Perkz Retires From Top Level League of Legends
Luka “Perkz” Perković has officially announced his retirement from professional League of Legends, marking the conclusion of one of the most illustrious and impactful careers in European esports. At just 26 years old, the Croatian prodigy has stepped away from competitive play, citing burnout, a shift in priorities, and the upcoming joys of fatherhood.
In a heartfelt farewell video shared across social media platforms, Perkz stated, “It sounds crazy, but that’s esports. There is just no time allocation, and all the bad things that come with the stresses of competing—I don’t want to manage anymore.”
From Rookie Prodigy to European Titan
Perkz first gained attention with GSI Gaming before being recruited by Gamers2 (later known as G2 Esports) in 2015. He succeeded Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez, who transitioned to a CEO role. From that moment, Perkz emerged as the face of a G2 dynasty and a cornerstone of European League of Legends.
Under his leadership, G2 achieved unprecedented success in the EU LCS and subsequently in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC). Between 2016 and 2020, G2 amassed an impressive collection of titles, culminating in a historic 2019 season where they clinched both the Spring and Summer splits, triumphed at the Mid-Season Invitational, and finished as runners-up at the World Championship. A defining moment in his career came when he audaciously swapped roles with teammate Rasmus “Caps” Winther, transitioning from the mid lane to AD carry. This maneuver showcased not only his unparalleled versatility but also his deep understanding of the game.
International Recognition
Perkz’s influence extended beyond the European landscape. In 2021, he joined Cloud9 in the LCS, where he led the team to a Spring Split victory and helped them secure a spot at the World Championship. Although his tenure in North America lasted just one year, it solidified his reputation as a player capable of achieving success on both sides of the Atlantic.
After returning to Europe in 2022, he signed with Team Vitality and later briefly represented Team Heretics. While these later stints did not replicate his earlier successes, they underscored his resilience and adaptability. His final competitive appearance came in 2025 as a Top Laner for NLC’s The Ruddy Sack—a notable role switch for a player who had accomplished so much.
Career Achievements
Throughout his prolific decade-long career, Perkz accumulated:
- 8 Domestic Titles with G2 Esports
- 1 Mid-Season Invitational Victory (2019)
- 2 World Championship Semifinals and a Grand Finals appearance
- 1 LCS Spring Title with Cloud9 (2021)
- Successful tenures across three roles: Mid, ADC, and Top
What’s Next?
While he steps away from competitive gaming, Perkz has hinted that his journey in the League of Legends universe is far from over. “I do intend to come back in some way or form—helping the young kids on the block that are eager and willing to put in the time and dedication to be the best,” he remarked.
In addition to his aspirations within the esports community, Perkz revealed that he is preparing to embrace fatherhood later this year, a milestone that significantly influenced his decision to retire at this time. “I’m very grateful for my career,” he expressed. “I appreciate the successes, the failures, the fans, and the organizations I’ve worked with. Even when fans thought I wasn’t giving my all—I was. I know I did. I’ve given everything to this career. Now, it’s time to move on.”
As one chapter closes, the future remains bright for Perkz, whose legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of esports athletes.
