Few moments in esports hit harder than when a beloved pro player announces their retirement. In League of Legends, where careers are defined by clutch plays, championship trophies, and years of dedication, retirements can feel like the end of an era.
This article explores the pro player retirements that shocked fans, looking at why they happened, the emotional impact on the community, and how these exits shaped the League of Legends scene.
Chapter 1: Why Retirements in Esports Feel Different
Unlike traditional sports, esports careers are often shorter, sometimes ending in a player’s early 20s. Still, the connection between fans and pros is intense:
- Many fans grow up watching their favorite player dominate.
- Retirements often come suddenly, without the long farewells common in traditional sports.
- The uncertainty of whether a player will return as a coach, streamer, or never again makes it bittersweet.
Chapter 2: Faker’s Near-Retirement Scares
Although Faker has not officially retired, several rumors and health issues have caused fans to panic. Every time retirement is even hinted at, it shakes the League community. The day Faker truly retires will likely be the single biggest moment in LoL esports history.
Chapter 3: Uzi – The ADC Icon’s Shocking Exit
- Region: LPL (China)
- Story: Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, considered one of the greatest ADCs of all time, shocked fans in 2020 when he retired due to chronic wrist injuries and health concerns.
- Impact: Fans worldwide mourned his departure, as Uzi had carried RNG and inspired countless ADC players. His brief return in 2022 only reminded everyone of his legendary mechanics.
Chapter 4: Bjergsen – NA’s Mid Lane King Steps Away
- Region: LCS (North America)
- Story: Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, the face of TSM and NA mid lane dominance, retired in 2020 to become TSM’s head coach.
- Impact: Fans were stunned. For years, Bjergsen was synonymous with TSM. His retirement marked the end of an era in NA esports. Though he later returned as a player, that initial retirement left fans in disbelief.
Chapter 5: Mata – The Support Genius Bows Out
- Region: LCK (Korea)
- Story: Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong, a Worlds 2014 champion with Samsung White, retired in 2019. Known for redefining support play, Mata was one of the most influential shotcallers in LoL history.
- Impact: His retirement left fans nostalgic, especially as he transitioned into a coaching role. The League community recognized him as a pioneer of modern support play.
Chapter 6: xPeke – The Original EU Legend Retires
- Region: EU (Europe)
- Story: Enrique “xPeke” Cedeño Martínez, famous for the iconic “xPeke backdoor,” slowly faded from pro play before officially retiring.
- Impact: Fans were heartbroken, as xPeke was not only a legendary mid laner but also a symbol of European creativity and grit on the world stage.
Chapter 7: Doublelift – The Voice and ADC of NA
- Region: LCS (North America)
- Story: Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng retired in 2020, citing burnout and the changing landscape of the LCS. He later returned but eventually retired again in 2023.
- Impact: Few NA players carried as much star power as Doublelift. His retirement shocked the fanbase, leaving many to reflect on his decade-long career.
Chapter 8: When Retirement Isn’t Permanent
One unique aspect of esports is how often “retirement” isn’t final:
- Players like Uzi, Doublelift, and Bjergsen have all staged comebacks.
- Others, like Froggen or Ambition, retired permanently but remained in the community as coaches or streamers.
This makes retirements bittersweet—sometimes they’re a true goodbye, other times just a pause.
Chapter 9: The Emotional Impact on Fans
Why do retirements hit so hard?
- Fans often tie their own growth as players to watching these pros.
- Big retirements signal generational shifts in the competitive scene.
- Nostalgia runs deep—fans remember where they were during iconic plays.
Conclusion: Endings That Shape the Future
The pro player retirements that shocked fans remind us that esports is still young, but already filled with legends. Whether it’s Uzi’s emotional farewell, Bjergsen stepping away, or the looming question of Faker’s eventual retirement, each story is part of the greater narrative of League of Legends.
In the end, retirements are not just endings—they are milestones that shape the next generation of players and inspire fans to carry the passion forward.
