(Updated: January 2025)
EDward Gaming (EDG) is a premier Chinese esports organization with a reputation for excellence and a storied legacy in the League of Legends scene. Since its inception in 2013, the team has captivated fans worldwide with its skillful performances and iconic victories at both domestic and international tournaments. This article delves into the team’s rich history, notable milestones, roster evolutions, and achievements in major tournaments, highlighting EDward Gaming’s impact on the competitive League of Legends landscape.
History and Formation – The Beginnings of EDward Gaming
EDward Gaming was founded in September 2013 by SanShao, BingGui, and Edward Zhu. Zhu Mengyi, the elder Zhu’s father, is a significant figure in China’s business community as the founder and former chairman of Hopson Development, a major real estate company. EDG’s entry into the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) was marked by their acquisition of LMQ’s LPL slot, which led to LMQ’s move to the North American Challenger Series.
The team’s inaugural roster featured U, NaMei, fzzf, ClearLove, and Koro1. This squad achieved immediate success by claiming the championship of the 2014 LPL Spring season in dominant fashion, defeating Invictus Gaming 3-0 in the finals. This impressive debut established EDG as a force to be reckoned with in the professional League of Legends scene and set the stage for a string of remarkable accomplishments.
Early Successes – Building a Dynasty
From their entry into the LPL, EDG quickly catapulted themselves into the spotlight. The 2014 LPL Spring victory was just the beginning of a dynasty. The team went on to secure two more LPL titles in subsequent splits, cementing their dominance in the domestic Chinese esports scene.
In 2015, EDG achieved one of its most significant milestones by winning the inaugural Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). At the grand finals, EDG battled against the legendary Korean team SK Telecom T1, narrowly winning a 3-2 series. This landmark win confirmed their position as one of the best teams globally and demonstrated their ability to perform under high-pressure international settings, a rarity for Chinese teams at the time.
Notable Achievements – A Legacy of Excellence
Through the years, EDG has amassed an impressive list of achievements that reflect their skill, resilience, and adaptability:
- Multiple LPL Titles: EDG has consistently dominated domestically, with championships including 2014 LPL Spring, 2015 LPL Spring, 2017 LPL Summer, and 2021 LPL Summer.
- 2021 World Champions: EDG made history by claiming the Summoner’s Cup after defeating DWG KIA in the finals of the 2021 League of Legends World Championship, a feat made more remarkable by their journey through three grueling best-of-five series.
- First MSI Champions: The 2015 MSI victory against SK Telecom T1 stands out as one of their most iconic international wins to date.
Impact on the League of Legends World Championship
EDG’s most iconic international victory came in 2021, but their journey at Worlds has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs over the years:
- 2015: The team reached the quarterfinals but fell to Origen, finishing tied for 5th-8th.
- 2016: Another quarterfinals appearance, with a loss to ROX Tigers placing them at 5th-8th.
- 2017: An underwhelming run saw EDG fail to advance from the group stage with a 2-4 record.
- 2021: A triumphant journey to the championship title, defeating DWG KIA in a thrilling 5-game series after overcoming several intense matchups in earlier rounds.
- 2022: EDG ended their campaign in the quarterfinals, being reverse swept by DRX for a 5th-8th finish.
Current and Former Player Roster – Stars that Define EDG
Current Lineup
As of December 2024, EDG’s active players include:
- Zdz (Zhu Dezhang): Top laner who joined EDward Gaming in late 2024.
- Xiaohao (Peng Hao): Jungle extraordinaire, another fresh addition for the team.
- Angel (Xiang Tao): Dominant mid laner known for his tactical prowess in the game.
- Assum (Zou Wei): Marksman who took on the role of EDG’s bot laner in late 2024.
- Wink (Zhang Rui): Supporting the team’s bot lane partnership, with impeccable positioning and utility.
Notable Former Players
Throughout its history, EDG has been home to many iconic players who have played key roles in their success. Some of the most celebrated names include:
- ClearLove (Ming Kai): Founding member and one of the most revered junglers in League of Legends history.
- NaMei: An AD Carry critical to the success of EDG’s initial roster.
- fzzf: Part of the inaugural lineup as the team’s support.
- Koro1: Renowned for his top-lane dominance during EDG’s early years.
- Scout: A stable and outstanding mid laner who contributed during multiple seasons.
- Deft: Internationally acclaimed bot laner who played a pivotal role during his tenure.
Breaking Down EDward Gaming’s Tournament Results
Domestic Competitions
EDG has remained competitive in China’s LPL, securing several championships while frequently finishing as one of the top teams in the region. Their consistency at the LPL level has made them a cornerstone of Chinese esports.
International Tournaments
- 2021 MSI – Champions with an iconic win over SK Telecom T1.
- 2015 World Championship – Reached quarterfinals, 5th-8th finish.
- 2021 World Championship – Champions after a legendary run, defeating DWG KIA.
- 2022 World Championship – Finished in the quarterfinals after being bested by DRX.
FAQ – EDward Gaming
Who founded EDward Gaming?
EDward Gaming was founded by SanShao, BingGui, and Edward Zhu in 2013.
What is EDward Gaming’s greatest achievement?
EDward Gaming’s greatest achievement is winning the 2021 League of Legends World Championship, where they defeated DWG KIA in the grand finals.
Which domestic league does EDward Gaming compete in?
EDward Gaming competes in the Chinese League of Legends Pro League (LPL).
Who was part of EDward Gaming’s inaugural roster?
The inaugural roster consisted of U, NaMei, fzzf, ClearLove, and Koro1.
How many LPL titles has EDward Gaming won?
EDward Gaming has won multiple LPL titles, including victories in 2014 Spring, 2015 Spring, 2017 Summer, and 2021 Summer.
Who is ClearLove?
ClearLove (Ming Kai) is a founding member of EDward Gaming and one of the most iconic junglers in competitive League of Legends history.
What was EDward Gaming’s record at the 2017 World Championship?
EDward Gaming failed to advance from the group stage at the 2017 World Championship, finishing with a 2-4 record.
Which international title did EDward Gaming win in 2015?
EDG won the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) in 2015 by defeating SK Telecom T1 in a 3-2 series.
What makes EDward Gaming’s 2021 World Championship win historic?
EDward Gaming’s 2021 World Championship win was historic as they won after playing three full best-of-five series, an unprecedented achievement in the tournament’s history.
Who are the current players of EDward Gaming?
The current roster includes Zdz (Top), Xiaohao (Jungle), Angel (Mid), Assum (Bot), and Wink (Support).
