Evi Retires from League of Legends After 11-Year Career

After a decade-long career, Japanese toplaner Evi has revealed he will retire from pro play. Here’s a recap of his announcement and accomplishments, spanning the LJL, Worlds, MSI, and other key tournaments.

Evi Retires from League of Legends

Shunsuke “Evi” Murase has been active in the League of Legends competitive circuit since 2014. In the nearly dozen years since, he has represented six teams, played in six Worlds, and become one of the title’s most important esports figures.

Evi’s Announcement

On September 4, 2026, the Japanese toplaner announced he will soon permanently retire from pro play. He released a statement which reads (translated from the original Japanese):

“As announced, I will be retiring from being a professional gamer after 11 years, effective this year. […] All of these are truly wonderful memories that I absolutely could not have achieved alone—they were made together with all of you.

From here on, I’ll be in a different position than before, but I want to gradually give back even a little of the kindness I’ve received from Japan’s LoL community. I hope to pass on the skills and experience I’ve built up to the younger players and continue contributing to Japan’s LoL in my own way.

The fact that I’ve been able to keep going for these 11 years is all thanks to everyone who cheered me on and supported me.
Thank you so much.

発表にもありました通り、今年をもって、11年間続けてきたプロゲーマーを引退します。

今振り返ると、本当にいろいろなことが思い出されます。

WCSでブラジル代表に初めて勝ち、予選を突破したこと。
MSIでDWGをあと一歩のところまで追い詰めながら、逆転されたこと。… pic.twitter.com/EC3A8l8mzn

— SHG Evi/えびンモ (@ebihuryahurya) September 4, 2026

Prior to his retirement, Evi represented SoftBank HAWKS for three years. He also spent time on DetonatioN FocusMe and Team Heretics.

Netizens, Teams, and Other Pros React

Fellow pro players, esports fans, and industry netizens popped into the replies to offer support and share their memories. League of Legends’ official esports account called him “A true legend,” saying, “Thank you, Evi.”

The LCP called Evi “a paragon of Japanese LoL, and a beacon of endless positivity. Selfless on and off the Rift, Evi approaches each challenge the same way he regards the camera: with a smile on his face and a thumb in the air.”

Team Heretics reflected on Evi’s time with the organization, writing:

“It was a pleasure having you as part of Heretics and sharing a chapter of your journey with us. Thank you for all the memories and everything you brought to our team and to the game. Best of luck in your next chapter.”

You're a legend Evi, goodluck in your new path ♥️

— Marcin Jankowski (@JankosLoL) September 4, 2026

Pro jungler Jankos, LPL caster Nymaera, and more big names popped up with well wishes.

Evi’s Career

Throughout his time on the Rift, Evi was instrumental in bringing Japanese LoL to the world stage. He consistently dominated the League of Legends Japan League (LJL), securing twelve titles and catching international attention. When DetonatioN FocusMe reached Worlds in 2018 with Evi on the lineup, they became the first Japanese team ever to get out of the play in stage.

Outside his original LJL play, Evi’s travels have taken him far: he also appeared in the LEC and LCP. After Team Heretics signed him in 2023, Evi became the first Japanese League of Legends player to compete in Europe’s top league, reaching the final four in the Summer Playoffs. Japan has often been overlooked for other APAC mainstays like Korea and China, so fans from the country are particularly proud of Evi as a player who has stood toe-to-toe with the greats and transcended regional circuits.

Evi has participated in six Worlds events and four MSI tournaments total. His trademark ‘thumbs up’ and resilient story arc won fan favor from all over, breaking past national boundaries.

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