Prior to the commencement of LTA North Split 3, the North American competitive gaming organisation Dignitas revealed the acquisition of Korean import top laner Kyeong ‘Photon‘ Gyu-tae.
The player will be taking the place of domestic player Jett Michael “Srtty” Joye as the team aims to elevate their performance from the previous split. Can Photon’s inclusion impact the team’s standing, and what can fans anticipate from his presence? Here’s Esports Insider’s examination of the competitor.
Photon – His professional journey thus far
Photon’s began his professional journey in 2019 upon enlisting with Gen.G Academy. For a duration of three years, the Korean contender competed for various academy teams, notably T1 Challengers, where he garnered attention from international teams seeking emerging talents to bolster their rosters.
In late 2022, Team Vitality opted to grant him an opportunity in the LEC, and Photon swiftly distinguished himself in his inaugural season, establishing himself among the premier top laners in the league. In his opening split, Team Vitality secured the top position during the 2023 Winter regular split, culminating in Photon’s inclusion in the first All-Pro Team.
Nevertheless, the team’s displays gradually declined, with Team Vitality concluding in the last position during the 2023 summer season. Despite remaining with the squad for the 2024 campaign, Photon encountered challenges in steering the team towards more favourable outcomes (achieving solely a fourth-place finish in Spring). Consequently, he severed ties with the organisation at the close of the 2024 season.
Before becoming part of Dignitas, Photon served as the starting top laner in the TCL for Beşiktaş Esports, attaining a highest placement of fifth.
A lane-centric Approach
Analogous to the majority of Korean imports, Photon is recognised for possessing robust lane mechanics and has frequently been capable of establishing advantageous scenarios for himself in the initial phases of the game. He is known for his preference towards damage-oriented champions rather than tanks, opting for selections such as Jax, Gwen, Renekton, and Jayce.
Even in the current year within the TCL, Photon sustained positive CS, gold, and XP disparities at the 15-minute mark, despite the team registering a collective win rate of 36.4%, as per data from the Games of Legends site. He ranks among the top five players in almost every metric among top laners in the TCL this season.
Will he elevate the team? It hinges on implementation
Having stated that, Photon has consistently faced challenges in leveraging his lane dominance to translate it into a more substantial advantage for his own squad. Beyond the early game, he encountered greater difficulties in coordinating with the remaining members of the team, and this aspect will prove pivotal to DIG’s success or failure in this split.
Should he prove capable of upholding the same degree of supremacy against his LTA North peers, Photon will possess a significant opportunity to distinguish himself and guide Dignitas to considerably greater accomplishments. Conversely, should this not transpire, Dignitas will undoubtedly contend within the lower echelons of the standings.
Dignitas is scheduled to confront Shopify Rebellion in its inaugural match of the LTA North Split 3, commencing this weekend.
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