Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, an iconic figure in North American professional League of Legends (LoL), has bid farewell to the competitive scene, marking the end of an 11-year career. In a 15-minute video shared on social media today, Doublelift delved into the nuances of his journey, outlining the factors that led to his decision and offering glimpses into his future endeavors.

Doublelift’s Journey in League of Legends Esports

This isn't Doublelift's first venture into retirement. After a less-than-satisfactory conclusion with TSM in 2020, he briefly explored a full-time streaming career. However, the allure of the game drew him back for a brief yet impactful stint with 100 Thieves in the 2023 season. Now, with conviction, he declares this departure to be the definitive conclusion to his competitive gaming career.

 https://twitter.com/Doublelift1/status/1730666349243101279 

As one of the most decorated players in both LCS and professional League history, Doublelift's legacy includes an unparalleled eight LCS championships, a record eclipsing even his longtime teammate Bjergsen. His reign between 2016 and 2019 saw him on the championship-winning team in six out of seven splits, a testament to his consistent prowess. Remarkably, on every team he graced, except 100 Thieves, he secured either an LCS title or propelled the team into international tournaments, often achieving both milestones.

Reflecting on his career, Doublelift expressed contentment with his accomplishments, noting the exception of a coveted Worlds victory. In his video, he mused, “That’s the last thing I was never able to get to, but the cycle of setting a goal for yourself and grinding, and then setting a new goal for yourself, it kind of reflects everything.”

Despite falling short of the Summoner’s Cup, Doublelift's impact on the U.S. League scene is undeniable. Fondly recalling triumphs with CLG and TSM, he acknowledged the weight of expectations met during his tenures with both teams. His legacy spans not just championships but the memories created alongside fans who witnessed his evolution from a 17-year-old prodigy to a seasoned veteran concluding his journey just months after turning 30.

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In a heartfelt farewell, Doublelift encapsulated the shared growth with his audience, stating, “People grew up watching me in middle school, high school, and college, and I grew up with them. We kind of went through a lot side-by-side.” As the curtains fall on Doublelift's professional gaming chapter, the League community stands witness to the departure of a true legend, leaving an indelible mark on the esports landscape.