Keria (gamer) explained

Id:Keria
Korean: 류민석
Name Trans:Ryu Min-seok
Nickname:The Genius Monster
Birth Date:14 October 2002
Birth Place:Busan, South Korea
Game:League of Legends
League:LCK
Team:T1
Role:Support
Career Start:2019
Years1:2020
Team1:DRX
Years2:2021–present
Team2:T1
Highlights:
  • World champion (2023)
  • Esports World Cup champion (2024)
  • LCK champion
    • 2× LCK season MVP
    • 3× LCK Supporter of the Year
    • LCK Player of the Split
    • 6× LCK First All-Pro Team
    • 2× LCK Sencond All-Pro Team
    • LCK Third All-Pro Team
Module:
Titlestyle:background:#DDDDDD; font-weight:bold
Expand:yes

Ryu Min-seok (Korean: 류민석; born October 14, 2002), better known as Keria, is a South Korean professional League of Legends player for T1. Throughout his career, he has won one League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) title and one League of Legends World Championship title. He also represented the South Korean national team at the 2022 Asian Games, earning a gold medal.

Keria began his career as a trainee on DragonX in 2018. He competed as a starter for the team beginning in 2020 and reached the LCK Finals in the Summer Split. For the 2021 season, Keria signed with T1. He has reached the LCK Finals five more times, winning it in the 2022 Spring Split. Keria has reached the knockout stage in the World Championship in each of his first four years of play, making it to the quarterfinals in 2020, semifinals in 2021, finals in 2022, and winning the World Championship in 2023.

Keria's individual accomplishments include accolades such becoming the first support player to win the LCK regular season MVP award, two LCK regular season MVP awards in total, three LCK Supporter of the Year awards, one LCK Player of the Split award, and six LCK First All-Pro Team designations.

Professional career

DRX

In 2018, Keria began his career by joining DragonX (DRX) as a trainee support player, and in November 2019, he was promoted from trainee to the main roster. He made his debut with the team on December 26, 2019, at the KeSPA Cup, where he secured a 2–0 victory against KeG Chungnam. Keria was named the MVP of the match.[1]

In his rookie season, the 2020 LCK Spring Split, Keria had the highest kill participation among all support players in the league at 77.4% through the first half of the regular season. At the end of the regular season, Keria finished in third in the season MVP race, earned a spot on the LCK First All-Pro Team, and received the LCK Young Player Award.[2] DRX had a solid showing in the 2020 LCK Spring Split, finishing with a 14–4 record and on the back of a seven-game winning streak. They entered the playoffs with a bye to the second round but were eliminated in the semifinals by T1.[3] [4] In the Summer Split regular season, Keria led all LCK support players in KDA and kill participation, also topping the league with 401 assists during the regular season.[5] DRX finished the regular season in second place with a 15–3 record.[6] In the playoffs, DRX reached the finals but experienced a one-sided defeat against DAMWON Gaming (DWG), with DWG winning 3–0.[7]

Entering the 2020 League of Legends World Championship as the LCK's second seed, DRX progressed beyond the group stage. However, their Worlds run ended in the playoff quarterfinals against DWG, mirroring their previous encounter in the LCK Summer Split Final. DWG secured a decisive 3–0 victory, resulting in DRX's exit from the Worlds tournament.[8]

T1

On November 18, 2020, T1 officially announced the acquisition of Keria for the 2021 season. Despite facing challenges early on in the 2021 LCK Spring Split regular season, T1 finished it with a five-game winning streak, securing a spot in the playoffs.[9] Recognized with the nickname "The Genius Monster," Keria earned a position on the LCK First All-Pro Team for the 2021 LCK Spring Split.[10] In the playoffs, T1 emerged victorious against DRX in the first round but lost to Gen.G in the second round, finishing the split in fourth place. In the Summer Split, T1 finished fourth in the regular season standings with an 11–7 record.[11] Keria secured his second consecutive placement on the LCK First All-Pro team at the end of the regular season.[12] T1 advanced to the LCK Finals in the playoffs, but faced a defeat against DAMWON Gaming, settling for a second-place finish.[13]

In October 20221, T1 defeated Hanwha Life Esports in the LCK regional qualifier finals, securing their place in the group stage of the 2021 World Championship.[14] Progressing beyond the group stage, T1 advanced to the knockout semifinals, where they faced defeat against DWG.[15] In December, Keria was presented the 2021 LCK Supporter of the Year award.[16]

In the 2022 LCK Spring Split regular season, T1 achieved an unprecedented feat by concluding with an undefeated 18–0 record, marking the first time in LCK history that a team had accomplished such a perfect run.[17] Keria broke the record for the most assists in a single split, recording 462 assists and surpassing the previous record of 445 set by former SK Telecom T1 support, Lee "Wolf" Jae-wan. Keria's performance earned him the distinction of being named the 2022 LCK Regular Season MVP, making him the first support player to receive this honor. Additionally, he secured a spot on the 2022 LCK First All-Pro team.[18] T1 clinched the LCK title at the end of the split by defeating Gen.G on April 2, 2022, in the LCK Spring Finals, marking Keria's first LCK championship.[19] On April 29, 2022, T1 extended Keria's contract through the end of the 2023 season.[20] With the Spring Split title, Keria participated in his inaugural Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) as T1 qualified for the 2022 MSI as the LCK representative. Although the team reached the finals, they experienced a defeat against Royal Never Give Up, securing a second-place finish.[21] During the 2022 LCK Summer Split, on July 7, Keria recorded his 2,500th assist in the LCK during a match against KT Rolster becoming the eighth support player and the 15th overall player in the LCK to reach this milestone.[22] After T1's win over DWG KIA in the 2022 LCK Summer Split playoff semifinals, Keria was looked visibly ill postgame. He expressed in an interview afterwards that he had been feeling unwell since July, with symptoms such as brain fog and dizziness.[23] T1 lost the 2022 Summer Split finals to Gen.G, finishing in second place.[24]

T1 entered the 2022 World Championship as the LCK's second seed.[25] Keria reached the Worlds finals for the first time in his career after T1 defeated JD Gaming in the semifinals.[26] However, T1 lost to DRX in the finals by a score of 2–3. After the loss, Keria was visibly upset, as the broadcast showed him shaking and tearing up.[27] [28] At the end of the year, Keria was named the LCK Supporter of the Year.[29]

In the 2023 LCK Spring Split regular season, Keria earned the most Player of the Game awards, securing the Player of the Split title and becoming the first support player in LCK to achieve the recognition.[30] Alongside the entire starting T1 roster, he received a spot on the 2023 LCK Spring First All-Pro Team, and Keria was named the regular season MVP for the second time in his career.[31] Despite their regular season performance, T1 reached the Spring Split playoff finals but once again fell short against Gen.G, finishing in second place. With the second-place finish, T1 qualified for the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational.[32] At MSI, T1 reached the upper bracket finals but faced defeat against JD Gaming, sending them to the lower bracket finals, where they lost to Bilibili Gaming by a score of 1–3.[33] [34] In July 2023, during the 2023 LCK Summer Split, T1 encountered challenges as mid laner Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok was sidelined due to a wrist injury. Keria's, as well as the entire team's, performance dipped during this period. Upon Faker's return, T1 won their final two matches, concluding the regular season in fifth place with a 9–9 record.[35] On August 20, 2023, Keria made his sixth LCK finals appearance, but T1 faced another defeat against Gen.G in the finals.[36]

T1 entered the 2023 World Championship as the LCK's second seed. Keria reached his second consecutive appearance in the Worlds finals after T1 secured a victory over JD Gaming in the semifinals.[37] In the finals against Weibo Gaming, the first game saw both teams evenly matched until the 18-minute mark, when Keria executed a move called Hostile Takeover. This play allowed teammates Faker and Zeus to secure kills that enabling T1 to establish a significant lead and ultimately secure the victory in the game. T1 carried this momentum to win the following two games as well, resulting in a 3–0 victory and giving Keria his first World Championship title.[38] At the end of the year, Keria received his third consecutive LCK Supporter of the Year award.[39]

National team career

Keria represented South Korea in the 2022 Asian Games one of the six members in the League of Legends division of the South Korea national esports team.[40] Keria clinched a gold medal as South Korea emerged victorious against Saudi Arabia, China, and Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, respectively.[41] With the gold medal, Keria received an exemption from mandatory military service.[42]

Seasons overview

YearTeamDomesticInternational
LeagueSplitMid-Season InvitationalWorld Championship
SpringSummer
2020DRXLCK3rd2ndNone held5th–8th
2021T1LCK4th2ndDid not qualify3rd–4th
2022LCK2nd2nd2nd
2023LCK2nd2nd3rd
2024LCK2nd3rd

Awards and honors

International
LCK
South Korea Esports
Media

Personal life

Keria was born on October 14, 2002, in Busan, Korea. He began playing video games when he was four years old when his grandmother dropped him and his older brother, Ryu Tae-seok, off at a PC Bang while she was running errands. Raised by his brother, Keria began playing League of Legends in the fifth grade at his brother's suggestion. Although his initial interest in the game was modest, he was inspired after watching a highlight montage featuring the gameplay of Hong "MadLife" Min-gi. Within a span of six months, Keria transitioned from the bronze tier to the diamond tier and nurtured aspirations of pursuing a professional career. After three years of play, Keria attained the Challenger rank in the game's solo queue mode.[47]

Keria is also known for his affinity for K-pop. After his team defeated JDG to win the semifinals of the 2023 World Championship, Keria vocally expressed his excitement about seeing NewJeans perform during the opening ceremony of the World Championship Finals. This moment gained attention, even reaching members Hanni and Minji.[48] [49]

Notes and References

  1. News: 서포터 최고 기대주 '케리아' 성장기 . The Growth of 'Keria', The Most Anticipated Support . December 7, 2023 . . March 31, 2020 . ko.
  2. News: Jang . David . [Official] T1 acquires Keria ]. December 7, 2023 . InvenGlobal . November 18, 2020 . en.
  3. News: DragonX roll into LCK playoffs with 7th straight win . December 8, 2023 . . . April 16, 2020.
  4. News: Lupasco . Cristian . T1 advance to LCK Spring playoff finals after decisive win over DragonX . December 8, 2023 . . April 22, 2020.
  5. News: Esguerra . Tyler . T1 signs Keria as the team's starting support for 2021 . December 8, 2023 . . November 18, 2020.
  6. News: Lupasco . Cristian . Here are the 2020 LCK Summer Split standings . December 8, 2023 . . August 23, 2020.
  7. News: Kwon . Daniel . [LCK Finals] DAMWON Gaming sweeps DRX 3–0 to become the 2020 LCK Summer champions and LCK's 1st seed for Worlds ]. December 3, 2023 . InvenGlobal . September 5, 2020 . en.
  8. News: Geddes . George . DAMWON Gaming crush DRX 3–0 in first quarterfinals match at Worlds 2020 . December 3, 2023 . . October 15, 2020.
  9. News: An . Soo-min . [LCK 스프링 결산] 말도 많고 탈도 많았던 T1의 스프링 ]. [LCK Spring Split] T1's spring, which was full of controversy and troubles . December 8, 2023 . 데일리e스포츠 . April 15, 2021 . ko.
  10. News: Moon . Dae-chan . Kang . Han-gyeol . Kim . Chan-hong . LCK 어워드, 쿠키뉴스는 이렇게 뽑았습니다 . December 8, 2023 . . April 6, 2021 . ko.
  11. News: Lupasco . Cristian . Here are the 2021 LCK Summer Split standings . December 8, 2023 . . August 15, 2021.
  12. News: Lupasco . Cristian . LCK unveils 2021 Summer Split All-Pro teams . December 8, 2023 . . August 17, 2021.
  13. News: Jeon . Young-jae . DWG KIA beat T1 to take 2021 LCK Summit Split title . December 8, 2023 . . August 29, 2021 . en.
  14. News: Esguerra . Tyler . Legacy triumphs over the future: T1 dominate Hanwha Life Esports to move on to Worlds 2021 semifinals . December 8, 2023 . . October 22, 2021.
  15. News: Garcia . Ethan . DWG KIA return to Worlds finals with victory over rivals T1 . December 9, 2023 . . October 30, 2021.
  16. News: Kim . Byeong-ho . Park . Tae-gyun . 시상식 참석한 유일한 서포터, T1 '케리아' 류민석 . The only supporter who attended the awards ceremony, T1 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok . December 9, 2023 . Inven . December 28, 2021 . ko.
  17. News: Banerjee . Rijit . T1 finish LCK Spring Split undefeated with perfect 18-0, Faker shines on Veigar . December 9, 2023 . . March 20, 2022.
  18. News: Kelly . Michael . Keria makes LCK history as first support to be crowned MVP in Korean league . December 9, 2023 . . March 22, 2022.
  19. News: Kwon . Daniel . T1 defeat Gen.G 3-1 and becomes 2022 LCK Spring Champions, will represent the LCK at MSI 2022 . December 9, 2023 . InvenGlobal . April 2, 2022 . en.
  20. News: Kim . Han-bin . [공식] LCK 스프링 MVP '케리아' 류민석, 23년까지 재계약 ]. [Official] LCK spring MVP 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok renews contract until 2023 . December 9, 2023 . 열린뉴스통신 . April 29, 2022 . ko.
  21. News: Bernardo . Anna . RNG win third-straight League of Legends MSI title after outlasting T1 in thrilling finals . December 9, 2023 . . May 29, 2022 . en-SG.
  22. News: Kim . Yong-woo . [LCK] '케리아' 류민석, 데뷔 3년 만에 2,500 어시스트 달성 ]. [LCK] 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok achieves 2,500 assists in 3 years since debut . 데일리e스포츠 . July 27, 2022 . ko.
  23. News: Mahato . Ashish . 'I was feeling dizzy': Keria addresses LCK fans' concerns regarding his health after DWG KIA series . December 9, 2023 . . August 22, 2022.
  24. News: Ridsdale . Jack . South Korea's T1 League of Legends team dominated throughout 2022 . December 9, 2023 . . December 22, 2022 . en.
  25. News: Kelly . Michael . All teams qualified for the 2022 League of Legends World Championship . December 9, 2023 . . September 5, 2022.
  26. News: Park . Beom . 이번엔 '케리아'다! T1, 4세트 승리로 결승행 . [Worlds Cup] This time it's 'Keria'! T1 advances to finals with 4-set win . December 10, 2023 . Inven . October 30, 2022 . ko.
  27. News: Miter . Mateusz . 'I hate that s**t': Tyler1 criticizes broadcast decision made during LoL Worlds 2022 final . December 9, 2023 . . November 8, 2022.
  28. News: Kim . Chan . 지난해 오열했던 '케리아', 드디어 웃었다 [롤드컵] ]. 'Keria', who was sobbing last year, finally smiled [Worlds] . December 9, 2023 . . November 19, 2023 . ko.
  29. News: Chou . Ji-young . 2022년을 빛낸 서포터는 '케리아' 류민석!..."LCK 서포터가 모든 리그 중 가장 강해" [LCK 어워드] ]. The supporter who shined in 2022 was 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok! "LCK supporters are the strongest among all leagues" [LCK Awards] . December 10, 2023 . . December 22, 2022 . ko.
  30. News: Jang . David . T1 Keria becomes LCK's first support Player of the Split: "I hope no support does it again." . December 10, 2023 . InvenGlobal . March 16, 2023 . en.
  31. News: Moon . Daechan . T1, 사상 첫 전원 'LCK 퍼스트 팀' 선정... '케리아'는 3관왕 [LCK] ]. T1 selects all members as 'LCK First Team' for the first time in history... 'Keria' wins 3 gold medals [LCK] . December 10, 2023 . . March 22, 2023 . ko.
  32. News: Xu . Davide . LCK sets massive viewership record thanks to unexpected T1 vs. Gen.G Spring Split final . December 10, 2023 . . April 12, 2023.
  33. News: Kim . Joo-hwan . T1, MSI 2023 준결승서 JDG에 2-3 석패...20일 결승행 재도전 . December 10, 2023 . . May 19, 2023 . ko.
  34. News: Kim . Joo-hwan . 중국에 무너진 LCK 양대산맥...T1, MSI 준결승서 BLG에 1:3 패 . December 10, 2023 . . May 21, 2023 . ko.
  35. News: '케리아' 류민석의 다짐, "페이커 복귀해 경기력 올라왔지만, 아직 갈 길 멀어" . December 10, 2023 . . August 5, 2023 . ko.
  36. News: Kim . Joo-hwan . 젠지, LoL 국내대회 3연패...LCK 서머 결승서 T1 완파(종합) . December 10, 2023 . . August 20, 2023 . ko.
  37. News: 문 . 대찬 . [겜인싸] T1 '케리아' 류민석 "간절함 모여 결승행... 이번엔 다르다" ]. December 10, 2023 . 디지털데일리 . November 14, 2023 . ko.
  38. News: Ridsdale . Jack . 10 top moments from the 2023 League of Legends World Championship . December 10, 2023 . . November 20, 2023 . en.
  39. News: Jang . David . Kim . Soojin . [2023 LCK Awards] T1 Sweeps Positional Player of the Year Awards ]. December 13, 2023 . InvenGlobal . December 13, 2023 . en.
  40. News: Ye . Josh . South Korea's LoL team for 19th Asian Games features iconic stars, MVPs, and world champs . December 10, 2023 . Dot Esports . May 24, 202.
  41. News: Yang . Mary . Paik . Ji-hwan . Korea takes League of Legends gold despite Faker absence . December 10, 2023 . . September 29, 2023 . en.
  42. News: Associated Press . Asian Games 2023: South Korea's League of Legends esports gold – without the GOAT, Faker – earns military service exemption . December 10, 2023 . . September 30, 2023 .
  43. News: Lee . Yong-jun . '쵸비' 정지훈, 스프링 정규 리그 MVP...어워드 '싹쓸이 3관왕' . 'Chovy' Jeong Ji-hoon, spring regular league MVP... won three awards in a 'sweep' . March 30, 2024 . . March 26, 2024 . ko.
  44. News: Lupasco . Cristian . LCK All-Pro teams unveiled, Damwon players secure 4 of 5 spots on first team . December 10, 2023 . . September 3, 2020.
  45. News: Jang . David . LCK Awards recipients for the 2022 summer split revealed . December 10, 2023 . InvenGlobal . August 16, 2022 . en.
  46. News: Haring . Bruce . 2020 Esports Awards Honors Riot Games, Team Secret, Michal "Nisha" Jankowski . December 9, 2023 . . November 21, 2020.
  47. League of Legends Esports . May 27, 2022 . Keria - The Genius Monster CASE FILES . December 7, 2023 . YouTube.
  48. News: Tuting . Kristine . NewJeans inspires T1 Keria to advance to Worlds 2023 finals ONE Esports . February 20, 2024 . One Esports . November 10, 2023.
  49. News: NewJeans react to Keria yelling, "Here I Come, NewJeans!" after T1 advances to the 2023 League of Legends World Finals . February 20, 2024 . . November 12, 2023 . en.