In a remarkable comeback story, Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong, a former League of Legends World Champion, has reasserted his dominance by reaching Challenger on the South Korean server—five years after officially retiring from competitive play.
Former World Champion “Ambition” reached Challenger after 5 years of retirement
This impressive feat, recorded in a livestream on October 10 and subsequently shared on Reddit, showcases Ambition’s enduring skill and determination, proving that he can still compete at the highest level even without being part of a competitive team.
The 30-year-old veteran, renowned for his tenure with various LCK teams, including the illustrious Samsung Galaxy, claimed the World Championship title in 2017 before bidding farewell to professional play in 2018 following a final season with Gen.G. Despite stepping away from the international stage, Ambition remains associated with Gen.G in his current role as a League streamer.
The joy Ambition expressed upon achieving Challenger status was palpable, especially considering reports that he had faced challenges in climbing beyond Diamond and Master ranks for several years. The livestream captured a genuine sense of accomplishment for the seasoned player, whose journey has been closely followed by fans.
Notably, this climb to Challenger marks Ambition’s return to the top of the South Korean ladder after an eight-year hiatus, as indicated by a Reddit user. However, the elation was relatively short-lived, with subsequent games pushing him back to the Grandmaster tier.
Despite this setback, Ambition’s initial success after such a prolonged absence from the pinnacle of the ladder garnered attention and admiration from the community.
League players have engaged in spirited discussions about the optimal timing of such a feat, speculating that the ongoing 2023 World Championship may have created a unique window of opportunity.
With the region’s top players intensively focused on preparation for the prestigious tournament, the ladder competition might be perceived as comparatively less challenging during this period. Ambition’s recent journey serves as a testament to his enduring skill, resilience, and ability to make a mark in the fiercely competitive world of League of Legends.