Gen.G re-signs Canyon, Viper leaves Hanwha Life Esports

Gen.G has announced it has re-signed Kim ‘Canyon‘ Geon-bu to its League of Legends roster for the 2026 LCK season.

The news follows the South Korean esports organisation announcing his departure from the team yesterday after his previous contract expired.

Also announced earlier today in the LCK, Hanwha Life Esports will be looking for a new bot laner after its star player, Park ‘Viper‘ Do-hyeon, has left the team.

Announced on November 19th, 2025, 2026 marks the third year Canyon will represent the organisation in regional and international competitions. In 2025, Gen.G cemented its place as one of the world’s best League of Legends teams, winning the Mid-Season Invitational, the Esports World Cup, and the LCK 2025 Season.

The team rounded off its 2025 season with a top-four finish at Worlds 2025 after losing to KT Rolster in the semi-finals.

The re-signing of Canyon confirms that Gen.G will enter 2026 with its same starting roster as last year. However, there have been some organisational shifts. Earlier this month, the team signed Yoo ‘Ryu‘ Sang-wook as its new Head Coach.

The off-season roster changes within the LCK continue at a rapid pace, with several teams adjusting their starting lineups ahead of the new season.

LCK 2025 Season runners-up, Hanwha Life Esports, has announced it has parted ways with botlaner Viper following the team’s top-eight finish at Worlds 2025.

“We express our deepest gratitude for Viper’s dedication and hard work over the past three years. We sincerely wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” said the organisation on social media.

Viper joined Hanwha Life Esports in November 2022. Over the past two years, the team has achieved considerable success in regional and international tournaments, winning the LCK 2024 Summer Split and the inaugural edition of First Stand.

Viper is the latest player to depart Hanwha Life Esports this year. In September, jungler Han ‘Peanut‘ Wang-ho announced he was stepping away from League of Legends esports to complete mandatory military service. Following the team’s Worlds elimination, the player confirmed his retirement from professional play.