Japanese League of Legends legend Evi announces retirement after 11-year career
Japanese League of Legends legend Evi announces retirement after 11-year career
Shunsuke " Evi " Murase has announced that he will retire from professional League of Legends at the end of 2026, bringing an 11-year playing career to a close.
The veteran top laner leaves behind one of the most decorated careers in Japanese League of Legends history, including 12 LJL championships and numerous appearances on the international stage.
Evi closes historic Japanese career
Evi became one of the defining players of the LJL era through his long tenure with DetonatioN FocusMe .
He helped DFM repeatedly dominate Japan and represented the region at six World Championships and four Mid-Season Invitationals.
Among the moments Evi highlighted while reflecting on his career was defeating a Brazilian representative in Worlds qualification and finally reaching the international stage.
He also recalled nearly defeating DWG KIA at MSI before losing the game from a winning position.
First Japanese player imported to a major region
One of the most important milestones of Evi 's career came when he joined Team Heretics in the LEC.
The move made him the first Japanese player to compete as an import in a major League of Legends region.
Although the stint did not produce the results he had hoped for, the move represented a major moment for Japanese League of Legends and demonstrated that LJL players could attract interest from top-level organizations abroad.
Evi hopes to give back to Japanese League
Evi indicated that he does not intend to completely disappear from the scene after retiring.
He wants to use the experience and knowledge accumulated throughout his career to support younger Japanese players and contribute to the domestic League of Legends community from a different position.
No specific coaching or staff role has been announced.
His retirement closes the playing career of one of Japan 's most recognizable esports figures and one of the country's most successful League of Legends professionals.
