Mush
2020-11-15 12:50:06
His evolution was even better than anyone could predict. It essentially happened parallel to Damwon’s own development. As Nuguri himself pointed out in an interview, one of Damwon’s biggest problems in 2019 was their one-dimensional playstyle, essentially a mirror of the top laner’s issue. They were mostly known for their uncanny ability of making any teamfight look winnable, no matter how stacked the odds were against them. Yet, if you watched this year’s Worlds, you’ll see how much this has changed. Damwon was one of the most versatile teams in this championship, despite maintaining their primary muscle: extremely powerful mid and late game teamfights, especially around objectives. One of the catalysts for this diversification was Nuguri, whose champion pool and playstyle changed as much as his team’s.
The once “greedy Klepto abuser” played Ornn more than any other champion during the World Championship and even pulled out the top Lulu, one of the most interesting flex picks in the tournament. This change highlighted the new plan for DAMWON gaming as they adapted to almost perfectly fit the jungle-focused meta. Showmaker controlled the laning phase while outclassing basically every mid laner in teamfights, Beryl frequently roamed while Ghost farmed safely, Canyon hard farmed and contested every scuttle and Nuguri was mainly a teamfighting-focused tool that could not be punished while Damwon played the bottom side of the map for Drakes. Despite the more supportive nature of these picks, Nuguri’s excellence still showed in how well he piloted the champions in the crucial mid to late game teamfights, with a lot of highlights shown especially on Ornn.
The legacy continues
LCK returning to the top of the world with a star top laner seems only fitting, especially given the incredible legacy and success of top laners that came out of the region. What began with legends like Maknoon and Reapered and was carried on by players like Smeb, Marin, Khan Ssumday, is now reaching even greater heights through the talents of Kiin, Summit, Canna, TheShy and Nuguri. Even when it isn’t the best region in the world (which is the case now, despite Damwon’s win), the LCK keeps developing some of the best players in the game, and when it comes to Top Lane, no other region comes even close. Nuguri, despite being in the early stages of his career, is already cementing himself as one of the greats. The sheer talent he shows coupled with the incredible development he underwent in a single year is what I consider the beginning of another incredible legacy.
Nuguri’s legacy is still just beginning, even though it already looks enviable. At only 21 years old, the top laner has never played for a team other than Damwon and has shared most of his time on stage with his current teammates. The World Championship and the regional dominance will never be forgotten, but to truly join the ranks of the “gods of top lane,” Nuguri must maintain this form and eagerness to improve. With Damwon gaming announcing that their coaching staff is changing heading into 2021, the challenges are already placing themselves in front of the top laner. Greatness is never easy to achieve, but Nuguri won’t be content with anything less.
Keep rising, Nuguri. Next year it will be TheShy who’s looking up to you.