A Chinese League of Legends Pro's Graceful Exit

Yagao’s announcement to retire and step away from professional League of Legends marks the end of an era for one of China’s most enduring mid laners. After seven years competing in China’s LPL (League of Legends Pro League), his departure reflects both the natural progression of an esports career and the evolving landscape of professional gaming.

His career trajectory tells a compelling story of perseverance and growth. Beginning in 2018 with JD Gaming, Yagao steadily developed from a rookie into one of China’s most reliable mid laners. While never considered the most mechanically gifted player, he compensated with intelligent teamplay and a deep champion pool focused on mage characters.

The pinnacle of Yagao’s career came in 2022 when he led JD Gaming to an LPL championship and reached the semifinals at the World Championship. His signature Zoe and Ahri performances during this period demonstrated his capability to compete at the highest level. Perhaps most notably, he was the only Chinese mid laner to secure an MVP award against the legendary Faker of T1 that year.

However, like many professional players, Yagao’s performance began to decline in recent seasons. The demanding nature of professional gaming, where split-second reactions and constant adaptation are required, tends to favor younger players. His final season showed glimpses of his former prowess but also indicated it was time to step away.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Yagao earned respect within the Chinese esports community for his professionalism and positive attitude. Unlike some players who transition into streaming or coaching, he has expressed a desire to return to normal life, even opening an esports-themed hotel in his hometown of Xiaoyi, China.

The Chinese esports scene will remember Yagao not just for his achievements but for his character. His parting message - “The sky may not keep traces of my flight, but I have soared through it” - encapsulates both humility and pride in a career that, while perhaps not legendary, was nonetheless meaningful and impactful.

His retirement represents a broader trend in esports, where careers are intense but relatively brief. For younger players aspiring to professional play, Yagao’s journey demonstrates both the opportunities and limitations of an esports career, as well as the importance of planning for life after competition.