The Japanese organization has unveiled the final piece to the puzzle of their 2022 roster with the addition of Kim “Lakia” Jong-min.
SOUTH KOREA — IGZIST confirmed the signing of former NUTURN Gaming player, Kim “Lakia” Jong-min, via the organization’s Twitter account. The news lands less than two weeks after DRX VALORANT (formerly Vision Strikers) announced changes that put Lakia on the transfer market.
Lakia was in great form throughout the first half of 2021 with NUTURN Gaming, placing third and individually earning the Day 4 MVP at Masters 2 Reykjavik. The 21-year-old’s sudden departure from the Kang “solo” Keun-chul-led squad saw him one day later to join Vision Strikers. However, his decreased frequency on the server as a result of the six-man roster arrangement presented less chance to showcase his capability.
Lakia placed 18th in the annual VALO2ASIA Awards, nominated by the Board of Judges of the event. Learn more about his placement below:
ALSO READ: The VALO2ASIA Awards – Top 20 Asian Players of 2021
IGZIST is a brand new Japan-based organization established in December last year, consisting of the vast majority of former BlackBird Ignis players. The lineup was previously playing together under the BlackBird Ignis banner, in which they reached a high of 25th in the VLR’s APAC ranking in June 2021.
The team’s official debut under the IGZIST banner will likely take place in VCT Japan Stage 1 Challengers, which will run from February 15.
With Lakia’s addition, IGZIST now have:
- 🇯🇵 Masayuki “oitaN” Takahashi
- 🇯🇵 Yumeki “poem” Shibasaki
- 🇯🇵 Shuma “RIPablo” Ikeda
- 🇯🇵 Shoki “Pepper” Banjo
- 🇯🇵 Seigi “Ask” Yamamoto
- 🇰🇷 Kim “Lakia” Jong-min
- 🇯🇵 Yuhi “Ambox” Matsumoto (Coach / Analyst)
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Cover photo courtesy of IGZIST
