The Origin of the Insec Kick

The “Insec kick” is a famous move in League of Legends that was named after Choi “Insec” In-seok, a professional player from South Korea. This move became legendary during the All-Star event in Shanghai on May 24, 2013, when Insec made an incredible play using the champion Lee Sin.

In the match, Insec used Lee Sin’s Sonic Wave towards an enemy (Varus, played by Yellowpete), placed a ward behind him, and then kicked Varus into his team with Lee Sin's ultimate ability. This play caught everyone off guard and left a huge mark on the League of Legends community.

This wasn’t just a clever play; it completely changed how Lee Sin was played. Before this, most players needed to rely on their Flash to make these types of moves. However, Insec showed that by using Lee Sin's Safeguard ability to jump to a ward, the play could be done without wasting Flash. It was a very advanced tactic at the time, and it quickly became known as “The Insec,” cementing his name in League of Legends history.

Insec's Impact on Professional Play

Insec's kick wasn't just a one-time, impressive play. It set a new standard for professional League of Legends. Not only did his play help the Korean team win the series. However, it also changed how people viewed the game. Suddenly, the ability to perform complex and high-skill moves became important in professional play. Both pro and casual players were motivated to master these new techniques, pushing the limits of what was possible in the game.

Before this, most teams played in a slower, more careful way. Insec’s play showed that a game could be won in just a few seconds if the right move was made. His kick brought a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the game. From that point on, professional players worldwide started practicing and perfecting the Insec kick. It led to even more strategies and variations that are still used today.

The Mechanics of the Insec Kick

The reason the Insec kick is so difficult to pull off is because of the precise mechanics involved. The move starts with Lee Sin hitting an enemy with his Q ability (Sonic Wave). While mid flight of Q (Resonating Strike), before reaching the enemy, the player places a ward behind the enemy. Then, using Lee Sin's W ability (Safeguard), the player jumps to the ward and positions themselves to kick the enemy back into their team using Lee Sin's ultimate, Dragon's Rage. What made Insec's play so unique was his ability to perform these actions quickly and under pressure.

What makes the Insec kick so valuable is that it doesn't rely on Flash, which has a long cooldown. This means skilled Lee Sin players can be a constant threat, able to reposition enemies at any moment. Over time, other players found ways to improve the move or use it in different situations. However, the basic idea remains the same: jump behind the enemy and kick them into your team to secure a kill or win a fight.

Why the Play is So Famous

The Insec kick is famous not just because it looks cool but because of how much it raised the skill level in League of Legends. Before Insec's play, Lee Sin was a strong champion. However, he wasn't seen as one that required such a high level of skill. Insec's move showed everyone that there was a lot more depth to the game than people had thought. With enough practice, players could perform impressive plays and change the outcome of a match in seconds.

The play became so iconic that it wasn't just something professional players did. It became a move that all Lee Sin players wanted to learn. Since that 2013 match, players all over the world have tried to master the Insec kick, both in professional games and casual matches. It's a play that has become a key part of League of Legends culture, from highlight reels on YouTube to streams on Twitch.

The Legacy of Insec's Play

Since that day in 2013, the Insec kick has evolved. Professional players and regular gamers have come up with new versions of the move. One example is the “Ladder Insec,” where instead of using a ward, Lee Sin players jump to an allied champion to position themselves for the kick. Another version is the “Drive-by Insec”. It is where players kick the enemy mid-flight while using the second part of Lee Sin's Q. These variations have kept the move fresh and continue to make it a central part of high-level play.

Although Insec retired from professional play in 2019, his impact on the game is still felt today. His kick is still being used and improved upon by players. Additionally, the innovation it brought continues to inspire new strategies. Insec's contribution goes beyond just a single moment in esports. It represents how far players can push their mechanical skills and creativity in League of Legends.

Why It's Still Relevant

Even after a decade, the Insec kick is still relevant in League of Legends. It's a move that's often seen in professional matches, casual games, and countless highlight videos. Players continue to find ways to make the move faster, smoother, and more surprising to their opponents. It stands out as one of the few plays in esports that has had a lasting influence on how the game is played. Even changing how a champion like Lee Sin is used.

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