Hyunjin ‘Balkhan’ Choi has departed Bombers esports after his first season at The Hangar.
The Korean recruit will explore multiple international contract offers following a sensational rookie season.
Balkhan joined the Bombers at the start of the 2019 season with no competitive experience and grew into one of the region’s most dominant players.
Having won both an OPL title and the Rookie of the Split award, it was only a matter of time before he was noticed by other teams.
Bombers head of esports Nathan Mathews praised the resilience and growth of the Korean jungler.
“Balkhan arrived in Australia with no English, no competitive experience and with the expectation of performing on one of the strongest teams in the region," Mathews said.
“This is an extremely daunting experience and while having to overcome a few challenges, Balkhan was able to thrive and perform at an elite level.
"There is no denying the skill and determination that Balkhan showed and his departure will be a great loss to our team. While we will sorely miss Balkhan, we are not an organisation that will hold back our players from greater opportunities.
"We would like to thank Balkhan for all he has contributed to the organisation, both on and off the Rift, and wish him the best of luck in the future."
The Bombers will announce a replacement jungler in the coming days, before the team return to training ahead of the commencement of OPL Split 2 in early June.