Team Envy has continued expansion into new games by opening up a StarCraft 2 divison.
It was announced today that Envy signed Kim “Violet” Dong Hwan, a Korean professional who previously made news as the first StarCraft player to have been granted an athlete visa in the United States.
This is Envy’s second expansion in the new year to a new game. The esports organization that has long made its home in the Call of Duty scene moved into Counter-Strike: Global Offensive earlier in the month by signing the former LDLC team in France, considered arguably the best Counter-Strike team in the world today.
Kim isn’t yet at quite that level. His prime came in 2012, when he was victorious at both Intel Extreme Masters and Major League Gaming events. Problems with his visa made 2013 a difficult year for him, but he did manage something of a resurgence in late 2014. Kim made deep runs in both Red Bull and MLG tournaments, though he wasn’t quite able to secure a title.
In the team’s official statement, Envy manager Mike Rufail said that the team saw potential in Kim that could potentially be tapped with organizational support from Envy.
“What would happen if we gave him an amount of support he hasn’t seen here yet?” Rufail said.
Kim will remain in the United States and compete locally, continuing his career in America and competing in Blizzard’s official World Championship Series tournament structure, which culminates with a global final at BlizzCon.
In his own statement, Kim said that he had “built (his) name in America and wanted more,” and expressed clear confidence that he would live up to the new expectations placed on him as a result of the signing.
“My focus has never been more clear and I’m determined to show you guys some good matches and hopefully on big stages,” Kim said.
“If you are an Envy fan but don’t know me, you will soon!”
