League of Legends: LPL kicks off 2022 with numerous roster changes
The League of Legends (LoL) Season 2022 has kicked off as China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL) Spring Split began on Monday through March 30th.
Last year’s LPL has fans and fellow players on a rollercoaster of emotions, with FunPlus Phoenix (FPX), failed to make it through the Group stage, alongside LNG Esports.
Meanwhile, Royal Never Give UP RNG) and EDward Gaming (EDG) qualified to the quarterfinals, where EDG outperformed RNG 3-2, then defeated Gen.G 3-2 in the semifinals. Eventually, EDG rose as a champion after beating the tournament favorites DAMWON Gaming KIA 3-2.
This season, EDG will continue with the roster the previous championship with. However, the rest of LPL sees major changes in lineups, as teams are getting ready to bounce back this season.
Major line-up changes across the board in 2022
FunPlus Phoenix, for example, parted ways with Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang, top laner Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon, and mid laner Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang. Doinb will be joining LNG Esports, filling in the spot left by Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song who will be joining Bilibili Gaming.
Previously, Tian was expected to take a break due to health concerns but turns out he signed with Top Esports in December. Nuguri is the one who revealed would be taking a break in this season.
As Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang became the only one left, FPX decided to recruit some players from other teams and its own academy to fill in its rosters. Its final 2022 roster now comprises of Ping “xialaohu” Xiao-hu (top lane); Kim “Clid” Tae-min (Jungler); Yang “Beichuan” Ling (Jungler); Kim “Gori” Tae-woo (Mid Lane); Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang (Bot Lane); Luo “jiang” Bai-Jiang (Bot Lane); and Fu “Hang” Ming-Hang” (Support).
Unlike FPX, RNG decided to make only a few changes and additions to its 2022 foster. Yuan “Cryin” Cheng-Wei, the former mid laner, left the team and signed with Ultra Prime. Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao, who used to play as the team’s top laner, will be taking over his position, and his vacant spot has been filled by Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin from Weibo Gaming.
RNG’s 20222 roster now consists of Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin (Top Lane), Yan “Wei” Yang-Wei (Jungler), Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao (Mid Lane), Chen “GALA” Wei (Bot Lane), Shi “Ming” Sen-Ming (Support), and Liu “Bunny” Wen-Kang (Substitute Support).
Despite failing to qualify through Group Stage fo Worlds 2021, LNG played an impressive 4-0 standing, until the competition ended in a four-way tie with Gen.G Esports, MAD Lions, and Team Liquid. This is the part where LNG has to leave the championship.
Only a few changes were made to their 2022 roster, with Hu “Ale” Jia-Le extending his contract in November, and Doinb joining in place of Xie “icon” Tian-Yu. The team also signed Zuo “LvMao” Ming-Hao from JD Gaming.
In short, its 2022 roster is now filled with Hu “Ale” Jia-Le (top lane), Lee “Tarzan” Seung-yong (Jungler), Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang (mid lane), Wang “Light” Guang-Yu (bot lane), Liao “Iwandy” Ding-Yang (Support), and Zuo “LvMao” Ming-Hao (Support).
China’s golden boy, Jian “Uzi” Zi-hao is returning to pro play after a year away due to health concerns from the competitive scene. In June 2020, he announced his retirement following medical professionals’ recommendations. This time around, Uzi will be joining Bilibili Gaming.
Chiu “Doggo” Tzu-Chuan, Beyond Gaming’s former star bot laner, will be joining Uzi and former FPX support Crisp. As its new top laner is Chen “Breathe” Chen from Team WE, and former Rare Atom Gaming mid laner Chu “FoFo” Chun-Lan.
