1. Early life and background
Noh Yeong-Jin grew up in a rural area in South Korea. During his childhood, he spent a significant amount of time playing video games. However, his early life was not solely focused on gaming, as he also enjoyed outdoor activities, including camping with his family during the summer seasons. His initial exposure to video games eventually paved the way for his future professional esports career.
2. Professional career
Noh Yeong-Jin's comprehensive journey as a professional esports player spans across League of Legends and Overwatch, marked by strategic transitions and impactful performances for various teams.
2.1. League of Legends (2013-2016)
Noh Yeong-Jin began his professional esports career as a top laner in League of Legends in October 2013, joining the Korean team Alienware Arena. With Alienware Arena, he competed in the PANDORA.TV Champions Winter 2013-2014, where the team secured a third-place finish.
Following his tenure with Alienware Arena, Gamsu moved to another Korean team, Samsung Galaxy Blue, in June 2014. Despite joining the team, he did not record any official appearances during the 2014 season.
In November 2014, Gamsu departed Samsung Blue to join Team Dignitas in North America for the 2015 season. Team Dignitas was invited to participate in the IEM Season IX - Cologne tournament, where they finished in third place after being defeated by Gambit Gaming. During the 2015 NA LCS Spring Season, Team Dignitas faced challenges, finishing in ninth place and forcing them into the relegation tournament. However, Dignitas successfully re-qualified for the Summer 2015 NA LCS. Although he experienced a period of struggle in the Spring Split, Gamsu demonstrated improved performance in the Summer Split.
On December 17, 2015, Gamsu was announced as the new top laner for the European team Fnatic. The team promptly received an invitation to compete in IEM Season X - Cologne. Fnatic's roster underwent several changes at this time, with Gamsu joining alongside Spirit and NoXiAK, who played alongside established players Febiven and Rekkles. Fnatic participated in the 2016 EU LCS Spring Split, where they secured a third-place finish. During his time with Fnatic, Gamsu showed inconsistent performance, although he contributed to the team's advancement to the postseason in the Summer Split, where his performance was noted as subpar.
2.2. Overwatch (2016-2020)
Noh Yeong-Jin transitioned to professional Overwatch in September 2016, joining the team CONBOX T6. He competed for CONBOX in the OGN APEX series, playing as the team's main tank throughout the first three seasons. During this period, he also took on coaching responsibilities for the team. After CONBOX was eliminated from Season 3, Noh was released from the team in July 2017.
On October 26, 2017, Noh was announced as the dedicated main tank for the Boston Uprising, one of the inaugural teams of the Overwatch League. The 2018 season proved successful for Boston Uprising; they achieved winning records in both Stage 1 and Stage 2, and notably secured a perfect 10-0 record in Stage 3, becoming the first team in the league to achieve such a feat. Despite their strong regular season performances, the team did not claim any stage or season championship titles. Noh's individual performance was recognized with his selection for the 2018 Overwatch League All-Star Game.
Days before the start of the 2019 Overwatch League season, on February 12, 2019, Boston Uprising transferred Noh to the Shanghai Dragons. Noh quickly made a significant impact, leading the Dragons to their first-ever victory on February 23, when they defeated his former team, the Boston Uprising. This win famously snapped the Dragons' franchise-long 42-game losing streak, a record in professional esports. Throughout the remainder of the 2019 season, Noh continued to lead the Dragons to two stage playoff appearances. Although they were defeated by the San Francisco Shock in the Stage 2 quarterfinals, the Shanghai Dragons notably triumphed over the Shock in the Stage 3 finals, marking Gamsu's first major tournament championship in his professional career. Noh parted ways with the Shanghai Dragons on November 4, 2019.
Hours after his departure from the Dragons was announced, Noh signed with the Dallas Fuel on November 4, 2019. He competed with the Dallas Fuel until October 17, 2020, when he announced his decision to leave the team and pursue a return to competitive League of Legends.
2.3. Return to League of Legends (2021-)
In May 2021, Noh Yeong-Jin officially returned to competitive League of Legends, signing with 100 Thieves Next, the third team affiliated with the esports organization 100 Thieves. His return to the game he started his career in was a notable event in the community. Later that year, in August 2021, Noh was promoted to 100 Thieves Academy, which serves as the second team of 100 Thieves.
In May 2022, Gamsu made his return to the LCS, the highest level of professional League of Legends play in North America. He signed with Dignitas, marking a reunion with the team he had last played for seven years prior.
3. Awards and achievements
Noh Yeong-Jin has accumulated several significant awards and achievements throughout his professional League of Legends and Overwatch careers.
| Game | Tournament / Achievement | Result |
|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | PANDORA.TV Champions Winter 2013-2014 | 3rd Place |
| League of Legends | IEM Season IX - Cologne | Semifinals |
| League of Legends | IEM Season X - World Championship | Runner-up |
| League of Legends | 2016 EU LCS Spring Split | 3rd Place |
| Overwatch | 2018 Overwatch League All-Star Game | Selected Player |
| Overwatch | Overwatch League 2018 Stage 3 | Runner-up (Regular Season Performance) |
| Overwatch | Overwatch League 2019 Stage 3 Playoffs | Quarterfinals |
| Overwatch | Overwatch League 2019 Stage 3 | Champion |
| Overwatch | Overwatch League 2020 May Melee - North America | Quarterfinals |
4. Personal life
Outside of his demanding professional esports career, Noh Yeong-Jin maintains a private personal life. Growing up, he resided in a rural area, which offered a different environment compared to the urban centers often associated with professional gaming. While he enjoyed playing video games extensively during his childhood, he also had an affinity for outdoor activities, including camping with his family during summer seasons, suggesting a balanced upbringing between digital and traditional leisure.
5. Legacy and influence
Noh Yeong-Jin's legacy in the esports industry is characterized by his adaptability and significant impact across two major competitive titles, League of Legends and Overwatch. His career path, marked by a successful transition from one game to another and then a return, highlights his versatile mechanical skill and strategic understanding.
In Overwatch, Gamsu's leadership and tank play were instrumental in turning around the fortunes of the Shanghai Dragons, a team that had endured a historic losing streak. His role in guiding them to their first victory and subsequently to an Overwatch League Stage 3 championship showcased his ability to elevate team performance under pressure. This achievement not only secured a major title but also provided a compelling narrative of perseverance within the esports community, inspiring both players and fans.
His consistent presence at the top tiers of both League of Legends and Overwatch, spanning multiple teams and regions, solidifies his reputation as a respected and enduring figure. He has influenced subsequent players through his disciplined play and strategic mind. His journey from a top laner in League of Legends to a world-class main tank in Overwatch, and then back to League of Legends, demonstrates a unique career trajectory that has left a lasting impression on the competitive landscape of both games.