Gen.G Esports is a professional organization that has been steadily rising through the ranks since 2017. Today, they’re one of the world’s leading cross-regional esports clubs, dominating in the VALORANT and League of Legends competitive scenes. But how did Gen.G achieve such monumental success?

This guide explores everything you need to know about Gen.G Esports, from the team’s creation to its growth and current state as a leading presence in the world of international esports.

Gen.G History

In August 2017, Kent Wakeford and Kevin Chou, co-founders of the Canadian video game developer Kabam, decided to establish their own organization. They would eventually team up with Philip Hyun and Michael Li to bring their shared vision to life.

Initially named Korea + Silicon Valley Esports (KSV eSports), the club got off to a strong start by securing a franchise slot in Seoul, South Korea, for the Overwatch League (OWL). The team, branded as Seoul Dynasty, became one of two professional South Korean franchises in the OWL.

Later in 2017, KSV reached another significant milestone when it acquired the Samsung Galaxy League of Legends division after triumphing at the 2017 LoL World Championship (Worlds). At the same time, they announced their entry into the PUBG competitive scene. 

KSV eSports officially rebranded to Gen.G in 2018. The Gen.G LoL team proved to be a significant force in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), clinching four LCK championships in a row from 2022 to 2024 and winning both the Spring and Summer titles in 2023.

Player Health And Diversity 

Gen.G gained early recognition for prioritizing player well-being in the high-pressure esports scene. To support mental health, the organization partnered with LA Fitness and Simple Habit to launch a player wellness campaign to promote balance and healthy gaming practices.

Beyond that, Gen.G has also put diversity at the center of its global identity. The company’s multicultural origins (it has branches in Korea, China, and North America) expanded as the organization grew. Today, the Gen.G roster proudly boasts a highly diverse group of players and coaches. 

The organization is also recognized as a leader in gender diversity. This initiative includes empowerment programs for women in esports, such as the creation of the all-female VALORANT team, Gen.G Black (though they have since parted ways with Gen.G). 

Brand Partnerships

Although Gen.G has become an esports powerhouse, the company has also collaborated with numerous non-endemic brands. Among them is PUMA—a collaboration that blended esports with PUMA’s signature streetwear—and even McDonald’s Korea.

The organization also teamed up with venerable fashion brand Burberry, a major participant in the aforementioned empowerment program for women. Other brand partnerships include OTOKI, Crocs, and Theta Labs. 

The success of the Gen.G international organization has been so dominant that the company has been recognized by Forbes multiple times as one of the “Most Valuable Esports Companies in the World.”

Gen.G Esports Divisions

Gen.G has won multiple esports titles across different divisions and regions, cementing its position as an elite competitive gaming organization.

League of Legends 

Since 2022, Gen.G has enjoyed a stellar run, earning top placement at the LCK Summer and Spring Splits, the Mid-Season Invitational, and the Esports World Cup. They’ve also been consistent contenders at Worlds and regularly rank high in the LoL Esports Global Power Rankings.

A key element of the Gen.G League of Legends team’s success was its star-studded core of veterans Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon, Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan, Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, and Son “Lehends” Si-woos over the years—all widely regarded as some of the best LoL players globally.

Under the tutelage of head coach Go “Score” Dong-bin, the lineup has captured four consecutive titles. Gen.G LCK champions achieved this thanks to their robust academy system and disciplined macro play. The group also obtained its first international title at MSI 2024.

VALORANT

Gen.G is also known for its dominant VALORANT rosters, which are part of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific League. They operate under Riot Games’ official partner system, which was introduced in 2023. 

2023 was a breakthrough season for the Gen.G VALORANT team. After a top-3 finish in the VCT Pacific League, the team qualified for Champions that year, a highly prestigious esports tournament. 

The Gen.G VALORANT team implements precise and strategic coordination tactics, reflecting the disciplined Korean-influenced play style they’re well-known for. At one point, the team was also led by standout player Kim “Meteor” Tae-oh.

Before his move to T1, Meteor was the undisputed face of the Gen.G VALORANT division, thanks to his clutch performances and calculated playstyle. In 2024, they made history by winning VCT Masters Shanghai, becoming the first Pacific team to win this international title.

PUBG/PUBG Mobile

The Gen.G PUBG roster was a foundational lineup, and the organization quickly and firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the battle royale title. In 2019, they won the PUBG Global Championship, and they have remained top contenders in the field ever since.

Gen.G also expanded into the mobile esports scene with PUBG Mobile collaborations and teams.

Overwatch 

Overwatch was Gen G’s debut franchise, launched in 2017 during the creation of the OWL, when the organization was still named KSV Esports. The Seoul Dynasty rapidly became one of the league’s most recognizable brands and a consistent playoff contender.

Other Gen.G Esports Teams

Gen.G has also fielded rosters in other titles, achieving impressive accolades with them over the years.

• Rocket League: The Gen.G Rocket League team won the North American Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) in 2022. They remain a top-tier RL team. 
• NBA 2K: Gen.G was one of the first non-NBA franchises to join the NBA 2K League when they launched the Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai in 2020. 
• Apex Legends: The Gen.G Apex Legends team often ranks as regional contenders within the Asia-Pacific region while competing in events in the Apex Legends Global Series circuit. 

Gen.G’s Biggest Achievements

The cross-regional legacy that Gen.G has built comes from the organization’s impressive titles and consistent results. With a strong presence in both Eastern and Western esports ecosystems, their accolades truly reflect their global strategy and dedication to the craft. 

Take a look at our table below for some of the biggest Gen.G achievements. 

Year	Game	Event	Achievement	Prize Money
2019	PUBG	PMGC	Champions	$2,000,000
2020	NBA 2K	Gen.G Tigers Debut Season	Playoff berth	N/A
2022	Rocket League	RLCS Winter Major	Champions	$90,000
2023	League of Legends	LCK Summer Split	Champions	$150,000
2024	League of Legends	LCK Spring Split	Champions	$160,000
2024	League of Legends	MSI	Champions	$50,000
2024	VALORANT	VCT Masters Shanghai	Champions	$350,000
2025	League of Legends	Esports World Cup	Champions	$600,000

FAQs

Who founded Gen.G Esports?

Gen.G Esports was founded by Kevin Chou, Kent Wakeford, Philip Hyun, and Michael Li.

What games does Gen.G compete in?

Gen.G competes professionally in the following esports games: Apex Legends, League of Legends, NBA 2K League, PUBG, PUBG Mobile, Rocket League, and VALORANT.

What is Gen.G’s greatest achievement?

Gen.G has a dominant presence in LoL both internationally and domestically. Their most impressive League of Legends achievements are the four consecutive LCK Championship wins.

Where is Gen.G based?

Gen.G has three main bases of operations: Seoul, South Korea; Shanghai, China; and Los Angeles, United States. 

What are Gen.G's esports earnings?

According to Esports Earnings, Gen.G has accumulated around $12,150,032.94 across 264 professional esports tournaments.

References

1. Burberry partners with Gen.G to champion women and inclusivity within gaming (Burberry)
2. The Most Valuable Esports Companies 2022 (Forbes)
3. Gen.G Esports (Esports Earnings)