FunPlus Phoenix add Worlds 2020 champion Nuguri to roster

FunPlus Phoenix has finalized its roster for next season by picking up Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon. The 21-year-old managed to lift this year’s Summoner’s Cup as a part of DAMWON Gaming. 

FunPlus Phoenix had recently parted ways with two of their top laners, Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem and Kim “Khan” Dong-ha. 

Please welcome FPX.Nuguri (Jang Ha-gwon), who first rose to fame in 2017 and showed his talent through all these years. Now the young warrior already had Summoner's Cup in his hand, and the brand new battlefield awaits as well. Let's fight for our new future together!#FPXLOLpic.twitter.com/163dpPS3ge

— FunPlus PhoeniX (@FPX_Esports) December 17, 2020

After winning Worlds 2020, Damwon Gaming had one more job to do this year, and it was to sign new contracts with Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee and Nuguri. The owners of the organization were successful in signing a new deal with the former, but unfortunately for DAMWON’s fans, the top laner has decided not to stay in Korea and left for China. 

There were a lot of rumours about Jang’s transfer to the League of Legends' Pro League. For much of the time, it was unclear which team would secure the world champion.

In the last few days his destination became clearer, Nuguri would be signing with FunPlus Phoenix. Every other top Chinese team had already decided on who will play top lane for them, so the 2019 World Champions seemed like the only logical direction.

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There’s no hiding that Nuguri had an amazing year, but on the other hand, his new team did not. After winning last year’s World Championship’s, FunPlus Phoenix aimed to defend the title. 

The Chinese squad did not even come close, failing at winning both Spring and Summer’s LPL round, which was followed by a failure to qualify for Worlds. With Nuguri on board, the team will surely hope to conquer the Chinese and international scene again.

FunPlus Phoenix’s roster goes as follows:

• Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon - top lane
• Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang - jungler
• Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang - mid lane
• Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang - bot lane
• Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song - support