League of Legends Community Celebrates Bjergsen as He Announces Retirement

Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg is one of the most famous players in the history of League of Legends who has etched a name for himself in the annals of the North American (NA) League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). Bjergsen announced on 7th April that he has decided to step away from League of Legends and its esports scene and clarified that it has nothing to do with 100 Thieves and its results in the LCS 2023 Spring Split. This marks the end of his over 11-year professional career during which he won multiple awards and accolades in the LCS. Following Bjergsen’s announcement, fans of the esport and pros who have played with and against Bjergsen shared their feelings on social media and celebrated his storied career

Bjergsen: “There is no one reason for this decision.”

Bjergsen said the thought of retiring has been on his mind for a long time and that it became clear as he was playing this LCS Spring Split. He also made it clear that it was not based on just one reason. 

“This year playing with 100 Thieves is my 11th year of playing competitively, which is a very long time to be doing the same thing or working towards the same goal, being in the same industry. I’ve been playing League of Legends for probably half my life at this point. It just doesn’t feel as fulfilling as it did when I was younger,” said Bjergsen.

Though this might feel like a “second retirement” to some people, Bjergsen pointed out that the first time he stepped away from pro play in 2020 was more of a transition to a different role but with the same goal. He also wished his former teammates in 100 Thieves the best of luck for the upcoming Summer Split. 

Talking about his future plans, he said he will not be taking up coaching or streaming right away and made it clear that he wanted to spend time with friends and family. However, he did not completely shut down the possibility of returning to the competitive scene.

Fans and Pros React to Bjergsen’s Announcement

The League of Legends community immediately showed love and support to Bjergsen on social media channels and talked about how he has been a huge influence in the scene. The fans also thanked Bjergsen for everything he has done and some of them talked about how they have been inspired by him over the years. A lot of pro players, those who have played with and against Bjergsen also shared some great nostalgic memories in the comments.

Former Team SoloMid (TSM) top laner and long-time teammate Marcus “Dyrus” Hill said, “It's been fun bjerg, I never had a chance to tell how you, lustboy, amazing, turtle, santorin, oddone, regi, xpecial, loco, and all of the amazing people who were apart of my last years of league are a big part of me not completely falling apart to the pressure of Worlds.” He added that he hopes the future holds something fun for all of them whom he mentioned.

The LCS and League of Legends Esports (LoL Esports) celebrated the legacy of Bjergsen and his long history.

Global Head of LoLEsports Naz Aletaha said, “You’ve made such a mark on this game and sport and will always be an inspiration to so many. Thank you for 11 incredible years, and best of luck on the next chapter.”

Bjergsen made his competitive debut in Europe and played for iconic teams like Copenhagen Wolves before he moved to North America, where he cemented his position. Over the years, he became synonymous with TSM and LCS. He has won six domestic titles in the North American league and many MVP awards. In 2020, he briefly retired, had a short stint as a coach, and returned to pro play as a mid-laner for Team Liquid in 2022. After a not-so-successful time at Team Liquid, Bjergsen reunited with veteran player Yiliang "Doublelift" Peng at 100 Thieves in 2023.

With Bjergsen leaving the esport, 100 Thieves is tasked with finding a new mid-laner before the start of the LCS 2023 Summer Split, which is still a couple of months away.