Moin Khot
Dec, 02.2023
In the aftermath of the League of Legends World, JD Gaming finds itself at a crossroads, bidding farewell to mid-laner Zhuo “Knight” Ding, who is rumored to join Bilibili Gaming for the 2024 season. This marks a pivotal moment for JDG, as they reconstruct their roster after a formidable run at Worlds that ended in defeat against T1 in the semifinals.
https://twitter.com/JDGaming/status/1730785106644643883
JD Gaming officially confirmed Knight's departure via a tweet on December 1, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the team. With a highlight reel filled with outplays and three titles within a year, Knight's legacy is etched into JDG's history.
Knight's exit follows Bai “369” Jia-Hao, signaling a significant shift in the team's core lineup after a dominant 2023. Their victories in both the Spring and Summer LPL splits, along with a memorable triumph at the Mid-Season Invitational, defined an era. However, the departure of key players like Knight suggests a new direction for JDG.
The absence of Knight and 369 in the list of re-signed players, which includes Kanavi, Ruler, and Missing, raised eyebrows among League pundits. The confirmation of their contracts through 2025 without mention of the departing duo implies a revamped roster for JD Gaming in the upcoming season.
Despite bidding farewell to JDG, Knight remains a prominent figure in the competitive League of Legends scene. Joining JDG in early 2023 after a successful stint with Top Esports, where he secured two splits and a semifinal finish at Worlds 2020, Knight made an instant impact. His departure from Top Esports aligned with JDG's rise to dominance in the LPL.
While rumors circulate about Knight's potential move to Bilibili Gaming for the 2024 season, official confirmation is still pending. If the speculations hold true, Knight will step into the shoes of Zeng “Yagao” Qi, whose contract concluded at the end of the 2023 season.
Also read: Doublelift Retires From League of Legends Esports
As JD Gaming navigates this period of change, the League of Legends community eagerly awaits official announcements, eager to see how the team will reshape itself in the wake of Knight's departure and the evolving landscape of the competitive scene.