HamBak Chose LCS With Worlds in Mind

Sentinels jungler Ham “HamBak” Yoo-jin said he chose the LCS over a possible move to the LPL because reaching Worlds was his priority. Asked whether he had considered offers from other regions before joining Sentinels, HamBak gave a direct explanation of his decision: “I could have gone to the LPL, but I chose the LCS because I wanted to go to Worlds more.” The statement places his move to the LCS firmly in the context of international ambition rather than simply a change of region.

That ambition remains highly relevant as Sentinels approach the LCS 2026 Summer Playoffs. Sentinels and HamBak have put themselves in contention for the final Worlds spot alongside Cloud9 Kia, but their latest head-to-head meeting went badly for the team. Cloud9 Kia dismantled Sentinels in a one-sided 2-0 series. The loss did not settle the race, however, because the playoffs are about to begin and the battle for Worlds can still change completely. HamBak’s reason for choosing the LCS therefore also frames the immediate pressure around Sentinels: the route he selected for a better Worlds chance is still alive, but the team must improve to take it.

A Worlds goal meets a difficult playoff test

HamBak did not describe the Cloud9 Kia defeat as an expected result. When asked whether he had anticipated the series ending in a 2-0 loss, he said Sentinels had chances within the games but failed to convert them. His assessment of the second game was similarly specific. He said the team had good fights and good teamfighting, while acknowledging that he sometimes rushed and became disconnected from his teammates. Those comments identify execution and coordination as issues in a series that mattered directly to the final Worlds-place contest.

The jungler also set out a clear area for improvement before Sentinels’ postseason campaign. “We have to improve our early game against the top three teams. If we improve that, then we can beat any team.” That is not a claim that Sentinels have already solved their problems; it is HamBak’s stated standard for what the roster needs to change. In the interview, he was also asked about communication issues that coach Greyson Gregory “Goldenglue” Gilmer had discussed. HamBak’s answer focused on the early game against leading opposition, linking that priority to the team’s ability to contend when the playoffs begin.

What HamBak confirmed about the choice

HamBak’s comment was made in response to a question about whether he had received alternatives before moving to Sentinels, including a potential LPL option. He confirmed that the LPL was available to him, then identified Worlds as the reason he chose the LCS instead. The interview also shows that the goal extends beyond a single domestic result. If Sentinels do not reach Worlds, HamBak said the team would go to China and would need to perform there and beat teams from every region. For now, though, the confirmed competitive setting is the LCS 2026 Summer Playoffs, where Sentinels still have an opportunity to alter the outcome of the Worlds race.

• HamBak confirmed that he could have gone to the LPL before choosing Sentinels in the LCS.
• HamBak said reaching Worlds more was the reason he selected the LCS.
• Sentinels remain in the fight for the final Worlds spot despite the 2-0 loss to Cloud9 Kia.

HamBak’s stated reason for joining the LCS was uncomplicated: he believed it gave him a stronger path toward Worlds. Sentinels have not secured that destination, and the 2-0 defeat to Cloud9 Kia underlined the work still required. Yet with playoffs about to start and the Worlds race unresolved, the opportunity that motivated HamBak’s move remains in front of the team.