The Inspiring Comeback of Samsung Galaxy: From Setbacks to World Champions in League of Legends
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of esports, few teams can lay claim to a journey as tumultuous and inspiring as Samsung Galaxy. Once riding the crest of success with their early victories, the organization experienced setbacks and faced substantial challenges. However, in a dramatic turn of events, they made a triumphant return to the pinnacle of the League of Legends scene. This is the story of resilience, a testament to hard work, and the eventual return to greatness—a story that rekindled the hopes of fans around the globe.
The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy’s story in the League of Legends competitive scene begins with a tale of ambition and a hunger for success. In 2014, the organization made waves by securing not one, but two spots at the League of Legends World Championship under the banners of Samsung White and Samsung Blue. This unique achievement showcased their depth of talent and established Samsung as one of the powerhouses of the early competitive scene.
Samsung White, one of the two teams under Samsung’s banner, emerged victorious in the 2014 World Championship. Their dominant gameplay, surgical map control, and calculated aggression marked them as one of the best teams in the world. They took down Star Horn Royal Club with a resounding 3-1 victory, and each of their games was a lesson in precision and immaculate play. The success of Samsung White and the seamless performances throughout the tournament not only exemplified strategic brilliance but also made the brand synonymous with success.
However, the 2014 triumph marked a high point from which the only direction to go seemed down. Just a few months after lifting the Summoner’s Cup, Samsung experienced an unexpected downfall. The 2015 season would be remembered as a grim chapter for Samsung Galaxy, as the organization was hit by one of the most significant changes in the history of esports: the exodus of talent to China. Players like Mata, Dandy, and other pivotal members were drawn away by more lucrative contracts in the Chinese League of Legends Pro League (LPL), leaving Samsung’s roster gutted. This player exodus left Samsung scrambling to rebuild with new, unproven talent, and their performance suffered greatly.
Throughout 2015 and 2016, Samsung Galaxy’s League of Legends team struggled in the highly competitive Korean scene, known as LCK (League Champions Korea). They lost their status as a powerhouse and fell out of the spotlight. The once-dominant organization became an underdog, trying to stay relevant in a scene dominated by T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1), KT Rolster, and ROX Tigers. Fans watched as the proud team that had once claimed the World Championship seemed destined to fade into obscurity.
However, behind the scenes, a slow and deliberate rebuild was underway. Samsung Galaxy worked on developing a new core, focusing on synergy, trust, and a collective will to win. They invested in new talent, scouting for players who possessed both mechanical skill and a hunger to prove themselves. This marked the beginning of the reinvention of Samsung Galaxy, a project that would ultimately see them rising from the ashes like a phoenix.
Key to Samsung’s resurgence was the recruitment of players such as Crown (Lee Min-ho), Ruler (Park Jae-hyuk), Ambition (Kang Chan-yong), CuVee (Lee Seong-jin), and CoreJJ (Jo Yong-in). Ambition, a veteran player who had already earned respect as one of the best in the jungle role, brought leadership, stability, and experience to the team. Crown, the mid-laner, was known for his incredible mechanics and deep champion pool, while Ruler and CoreJJ formed a formidable bot lane duo. These pieces began to fit together perfectly, slowly but surely creating a new version of Samsung Galaxy capable of competing at the highest levels.
In 2016, the new-look Samsung Galaxy lineup began to click. Their resilience in the LCK Summer Split allowed them to fight their way through the Regional Qualifier and secure a spot at Worlds. Despite being underdogs, they performed admirably, making a miraculous run to the finals. Although they ultimately fell short against SK Telecom T1 in a hard-fought 3-2 series, their incredible journey inspired fans, who began to believe that Samsung could once again lift the Summoner’s Cup.
Redemption at Worlds 2017: A Return to Glory
The stage was set for a true comeback story in 2017. The year marked Samsung Galaxy’s true return to form, and their journey at Worlds became the epitome of perseverance and growth. Having kept the core of their roster intact, Samsung entered the season with renewed determination, and the synergy between their players was evident from the start. They faced challenges throughout the LCK, battling their way through a highly competitive field that included powerhouse teams like SKT, KT Rolster, and Longzhu Gaming.
It wasn’t an easy road—Samsung struggled in the LCK Playoffs, finishing third in both Spring and Summer splits. But just like the previous year, they showed incredible resilience during the Regional Qualifier, clawing their way to the World Championship. Samsung was placed into what many considered to be a tough group at Worlds 2017, alongside Royal Never Give Up (RNG), G2 Esports, and 1907 Fenerbahçe. However, they faced each challenge with confidence, securing their spot in the Knockout Stage and moving closer to redemption.
Samsung Galaxy’s performance during the Knockout Stage was nothing short of phenomenal. They displayed tactical precision, team synergy, and an unmatched level of adaptability. In the quarterfinals, Samsung faced Longzhu Gaming, who were considered by many to be the tournament favorites. Samsung Galaxy defied expectations by dismantling Longzhu with a clean 3-0 sweep, showcasing the full strength of their roster. Crown’s intelligent laning, CuVee’s strong top-lane presence, and Ambition’s calculated jungle pathing allowed Samsung to dominate.
In the semifinals, Samsung faced their rivals Royal Never Give Up (RNG) in an intense five-game series. This matchup was a true test of character, with RNG’s Uzi proving to be a formidable threat. However, Samsung’s strategic discipline and flawless teamfighting saw them emerge victorious, securing a spot in the finals against none other than SK Telecom T1—the team that had denied them the championship in 2016.
The 2017 World Championship finals were a storybook moment for Samsung Galaxy. It was a rematch of the previous year’s finals, a chance for redemption, and an opportunity to write a new chapter in their history. Facing the defending champions SK Telecom T1, Samsung Galaxy executed a near-perfect game plan. They capitalized on the weaknesses of SKT, whose roster had begun to show cracks. Crown’s Viktor and Malzahar picks became nightmares for Faker, Ambition’s consistent pressure in the jungle kept Peanut and Blank in check, and CuVee’s Gnar outperformed Huni’s Cho’Gath in key moments.
With a dominating 3-0 victory, Samsung Galaxy avenged their 2016 defeat and reclaimed the World Championship title. It was a flawless performance, one that showed just how far the team had come. The scenes of jubilation—Ambition lifting the Summoner’s Cup at last after years of striving for greatness, Crown shedding tears of joy, and Ruler’s iconic Xayah ultimate that sealed the final game—will forever be remembered by fans. This victory represented a culmination of years of hard work, belief, and dedication.
Samsung Galaxy’s journey from world champions to underdogs, and then back to the summit of competitive League of Legends, is a tale of perseverance. The team’s willingness to embrace change, invest in new talent, and continuously strive for improvement embodies the spirit of esports. Their success in 2017 not only demonstrated that comebacks are possible but also inspired countless players and fans around the world who believe in the power of resilience.
The transformation from a team that had lost its direction to a squad that displayed some of the most coordinated play in League of Legends history is a testament to what is possible when talented individuals work toward a common goal. Samsung Galaxy’s story remains an inspiration—proof that, with dedication and belief, anything is possible, even in the fiercely competitive world of esports.
The story of Samsung Galaxy is not just about a team winning trophies; it’s about the journey, the struggles, and the resilience to fight back after setbacks. It is about the transformation from a disbanded team into world champions once more, and the bond that forged between the players who believed in each other when the world had almost forgotten their potential.
Samsung Galaxy’s journey to becoming 2017 World Champions is a lesson in perseverance and a reminder that no matter how difficult the road may seem, greatness is achievable. The team’s rise, fall, and triumphant return inspired fans and solidified Samsung Galaxy’s place in League of Legends history. Their legacy endures as an example that the darkest times can be overcome with teamwork, determination, and a belief in the possibility of redemption.
