Griffin

Origins and Challengers Korea Domination

The organization began in November 2016 under the name NOT BAD, changing to Griffin in January 2017. Its initial goal was qualification for the LCK through the Challengers Korea league. After an unsuccessful attempt in its first year, Griffin's League of Legends team built a formidable roster and dominated the 2018 Challengers Korea Spring Split, reportedly achieving a perfect 14-0 record. This performance set the stage for their promotion tournament run.

On April 14, 2018, Griffin secured its LCK spot by winning the Summer promotion tournament. The team defeated two veteran organizations, Kongdoo Monster and MVP, to earn its place in South Korea's top league. The core roster for this historic promotion included top laner Sword, jungler Tarzan, mid laners Chovy and Rather, bot laner Viper, and support Lehends.

Instant LCK Contenders

Griffin's impact on the LCK was immediate. In their inaugural 2018 Summer Split, the young squad finished second in the regular season. They advanced to the playoff finals, pushing the established leading team KT Rolster to a full five games before losing 2-3. This runner-up finish was notable for a rookie team.

Despite their strong league performance, the team's path to the 2018 World Championship was blocked. Griffin did not qualify via championship points and was later eliminated from the 2018 Korea Regional Finals by Gen.G. The year ended on a triumphant note, however, as Griffin decisively won the 2018 KeSPA Cup. They swept Gen.G 3-0 in the finals on December 31, claiming the organization's first major trophy.

Repeated Regular Season Dominance

Griffin entered 2019 as a title favorite. With mid laner Rather loaned to Flash Wolves, the team kept its core for the Spring Split. They finished first in the regular season with a stellar 15-3 record. Yet, in the playoff finals, they were swept 0-3 by SKT, beginning a pattern of postseason frustration.

The team represented the LCK at Rift Rivals 2019 against the LPL, LMS, and VCS regions, contributing to the LCK's victory in the event on July 7, 2019. For the 2019 Summer Split, Griffin promoted top laner Doran to the starting lineup. The team again secured first place in the regular season, this time with a 13-5 record. This guaranteed them a bye to the finals and, critically, a spot at the 2019 World Championship regardless of the final result.

The Final Hurdle and World Championship

In the 2019 LCK Summer Finals, Griffin faced SKT once more. A victory would grant them the LCK's first seed for Worlds, while a loss would still see them qualify as the second seed due to championship points. SKT proved to be an insurmountable obstacle again, defeating Griffin in the series. Griffin managed to take a single game, a small consolation in another finals defeat.

This second-place finish sent Griffin to the 2019 World Championship as the LCK's second seed. The tournament represented the peak of the organization's competitive journey on the international stage, though specific results at the event are not detailed in the provided notes.

Organizational Scope and Disbandment

While the League of Legends division was its most prominent, Griffin operated as a multi-game esports organization under parent company STILL8. Beyond LCK, it maintained a competitive team in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. The organization had also previously fielded teams in Overwatch and Fortnite, indicating a broader competitive strategy before its closure.

The end came abruptly. On January 5, 2021, the organization announced its disbandment. The notes indicate the team was at the center of a major scandal investigated by Riot Korea and KeSPA, though specifics are not provided. This dissolution ended the run of one of the LCK's most talented and talked-about teams after just over four years of operation.

Lasting Impact

Griffin's legacy is defined by its explosive arrival and the exceptional talent it cultivated. The organization had a keen eye for identifying and developing young players. Its core roster became synonymous with high-skill, aggressive play that challenged the LCK's old guard.

The individual careers of its former players ensure Griffin's influence persists. Stars like Tarzan, Chovy, Viper, and Lehends became highly sought-after talents, continuing to compete at the highest levels of professional League of Legends long after the team's disbandment. Griffin's story remains a notable chapter in LCK history, a brief but brilliant flash of competition that fell just short of the ultimate prize.