Rookie plans to continue after IG’s Worlds 2026 exit

Rookie plans to continue competing for Invictus Gaming while his physical condition allows after Gen.G defeated IG 3-0 in the Worlds 2026 semifinals. The loss ended IG’s run to the semifinal stage, seven years after Rookie last reached it.

Gen.G took a 2-0 lead before IG gained a large advantage in the third game. The LPL team could not turn that lead into a comeback, allowing Gen.G to finish the series and reach the Grand Finals at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

“I’m sad that we didn’t manage to achieve the best results, but we still learned a lot throughout the process,” Rookie said after the match. He added that the team wanted to use the experience to improve and make future international runs easier.

Rookie, who has competed professionally for more than a decade, credited his commitment to League of Legends and its fans for keeping him motivated. He also wants to challenge the view that older players cannot compete with younger opponents.

“League of Legends has brought me so much, both personally and professionally. I love this game. I love this industry,” he said. “Another reason is my fans. Their support has played a big part in allowing me to continue my career.”

The 29-year-old mid laner also discussed Gen.G’s Chovy, a member of the new generation of players whom Rookie has influenced. Rookie expressed happiness that Chovy won the semifinal and reached the result he wanted.

Rookie’s last semifinal appearance came in 2019. Comparing that tournament with Worlds 2026, he described a change in his mentality. “I’ve become more mature and less childish. Now, I’m just an ordinary middle-aged guy who plays League of Legends,” he said.

Worlds 2026 has increased Rookie’s motivation to continue competing. “As long as my physical condition allows me to keep playing, I will definitely give it my all,” he said. “After this year, I want to achieve the best possible results. I’ll continue working hard and improving myself from now on.”

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Reviewed and fact-checked by Alex Panasenko on November 8.