Disclosure: Partizan Esports is managed by Clutch Enterprise LLC, part-owner of Sheep Esports SRL (12.5%). Clutch Enterprise has signed a letter waiving all editorial control to Sheep Esports in order to ensure editorial freedom.
Lee "
Ruby" Sol-min was not finished with
League of Legends. Having completed his military service, the 27-year-old South Korean midlaner is preparing to reignite his career in Europe, joining
Partizan Sangal in the
Esports Balkan League, according to
Sheep Esports sources. Ruby is, in a sense, resuming his world tour. A true globetrotter of the professional scene, he began his career in Challengers Korea, the nation’s second tier, in 2017, before moving on to compete in the LPL and later in the PCS.
He made a name for himself in the West after arriving in the ERL circuit in 2022. It was there, with Unicorns of Love Sexy Edition, that Ruby won the only title of his career so far — the Prime League Summer Split. That same year, he reached his peak of
1,605 LP on the EUW ladder according to
lolpros.gg. His European adventure continued the following season at the highest regional level, the LEC, with Team Heretics. It was there that fans truly had the opportunity to gauge his level of play, although Ruby ultimately failed to make a lasting impression during the first two splits of 2023.
Back in Form
His inconsistent performances cost him his spot for the Summer split, during which he attempted to bounce back in a new region — the LCS — with TSM. However, his North American stint proved really far from successful. After just three games, all ending in defeat, Ruby lost his place in the roster. He then returned to South Korea to fulfill his national service duties — a legal requirement for all men aged between 18 and 28, lasting from 18 to 22 months.
Having recently resumed solo queue, Ruby has begun climbing the Korean ladder again and peaked at 1,601 LP just a few days ago, playing primarily Jayce, Orianna, and Ryze. For his return to competition — where his most played champions to date are Azir (39 games) and Syndra (30 games) — Ruby is aiming slightly lower, stepping back into Tier 2 — in a team that may help him restore his confidence.
Partizan Sangal, the result of a merger between Partizan Esports and Sangal Esports in April, has indeed shown a competitive edge in the EBL this year. The team reached the finals of the Spring Split, won the Summer Split as well as the EBL Finals, and thus qualified twice for the EMEA Masters. Ruby will succeed his compatriot Cho "Whistle" Jong-hwi in the midlane.
For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and
Offseason Live Tracker.
Header Photo Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
