Munchkin’s tenure with Gen.G has come to an end.
SOUTH KOREA – Byeon “Munchkin” Sang-beom has announced his departure from Gen.G, bringing an end to a two-year stint with the Korean squad in which he lifted the VALORANT Masters Shanghai trophy.
The announcement follows Gen.G’s earlier post made just two hours prior, revealing that the contracts of Kim “t3xture” Na-ra, Kim “Karon” Won-tae, Kim “Lakia” Jong-min, Munchkin, and coaching staff Kang “solo” Keun-chul, Kim “HSK” Hae-seong, and Jung “peri” Beom-gi have all expired.
Gen.G added that they are still in discussions with the players and staff for the upcoming season, a move consistent with the organization’s past approach of announcing contract expirations during the offseason before re-signing most of the roster later on.
Munchkin leaves behind what can be considered the peak of his career with Gen.G, particularly during the 2024 season, a year that saw the team win VALORANT Masters Shanghai, finish second at Masters Madrid, and secure trophies in both Kickoff and Stage 2.
The 27-year-old not only served as the team’s in-game leader, but also earned individual accolades as Finals MVP and IGL of the Year in the 2024 VCT Pacific season. It was also during this time that he delivered one of his most memorable quotes:
“I think it’s a petty excuse to say that your performance kind of drops when you take the IGLing role. It shouldn’t be an excuse for anyone.”
The 2025 season was a mixed campaign for Gen.G. Domestically, the team performed respectably by finishing third in Kickoff and second in VCT Pacific Stage 1, showing strong form that carried them into VALORANT Masters Toronto and the 2025 Esports World Cup on the international stage.
However, their third-place finish in Kickoff wasn’t enough to qualify for Masters Bangkok, and an abrupt 7–8th exit in Stage 2 ultimately cost them a spot at VALORANT Champions Paris, marking a sharp contrast to their remarkable highs from the 2024 season.
Munchkin has made his intentions clear to continue competing next season, posting an LFT announcement where he stated that he is “always striving for victory and growth.” He added that if any team shares the same mindset and ambition, they are welcome to reach out to him.
Munchkin’s statement regarding his departure from Gen.G is as follows:
“[It’s] the end of my journey with Gen.G. 2024–2025 with Gen.G has been such a meaningful and happy time. I’ve made the best memories and achieved the best moments of my career here. Every year as a player taught me something new, but Gen.G gave me true turning points in life.
To all my teammates, coaches, and staff thank you for everything. I’m proud of what we built together, and I’ll always carry those moments with me.
To all the Gen.G fans, I know many of you expected a lot from us this year, and I’m sorry we couldn’t live up to all those hopes. Still, I’m truly grateful for every bit of support and love you’ve given. Thank you, always. Now, it’s time for a new adventure❤️”
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Cover photo courtesy of Stefan Wisnoski/Riot Games
