It looks like Jin “PraY” Jong-in may be taking a hiatus from the competitive scene next year. The six-year veteran would announce on his stream that he turned down all offers for the 2019 season.
From how PraY would make his announcement, many people believe that he will be taking a break for this upcoming season. Additionally, it also sounds like PraY may be considering retirement. The former Kingzone DragonX ADC would say, “I don’t know what to say, but I’ve made my decision. There have been so many good offers, but I’ve turned them all down. I’ve just cried my eyes out in front of a convenience store before I came into the house and turned this stream on.”
A Tough Situation
PraY is finding himself in a tough predicament, maybe one of the toughest in his career. Although he would find relatively good success in the LCK, the end of his 2019 may have been a tipping point for him. In the 2018 Spring Split, he and Kingzone DragonX would win the LCK championship. It would be his third split championship in his career. However, he would falter against Royal Never Give Up at the Mid-Season Invitational, taking second place.
The summer would prove to be much more of a challenge. Four teams would tie for first with a 13-5 record, including Kingzone DragonX. Unfortunately, they would lose in the second round of the playoffs to a rising Afreeca Freecs squad. It was a pretty difficult loss to swallow for Kingzone DragonX and PraY, who would end up leaving the team along with the rest of the starting roster. Afterward, he would end up separating with longtime partner and support, Kang “GorillA” Beom-hyeon. GorillA would end up heading to European organization, Misfits Gaming. It looks like losing one of his best teammates and friends may have affected him more than people thought.
He would end up streaming his announcement, saying to his fans that “the offers have been too good, but I turned them all down. Maybe I had already closed my heart, for some time by now.” It looks like PraY might have lost the passion to play the game.
PraY to retire?
PraY would share his regrets with his stream, and how he wishes he could have done things differently:
Is it truly a retirement? If I change my mind and come back, would I not be too old by then? I should have left when people were still clapping for me. I’m regretful that I’m leaving when they are no longer clapping for me. Everyone was like, it’s a pity if you retire now. They were not saying it out of politeness; they really meant it.
Many people still consider PraY one of the best ADC’s in the world. He could make a huge difference on any of the teams in the LCK, LEC or NA LCS. However, it all depends on how he feels about the game of League of Legends. Without the passion or drive to compete, it will only hinder his talents and his team. If he believes that he needs a hiatus, then it may be the best decision for him right now. However, if this is the last time we’ve seen PraY play professionally, then we wish him the best of luck in the future. I do not think this is the last we’ve seen of him yet.
What are your thoughts on PraY taking a hiatus from competitive play? Could he be retiring soon? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more League of Legends content, check us out here!
