Kim “Roach” Kang Hui has been one of the most influential figures in competitive League of Legends, known for his tactical understanding, leadership, and ability to nurture talent. The 26-year-old South Korean player and coach has earned respect for guiding T1 to two consecutive world championships, shaping the organization’s recent golden era.
While he’s not among the top-earning esports players, Roach’s career earnings and reputation highlight the growing influence of coaches in shaping elite gaming teams.
Early Life and Rise in Esports
Born on January 31, 1999, in South Korea, Kim Kang Hui began his esports journey as a teenager, joining NaJin e-mFire (later Team Kongdoo) in late 2015. At just 16, he showcased a strong competitive edge and a clear understanding of in-game strategy. These early years earned him around $15,000 in tournament winnings and set the stage for a long career in professional gaming.
Roach later joined Gen.G Esports in 2018, participating in international competitions and earning over $5,000 from tournaments before moving to T1, where his career truly peaked.
Transition to T1 and Coaching Success
Roach’s time with T1 marked his most impactful phase. Between 2019 and 2022, he played and later transitioned into coaching, earning nearly $14,000 during his tenure as a player and achieving his biggest professional successes from the sidelines.
As a coach, he was instrumental in guiding T1 to back-to-back World Championship victories in 2023 and 2024, cementing the organization’s dominance in global esports. Under his strategic leadership, T1 triumphed over Weibo Gaming in Seoul and Bilibili Gaming in London, drawing record-breaking international viewership.
Despite his success, Roach maintained a quiet and disciplined presence, often crediting the players for their achievements and focusing on teamwork and mental strength.
Roach’s Net Worth and Income Sources
According to Esports Earnings, Roach’s total career winnings stand at approximately $41,411, accumulated from 15 professional tournaments between 2015 and 2022. His peak competitive year came in 2020, when he earned close to $13,000, while his transition into coaching reduced direct tournament income but enhanced his long-term influence.
In addition to prize money, Roach likely earned a consistent coaching salary from T1. While exact figures remain undisclosed, industry estimates suggest that head coaches at major organizations can earn up to $200,000 annually depending on experience and performance. Roach may also have earned additional income through Twitch streaming and brand affiliations, although he is known to keep his financial details private.
Military Service and Temporary Hiatus
In November 2024, T1 announced that Roach would be stepping away to complete his mandatory military service in South Korea. The organization expressed deep gratitude for his dedication, calling him an “inspiration and a pillar of the team’s success.”
In his farewell video, Roach thanked fans for their unwavering support and described his journey with T1 as “an unforgettable time filled with lessons, laughter, and legacy.” His military service is expected to last between 18 and 21 months, depending on his assigned division.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Roach’s influence on T1’s success goes beyond statistics. His shift from player to coach mirrors the evolution of modern esports—where experience, strategy, and emotional intelligence define champions as much as raw skill.
Though his net worth is modest compared to superstars like Faker ($1.9 million) or Dota 2 legend N0tail ($7.2 million), Roach’s contribution to esports excellence is undeniable. Once his military service concludes, fans eagerly await his return—either as a coach, analyst, or esports strategist.
Roach’s story is a reminder that behind every winning roster stands a mentor who understands the balance between talent and teamwork. His journey proves that true greatness in esports is not only about how much you earn, but about the legacy you build.
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