Hu “SwordArt” Shuo-Chieh, one of the most respected and decorated support players in League of Legends history, has officially announced his retirement from professional play.
The 28-year-old Taiwanese star shared the news on May 28, 2025, through a heartfelt video message on his personal Weibo account, bringing an end to a storied 12-year career.
In his farewell message, SwordArt reflected on his journey from a junior high school student with a passion for gaming to becoming an international esports icon.
“When I first set foot on this road, I was just a student who liked playing games and challenges. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be a player, let alone have so many people accompany and support me,” he said.
The video served as a personal and emotional thank-you to the fans, teammates and organizations that supported him over the years.
SwordArt’s career began in 2012 with ahq Amateur, but he truly rose to prominence with the Flash Wolves, a dominant team in the League of Legends Master Series (LMS).
With Flash Wolves, he won six consecutive LMS titles and became a mainstay at the World Championship. His shotcalling, leadership and mechanical prowess as a support player helped elevate the team’s performance on the global stage and made him one of the most revered players in his role.
His most iconic achievement came in 2020, when he captained Suning Gaming in the LPL. With a mix of veterans and young talent, SwordArt led the underdog squad to the World Championship Finals. Although they fell to DAMWON Gaming, the run was considered one of the most impressive in Worlds history and solidified his reputation as a world-class competitor.
In late 2020, SwordArt made headlines by signing with TSM in North America’s LCS on a reported $6 million contract, one of the highest ever for an esports player. The move was seen as an effort to bring international experience and leadership to the team. Despite high expectations, TSM failed to qualify for the 2021 World Championship and SwordArt returned to China shortly after.
In the following years, he competed with several teams including Weibo Gaming, Ultra Prime and CTBC Flying Oyster and most recently, Vikings Esports in the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP). Throughout these stints, SwordArt continued to mentor younger players and serve as a stabilizing presence on every roster he joined.
Known for his unparalleled communication and leadership, SwordArt leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his accolades. He helped redefine the support role in modern League of Legends and was a trailblazer for players from the LMS region.
While SwordArt did not specify his next steps, he hinted at staying involved in the esports scene, possibly through coaching or management. As one of the last veterans from the early international era, his retirement marks the end of an era — but his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
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