Despite interests in major regions, Summit picks the LLA.
Top Laner Park "Summit" Woo-tae has reached an agreement to join Movistar Rainbow7 in the Liga Latinoamérica (LLA), according to Sheep Esports sources. While a step down from the LCS, the South Korean player is determined to dominate the Latin American region and make his way back to international play.
Here to Dominate
Following major structural changes in the North American league, several players in the LCS saw their off-seasons change drastically heading into 2024. With Summit's former home in Team Liquid aiming to sign Jeong "Impact" Eon-young for the coming year, the South Korean top laner was left looking for new offers after Worlds. According to sources, the player received interests from major regions but eventually decided to side with Movistar R7.
One of the most dominant organizations in the region, R7 proved to be the perfect home for the LCS and LCK veteran Summit. Last year, the organization won two splits of the LLA back-to-back and qualified both for the Mid-Season Invitational and the World Championship, a feat they look to replicate in 2024.
Summit's decision to join a minor region team may appear unexpected at first glance, but when you take into account the team he's aligning with, it becomes a more logical choice. Furthermore, it's worth noting that pay in major regions is substantially decreasing for 2024, making them less enticing unless you secure a spot on a top-tier roster.
While previously one of the best top laners in his regional league, Summit was met with challenges in 2023. Failing to find his footing with Team Liquid, the player first ended the spring split in 8th position before finding improvements in summer through cleaver roster swaps and ending in 3rd place, narrowly clutching his first ever appearance at worlds. Prior to this tenure, the player also competed for FPX and C9, with whom he had moderate results.
Regardless of his recent struggles, the player is now aiming to dominate the Latin American region and prove himself once more in a lower level league. He is expected to be one of the strongest top laners of the league entering 2024 and will look to establish himself in the regional league.