Xiaohu's Unwavering Pursuit of the S Tournament Crown： A Legendary Mid Laner's Journey
In a recent interview following WBG’s 3-1 victory over LNG in S14 quarterfinals, Xiaohu expressed his ongoing motivation to win the S tournament crown, citing Faker as his role model.
Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon is considered one of the greatest League of Legends mid laners of all time. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Xiaohu has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including 5 LPL titles and 3 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) championships. However, despite his numerous achievements, the elusive Summoner’s Cup, awarded to the winner of the annual World Championship (commonly referred to as the S Tournament), remains the missing piece in his trophy case.
In the recent interview, Xiaohu was candid about his desire to claim the ultimate prize. “The drive to continue playing professionally comes from three things. Firstly, winning the S Tournament crown, a goal I have yet to achieve. Secondly, despite facing difficulties over the past decade, my passion for League of Legends remains strong. I genuinely want to win every match. Lastly, Faker’s journey has always inspired me; he is my role model.”
Xiaohu’s admiration for Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the legendary South Korean mid laner often regarded as the greatest player of all time, is unsurprising. Faker’s resume boasts an unmatched three World Championship titles, a testament to his dominance and longevity in the ever-evolving landscape of competitive League of Legends.
While Xiaohu has come close to lifting the Summoner’s Cup, most notably in S8 and S13 where he finished as the runner-up, the trophy has remained just out of reach. However, his performances in recent tournaments have shown a renewed determination and hunger to finally claim the title.
In the ongoing S14 World Championship, Xiaohu has been instrumental in leading WBG to the semifinals, displaying a mastery over the current meta and a willingness to expand his champion pool. His ability to adapt and excel on both traditional mages and unconventional picks has been a key factor in WBG’s success.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Xiaohu as he continues his pursuit of greatness. With Faker’s legacy serving as a constant source of motivation, the legendary Chinese mid laner appears more determined than ever to etch his name in the annals of League of Legends history.
Regardless of the outcome, Xiaohu’s unwavering dedication and passion for the game have already cemented his status as one of the greatest players to ever compete on the Rift. As he enters the twilight of his career, the question remains: will he finally claim the crown that has eluded him for so long, or will he once again fall short of the ultimate glory?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Xiaohu’s legacy as a legendary mid laner and an icon of the LPL will endure, inspiring future generations of players to chase their dreams with the same fervor and determination that have defined his storied career.