Peanut Announces Departure from LoL Pro Scene in 2026
Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, a top jungler in League of Legends, has shared that he will step away from the pro scene in 2026. He plays for Hanwha Life Esports in the LCK, which is South Korea’s main league for the game. Peanut made this announcement after a big win against KT Rolster on September 20, 2025. He said it was his last day at LoL Park, the place where LCK matches happen.
Fans were sad but thankful for all he has done. Peanut is leaving to do his mandatory military service, which all South Korean men must complete. He turns 28 in February 2026, and that’s the age when he has to go if he hasn’t already. This news comes at an exciting time for Peanut and his team. Hanwha Life Esports is heading to the LCK Grand Final.
Via Esports Insider
They have also locked in a spot at the League of Legends World Championship 2025. Worlds is the biggest event in LoL esports, where teams from around the world fight for the title. This year, it starts on October 14 in China. Peanut hopes to win Worlds before he leaves. It would be a dream ending to his career. Many players dream of lifting the Summoner’s Cup, and Peanut has come close before but never won it.
Who Is Peanut?
Peanut’s real name is Han Wang-ho. He was born on February 3, 1998, in South Korea. He started playing League of Legends professionally when he was just 16 years old. His first team was Najin e-mFire in 2015. Back then, he was a sub, which means a backup player. But he quickly showed his skills and became a starter. Peanut is known for his smart plays in the jungle role.
Via Sports Digest
The jungler helps control the map, gank lanes, and secure objectives like dragons and Baron. His style is aggressive and clever, making him a fan favorite. Over the years, Peanut has earned nicknames like “Little Peanut” because of his fun personality. He loves to smile and joke around, even in tough matches. Off the stage, he streams on platforms and talks to fans.
His English is pretty good, so international fans enjoy watching him. Peanut has been in the pro scene for over 10 years, which is a long time in esports. Most players retire earlier because the game needs fast reflexes and lots of practice. But Peanut keeps improving and adapting to new metas, which are the best ways to play at any time.
Via Sports Digest
Peanut’s Early Career
Peanut’s big break came in 2016 with the ROX Tigers. That team was full of talent and had a great run. They made it to the semifinals at Worlds that year but lost to SKT T1, who went on to win. Peanut’s plays were intense, and people noticed him a lot. After that, SKT T1 wanted him on their team. He joined them for the 2017 season.
With SKT, Peanut won the LCK Spring Split. That’s the first half of the year’s league. They also took home the Mid-Season Invitational, or MSI, which is like a mini-Worlds in the middle of the year. Playing with legends like Faker on SKT was huge for Peanut. Faker is often called the best LoL player ever. Peanut learned a lot from him.
Via Diario AS
But the team didn’t win Worlds that year. They lost in the finals to Samsung Galaxy. Still, Peanut’s time with SKT made him a star. He showed he could handle pressure and make big plays. After SKT, he moved to Kingzone DragonX in 2018.
There, he kept performing well. In 2018, he even represented South Korea at the Asian Games. Esports was part of the games, and Korea hoped to win gold. But they lost to China and got silver. Winning gold would have let Peanut skip military service, like Faker did later.
Via ESPN
Moves to Other Teams
Peanut is known for switching teams a lot. In 2020, he tried something new and joined LGD Gaming in the LPL, China’s league. The LPL is fast-paced and aggressive, different from the LCK’s strategic style. Peanut did okay there but missed the LCK. He came back in 2021 with Nongshim RedForce.
That team wasn’t as strong, but Peanut helped them punch above their weight. Then, in 2022, he joined Gen.G, a top LCK team. With Gen.G, he won the LCK Summer Split. They had a strong roster with players like Chovy and Ruler. At Worlds 2022, Gen.G made it to the semifinals but lost again. Peanut was close to that World title once more.
Via GameK
He stayed with Gen.G in 2023 and had more good results. But in 2024, he switched to Hanwha Life Esports. HLE was seen as an underdog team, not expected to win much. But with Peanut’s leadership, they surprised everyone. They won the LCK Summer Split in 2024. Peanut’s jungle pathing and team fights were key to their success. He proved he could turn a team around.
Peanut’s Time with Hanwha Life Esports
In 2025, Hanwha Life Esports had ups and downs. They started strong by winning the LCK Cup, a side tournament. They also did well in the First Stand event. But during the regular Summer Split, they flopped a bit. Maybe fatigue or meta changes hurt them. However, in the Playoffs, they turned it on. HLE dominated their matches.
Via Kingofgeek
They swept T1 3-0 in one series. T1 has Faker, so that’s a big deal. Then, they crushed KT Rolster 3-0 to reach the Grand Final. Peanut has been the heart of HLE. His teammates look up to him. Players like Zeka in the mid lane and Viper in the bot lane shine with Peanut’s support. The team is now set for Worlds.
They qualified early, which gives them time to prepare. HLE wants to make a deep run in China. The World stages are in Beijing for Play-Ins and Swiss, Shanghai for quarters and semis, and Chengdu for finals on November 9. Peanut knows China well from his LPL days. He might use that to his advantage.
Via Dot Esports
The Road to Worlds 2025
Worlds 2025 is shaping up to be epic. Teams from LCK, LPL, LCS, LEC, and other regions will compete. LCK has strong teams like T1, who qualified too. Faker just added another record to his career. Gen.G and others might join. From LPL, teams like BLG and TES are favorites.
The format has Play-Ins for smaller regions, then the Swiss stage, then the knockouts. Peanut wants a World win badly. He’s been to semis multiple times but never further. For Peanut, this could be his last shot. He’s motivated to give his all.
Via Inven Global
In interviews, he talks about teamwork and fun. HLE’s mixed 2025 season makes them unpredictable. They could flop or dominate. Fans hope for the latter. Worlds starts soon, on October 14. Peanut will aim for that Summoner’s Cup before military service calls.
Mandatory Military Service in South Korea
In South Korea, all healthy men must serve in the military for about 18 months. It’s to protect the country from threats like North Korea. Service starts between the ages of 18 and 28. Many esports pros delay it for their careers. Peanut has postponed it for a few years. But at 28, he can’t wait anymore. Some players get exempt if they win gold at big events like the Asian Games. Faker got exempt after winning gold in the 2023 Asian Games.
Via Lowy Institute
Other LCK stars have served. Like Score and Ambition. They came back after, but it’s hard. Skills might rust, and the scene changes. Peanut plans to serve in 2026. He might return in 2027 or 2028. But at 30, it could be tough. Fans worry if he’ll come back strong. Military service is a big part of Korean culture. Peanut accepts it with grace.
Peanut’s Farewell Match
September 20, 2025, was emotional. HLE faced KT Rolster in the Playoffs. Peanut led them to a 3-0 win. After, he spoke to fans. “Thank you for everything, thank you, everyone.” LoL Park cheered loudly. It was his last match there for now. Teammates hugged him. The win sent HLE to the Grand Final. KT had Pyosik in the jungle, a good player, but Peanut outplayed him.
Via Reddit
This match showed Peanut’s skill. In game one, he stole Baron. In game two, his ganks won lanes. Game three was a stomp. Fans shared memories online. Peanut’s career has many highlights like this. Peanut leaving hurts LCK. He’s a veteran who mentors young players. HLE must find a new jungler.
Maybe promote a sub or sign someone. The league loses experience. But it opens doors for new talent. LCK is strong because of players like Peanut. His style influenced many. Globally, LoL esports feels it. Peanut is known worldwide. His fun personality brings fans. Without him, the jungle role might change. But LoL evolves. New stars will rise.
Via Mein-MMO
LoL Pro Player Peanut Confirms Exit from Esports in 2026
After Worlds, Peanut prepares for service. He might stream or rest. In the military, he could do light duty if athletic. Some pros serve in esports units. After, he might return to LoL. Or coach. Peanut loves the game, so likely back.
Via The Thao 247
Fans wish him well. His legacy is set: multiple LCK wins, MSI title, Worlds semis. Peanut’s journey inspires. From young starter to legend. He faced losses but kept going. His smile and plays won hearts. As he heads to service, the LoL community thanks him. Hopefully, he wins the World’s first.
