In the recent 2021 season, it can be said that FunPlus Phoenix in general and Nuguri in particular went through a rather disappointing period. If in Spring 2021, FPX only finished 2nd and missed the MSI 2021 spot, then in Summer 2021, they only became the runner-up despite being highly rated against their opponent EDward Gaming. Then at Worlds 2021, they became the first LPL representative in history to lose all 4 games in the group stage (including tie-break) and were eliminated amidst great disappointment from the home audience.
All FPX players must take responsibility, but the three names most criticized are Nuguri, Tian, and Doinb. Lwx and Crisp were also criticized to some extent, but since FPX played a top lane-focused style, these two players were somewhat “exempted from responsibility”.
While LPL fans are more forgiving towards Tian because he was injured and had to return reluctantly, Doinb faced heavy criticism as he was allocated resources but failed to deliver results. Not to mention, Doinb also struggled to keep up with the meta, leading to being outplayed completely, especially in the two matches against DWG KIA in the group stage.
However, Nuguri’s case is different. He joined FPX as the reigning Worlds champion of 2020 and a key player in the gameplay of that year’s champion Damwon Gaming. However, he did not live up to the expectations of LPL fans, especially FPX supporters: helping FPX achieve glory in both domestic and international arenas.
In the past season, Nuguri played at a decent level but no longer created game-changing plays as before. Furthermore, in several matches, whether in LPL or at Worlds 2021, Nuguri did not show much superiority over his lane opponents. While one could blame Tian for not frequently camping top, Nuguri himself also did not demonstrate enough of a difference to prompt teammates to allocate resources to the top lane and create more space to enhance his power.
Yesterday, November 14 (Vietnam time), Nuguri concluded his final stream on Huya. He also sent his regards and wishes for health to all the viewers who have followed him during this time. With his departure from LPL almost certain, this can also be seen as Nuguri’s last stream as the top laner for FPX.
Although Nuguri could not meet expectations, fundamentally, he should not bear full responsibility for FPX’s failure. Some LPL fans wish Nuguri good health and hope he finds a good team soon.
– Find a good team.
– Nuguri will perform well next year, be happy!
However, alongside that, there is still a segment of LPL fans actively… throwing shade at him, demanding Nuguri return to his country as soon as possible.
However, no matter what, Nuguri will almost certainly return to Korea after his overseas journey did not go as smoothly as hoped. It is still unclear where Nuguri will land, but it must be a top team, possibly strong enough to help him reunite with his close teammates Canyon and ShowMaker while competing for titles in the future.
As for the LPL audience, their reactions are understandable. After all, the LPL environment is always harsh, and here, titles are paramount. A legend can still fall from the top to the depths if he receives too many expectations but ends the season leaving nothing but disappointment, just like Nuguri and FPX did after the recent Worlds.