Park Jae-hyuk, better known as “Ruler” in the world of League of Legends, is one of the most talented and accomplished players in the game’s history. As a professional bot laner, Ruler has made a name for himself with his exceptional skills and impressive achievements. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about this League of Legends superstar that you might not know.
1. From Bronze to Pro: An Unlikely Beginning
Believe it or not, Ruler’s journey to becoming a League of Legends legend had a humble start. When he first played ranked games, he was placed in the Bronze tier! This might come as a surprise to many, considering his current status as one of the best players in the world. It just goes to show that with dedication and hard work, anyone can improve their skills and reach great heights in the game.
2. A Surprising Start as a Top Laner
While Ruler is now famous for his skills as a bot laner (ADC), he actually started his League of Legends journey as a top laner. In his early days, he mainly played champions like Riven, Jax, and Aatrox. This experience in a different role likely contributed to his overall game understanding and may have helped him become the versatile player he is today.
3. The “Ruler Ending” Phenomenon
During the 2018-2019 season, a phrase called the “Ruler ending” became popular in the Korean League of Legends community. This term was used to describe Ruler’s exceptional ability to play the late game and often turn matches around in his team’s favor. It’s a testament to his skill in high-pressure situations and his ability to carry games when it matters most.
4. A Dramatic Weight Loss Journey
League of Legends pros often face health challenges due to their intense training schedules and sedentary lifestyle. Ruler, however, took matters into his own hands and underwent a significant transformation. He managed to lose an impressive 17 kilograms (about 37 pounds)! This weight loss journey not only improved his health but likely also positively impacted his gaming performance.
5. The Pentakill King (and the Pentakill Curse)
Ruler is known for his ability to secure pentakills (killing all five enemy champions in quick succession) in professional matches. However, this skill led to an interesting challenge from fans and other players. After Ruler’s pentakill was stolen in a game and he expressed frustration on broadcast, people began trying to steal all his potential pentakills, both in solo queue and competitive play. Fans even brought signs to matches calling him the “quadrakill king.” Despite this playful “curse,” Ruler continues to rack up an impressive number of pentakills throughout his career.
6. A World Champion at a Young Age
One of Ruler’s most significant achievements came early in his career. In 2017, at just 18 years old, Ruler won the League of Legends World Championship with Samsung Galaxy. Not only did his team win, but Ruler was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. This early success set the stage for his continued dominance in the professional scene.
7. A Grand Slam Dream
Since 2020, Ruler has been vocal about his desire to achieve a “Grand Slam” in League of Legends. A Grand Slam refers to winning all major titles in a single year, including the domestic league (LCK or LPL), Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and the World Championship. While he hasn’t achieved this feat yet, his determination to reach this goal shows his competitive spirit and drive for success.
8. Anime Fan and Music Lover
Despite his intense focus on League of Legends, Ruler is also a fan of anime. He has mentioned enjoying series like “One-Punch Man” and “Demon Slayer.” Additionally, Ruler has a unique way of dealing with losses – he likes to take walks while listening to music. This shows that even pro gamers need ways to relax and reset their minds after tough matches.
9. A Playful Rivalry with Teammates
Ruler is known for his playful banter with teammates and fellow players. In interviews, he has jokingly mentioned wanting to “kill” his former teammate Kellin (in the game, of course!). This kind of friendly rivalry and humor shows the lighter side of professional gaming and the camaraderie among players.
10. Evolving Champion Pool
Throughout his career, Ruler has shown an impressive ability to adapt to changes in the game. While he started with traditional ADC champions like Sivir and Lucian, he has expanded his champion pool to include more complex characters like Aphelios and Jhin. His ability to master new champions and playstyles has kept him at the top of his game for years.
Bottom Line
As of 2023, Ruler continues to compete at the highest level of League of Legends with JD Gaming. Despite having achieved so much already, he shows no signs of slowing down. His goal of achieving a Grand Slam (winning all major titles in a single year) remains unfulfilled, giving him a clear target to strive for.
Ruler’s journey in League of Legends is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and raw talent. From his humble beginnings as a Bronze-tier player to becoming a world champion and multi-region victor, Ruler’s story continues to inspire League of Legends players around the world.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of competitive League of Legends or a newcomer to the scene, Ruler’s career is one worth following. His continued success and evolution as a player make him one of the most exciting figures in esports today.
As the League of Legends competitive scene continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Ruler will be there, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for an ADC player and leaving his mark on the game’s history. Who knows what other surprising facts and achievements we’ll be adding to this list in the years to come?