2018. Their aggressive, innovative playstyle, spearheaded by Tarzan's exceptional jungling and Chovy's mechanical prowess, quickly turned heads.
In their rookie LCK split, Griffin immediately challenged the established titans. They reached the LCK finals twice in a row (Summer 2018 and Spring 2019), losing narrowly both times. Despite these defeats, their consistent performance and unique strategies marked them as a force to be reckoned with. They weren't just winning; they were redefining how the game could be played.
The Griffin Roster's Defining Playstyle: Aggression and Innovation
What set Griffin apart was their willingness to deviate from the standard meta. They prioritized early-game aggression, focusing on map control and objective taking. Tarzan's proactive jungling allowed Chovy to dominate the mid lane, creating opportunities for Viper to carry team fights. Lehends' innovative support picks often caught opponents off guard. Their communication and synergy were impeccable, allowing them to execute complex strategies with remarkable precision.
The Griffin Roster Controversy: Seeds of Destruction
Despite their on-stage success, trouble was brewing behind the scenes. Accusations of unfair contracts, mistreatment of players, and coaching misconduct began to surface. The controversy surrounding then-coach cvMax and his departure from the team became a major talking point within the community.
These accusations, investigated by Riot Games, revealed serious breaches of contract and unethical practices by the organization. This led to significant penalties for the team's management and cast a dark shadow over Griffin's achievements.
The Griffin Roster's Disbandment: A Tragic End
The controversy took a heavy toll on Griffin. The team's morale plummeted, and their performance suffered. Ultimately, Riot Games forced the sale of Griffin's LCK slot, effectively disbanding the team. The organization's downfall was a stark reminder of the importance of ethical management and player welfare in esports. The once-promising dynasty crumbled under the weight of its own internal issues.
Where Are They Now? Griffin Roster Members' Current Status
Despite the team's disbandment, the individual members of Griffin have continued to pursue their careers in professional League of Legends, with varying degrees of success:
- Sword: After Griffin's disbandment, Sword's career dwindled. He didn't find notable success in other teams and is generally considered retired from pro play.
- Tarzan: Tarzan joined LNG Esports in the LPL (League of Legends Pro League) in China and has found success there. He is considered one of the best junglers in the LPL.
- Chovy: Chovy is considered one of the best mid laners in the world. He played for Hanwha Life Esports and DRX before joining Gen.G, where he currently plays and has achieved domestic success in the LCK.
- Viper: Viper also found success in the LPL, playing for EDward Gaming (EDG). He won the 2021 World Championship with EDG and is now back in the LCK playing for Hanwha Life Esports alongside former teammate Chovy.
- Lehends: Lehends joined Gen.G for a brief period before moving to KT Rolster and later rejoining Gen.G. He remains a highly respected support player in the LCK.
The Legacy of the Griffin Roster: A Lasting Impact
Despite their tragic end, Griffin's impact on League of Legends esports is undeniable. They demonstrated the power of aggressive, proactive gameplay and inspired teams around the world to experiment with new strategies. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ethical leadership and player welfare in esports organizations.
Their innovative drafting and teamfighting will long be remembered by fans. Even with their controversies, many fans saw them as a "team of the future"
Question and Answer about Griffin Roster
Q: What was Griffin's greatest achievement?
A: While they never won an LCK title, their consistent performance reaching the finals twice and their innovative playstyle are considered their greatest achievements. Viper winning Worlds with EDG is seen as a indirect achievement since he was part of that roster.
Q: What led to Griffin's downfall?
A: A combination of unfair contracts, mistreatment of players, and coaching controversies.
Q: Which Griffin player won Worlds?
A: Viper won the 2021 World Championship with EDward Gaming (EDG).
Q: Where are Chovy and Viper now?
A: Both Chovy and Viper are currently playing for Hanwha Life Esports in the LCK.
Summary: Griffin was a promising LCK team that dominated the scene, reaching finals twice, but disbanded due to controversies. Notable players like Chovy and Viper are still active in the LCK. One player of this roster, Viper, won Worlds. What were Griffin's strengths, and what ultimately led to their downfall?
Keywords: Griffin, League of Legends, LCK, Tarzan, Chovy, Viper, Lehends, Sword, cvMax, Esports, Controversy, Riot Games, Disbandment, LPL, Worlds, Hanwha Life Esports, Gen.G, EDward Gaming, League of Legends Champions Korea, Griffin Roster.