Gen.G reshuffled the deck but kept their winning hand. Kim "Canyon" Geon-bu has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Gen.G Esports ahead of the 2026 LCK season, according to sources close to Sheep Esports. The star jungler—often hailed as one of the world’s best—will remain with the organization after reaching a new deal late on November 19, just hours after Gen.G announced his free agency. Despite receiving interest from multiple teams like Hanwha Life Esports, Canyon ultimately chose to stay with the reigning LCK champions.
A five-time LCK winner and former World Champion with DAMWON Gaming, Canyon is widely considered one of the greatest junglers in
League of Legends history. Since joining Gen.G, he has led the team to back-to-back
Mid-Season Invitational victories in 2024 and 2025, as well as the 2025 Esports World Cup title. With his contract renewal, Gen.G keeps intact the powerhouse lineup featuring Kim "
Kiin" Ki-in, Canyon, Jeong "
Chovy" Ji-hoon, Park "
Ruler" Jae-hyuk, and Joo "
Duro" Min-kyu—known among fans as the “Ki–Ca–Cho–Rul–Du” roster.
Gen.G enters the 2026 season with roster continuity and minimal adjustments. The organization retains all of its five starters from the previous year: Chovy and Ruler remain contracted through 2027, Kiin through 2026, and Duro
recently extended his deal to the same term. Only the arrival of Ryu "
Ryu" Sang-wook as head coach brings some freshness in the team's organization.
This follows a 2025 campaign that stands among the most successful in Gen.G’s history. The team secured another LCK championship, displayed unprecedented dominance throughout the domestic season, and claimed the Mid-Season Invitational title. Gen.G also
broke the LCK’s all-time record for consecutive wins during the regular season, surpassing a mark long held by T1.
At the World Championship, Gen.G advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated by KT Rolster, repeating its consistent pattern of strong finishes without reaching the grand final. The offseason roster stability indicates an intention to build upon 2025’s results rather than restructure. With Kanavi’s addition, Gen.G retains a veteran lineup equipped for immediate contention in both domestic and international competitions.
