Overwatch – Ivy announces retirement following NYXL departure

South Korean flex DPS Lee “Ivy” Seung-hyun has retired from professional Overwatch, signaling the end to his time with the New York Excelsior as a result. The news was broken by the organization on Friday, with the 22-year-old having since had his say on the matter.

Posting on Twitter, the Excelsior stated that: “Today, we say goodbye to @owivy2 as he retires from the @overwatchleague. He has been a great teammate and we’re grateful for his contributions in this new era for NYXL. We wish him all the best on his next adventure. #EverUpward”

What Ivy had to say on his retirement

Meanwhile, Ivy replied to the post by stating: @overwatchleague Thank you for giving me the best opportunity in my life. I’m retiring because of health and personal problems. It was sad but really was fun. Thank you for your support and be happy everyone.😀 Thank you Defiant, Fusion and Nyxl!” Ivy began his Overwatch career in 2017 with the O2 Blast, before representing the Toronto Defiant, Philadelphia Fusion and New York Excelsior. The South Korean star joined the Excelsior in December last year, with having previously finished 4th in the Overwatch League Playoffs Grand Finals with the Philadelphia Fusion. With Ivy on board, the Fusion eventually lost out to the Seoul Dynasty.

The popular pro made his name on heroes including Genji, Mei, Reaper, Hanzo and Tracer, with his decision to retire having shocked many within the Overwatch scene. The New York Excelsior sit in sixth position in the East Standings, with just five points to their name. No reason has been given for his decision as of yet, while it remains to be seen as to what Ivy will do in the future.

What the future holds for Kim & The Excelsior

Having been one of the leading players using Mei in the Overwatch League in 2020, Ivy was unable to rediscover his best form with New York this year. With the Excelsior not returning to action until July 31 and August 1, those in charge will have some time to decide how the team will line up when they take on the Los Angeles Valiant and Shanghai Dragons. The New York Excelsior lineup is currently made up by Seonghyun “jjoNak” Bang, Gyeongmu “Yakpung” Jo, Dong-wook “BiaNcA” Kim, Jo “Friday” Min-jae, Lee “FEATH5R” Seung-woo, Lim “Flora” Young-woo, Kim “Gwangboong” Gwang-won and Wooyeol “Kalios” Shin.