The world of professional League of Legends is constantly in flux, with players rising and falling, metas shifting, and new strategies emerging. But some names become synonymous with excellence, and Luka "Perkz" Perković is undoubtedly one of them. Now, after a decade of dominating both the European and North American scenes, the Croatian superstar has announced his retirement from League of Legends, citing the desire to dedicate himself to his family as he prepares to become a father. This marks the end of an era for many fans.
At a glance:
- Perkz, a legendary League of Legends player, has retired at the age of 26.
- He cites family and the desire to avoid the stresses of competitive play as the primary reasons.
- Perkz had a storied career, achieving success with G2 Esports, Cloud9, and other teams.
- He is widely considered one of the best Western players in League of Legends history.
- He plans to focus on content creation and spend more time with his family.
A Legacy Forged in Competition
Perkz's career is a testament to dedication, skill, and adaptability. Rising through the ranks from a young age, he consistently challenged the status quo. His ability to perform against the historically dominant APAC (Asia-Pacific) region set him apart, proving that Western talent could compete at the highest level. Whether he was outplaying opponents as a mid laner or innovating as an AD carry, Perkz always found a way to leave his mark on the game.
He began competing in A-tier tournaments at the young age of 16, back in 2014. It wasn’t long before he was participating in Riot-affiliated tournaments starting in 2016.
A Decade of Dominance
From his early days in the European scene to his brief but impactful stint in North America, Perkz consistently demonstrated a drive to win and a willingness to adapt. Let's break down some key highlights:
- G2 Esports (2015-2020): This is where Perkz truly cemented his legacy. Winning multiple EU LCS/LEC titles, reaching the World Championship finals, and securing an MSI victory, Perkz was the driving force behind G2's success. The article g2 perkz gives more details about this legacy.
- Cloud9 (2021): A move across the Atlantic saw Perkz bring his winning mentality to the LCS, claiming a title and representing North America at Worlds.
- Team Vitality & Team Heretics (2022-2025): While these later years weren't as trophy-laden as his time on G2, they demonstrated Perkz's continued passion for the game and his commitment to competing.
The Stress of the Game Takes its Toll
While Perkz is only 26 years old, he notes that a decade in professional League of Legends can feel like a lifetime. The constant pressure to perform, the grueling practice schedules, and the emotional toll of competition all contribute to burnout.
In his retirement announcement, Perkz clarified that the decision came from a desire to avoid the inherent stress of the competitive pressure. “I’ve always given my all to the playing career, to the teams I’ve been a part of. I think many can attest to that. Sometimes my all wasn’t enough, and sometimes my all wasn’t in the right direction, but I always gave it my all.”
For Perkz, the impending arrival of his child solidified the decision to prioritize family over the demanding lifestyle of a professional gamer.
More Than Just a Player: A Personality
Beyond his in-game achievements, Perkz was known for his charismatic personality and his willingness to speak his mind. He wasn't afraid to trash talk opponents, celebrate victories with flair, or share his honest opinions on the state of the game. This made him a fan favorite and a compelling figure in the League of Legends community.
The Golden Days with G2 Esports
The period between 2016 and 2020 is widely considered to be Perkz’s golden age, where he secured 8 LEC titles, one Mid-Season Invitational Victory in 2019, and made it to the finals in the 2019 World Championship.
In fact, he even role-swapped from mid lane to AD carry, just to make room for Caps, which many fans still consider to be the strongest Western roster of all time.
The Fans React to Perkz's Retirement
The news of Perkz's retirement sent shockwaves through the League of Legends community. Fans, fellow players, and organizations alike took to social media to express their gratitude and respect for his contributions to the game.
G2 Esports responded to the announcement. "Thank you for letting us be part of your story. Congratulations on putting a cap on such a legendary career."
His announcement on X, under the handle @Perkz, was captioned “end of an arc,” and has earned over 4,400 likes and 81,000 views in under an hour.
What's Next for Perkz?
While his days as a professional League of Legends player are over, Perkz is far from disappearing. He intends to focus on content creation, streaming on Twitch, and spending quality time with his family. With his engaging personality and deep knowledge of the game, Perkz is well-positioned to thrive in the world of streaming and content creation.
He will also be holding a Q&A event for fans, for clarification about his retirement, on an upcoming stream at 9 PM Central Europe Time (CET).
Q&A: Quick Answers About Perkz
- Why did Perkz retire? He cited the desire to focus on his family and avoid the stress of competitive play as he prepares to become a father.
- What teams did Perkz play for? He is most well-known for playing for G2 Esports, but he has also played for Cloud9, Team Vitality, and Team Heretics.
- What positions did Perkz play? Primarily mid lane and AD carry.
- What is Perkz doing now? Focusing on content creation, streaming, and family.
Is This Really the End?
In his heartfelt announcement, Perkz clarified that he wants to separate his competitive identity from his self-expression. "Perkz is dead [...] he's not a player anymore."
While some fans may hold out hope for a future return, Perkz's statement suggests that this is indeed the end of his professional League of Legends career.
Lessons from a Legend
Perkz's career offers valuable lessons for aspiring esports professionals and anyone striving for success in a competitive field:
- Adaptability is key: The ability to adapt to changing metas, team compositions, and roles is essential for long-term success.
- Passion is paramount: A genuine love for the game and a relentless desire to improve are crucial for overcoming challenges and staying motivated.
- Mental fortitude is essential: The pressure of competition can be immense, so developing mental resilience and strategies for managing stress is vital.
Celebrating a Career Well Played
Luka "Perkz" Perković leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. His achievements, his personality, and his impact on the game have cemented his place as a League of Legends icon. While fans may be sad to see him go, they can also celebrate a career filled with memorable moments and unparalleled success. Now, as he embarks on this new chapter, the League of Legends community wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.