(Updated: January 2025)
FunPlus Phoenix, more commonly known as FPX, is an iconic Chinese esports organization that has left an indelible mark on the competitive League of Legends scene. Since its formation in late 2017, FPX has grown from a fledgling team into one of the most successful and celebrated organizations in professional League history, thanks to a blend of talent, resilience, and strategic excellence. With a reputation cemented by their extraordinary run at the 2019 League of Legends World Championship, FPX has consistently remained a prominent name in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), China’s premier competitive circuit. Known for their innovative strategies, high-caliber players, and a history of exceptional performances in both domestic and international tournaments, FPX continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the League of Legends esports world.
Formation and Early Years – Building the Foundation
FunPlus Phoenix was officially established on December 20, 2017, when the organization acquired a spot in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL). From the outset, FPX aimed to compete at the highest level of professional League of Legends, assembling a roster that promised potential and excitement. Their inaugural lineup included:
- Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem – Top Laner
- Hu “Pepper” Zhiwei – Initially announced as Jungler but later replaced
- Feng “Bing” Jinwei – Mid Laner
- Lin “Lwx” Weixiang – Bot Laner
- Liu “Crisp” Qingsong – Support
The team’s competitive debut came during the 2017 Demacia Cup. While they managed a decisive 2-0 victory against Black8, their journey came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Team WE, resulting in a 9-15th place finish. The team struggled to find their footing in the 2018 Spring season of the LPL, narrowly missing playoffs. However, these early challenges laid the groundwork for future roster changes and strategic adjustments, eventually transforming FPX into a championship-caliber team.
2019 – The Year of Glory
FPX’s transformation into a juggernaut began in 2019, thanks to key roster additions that included:
- Gao “Tian” Tianliang – Jungler
- Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang – Mid Laner
These players joined existing icons like GimGoon, Lwx, and Crisp, creating a roster that was both balanced and synergistic. FPX’s journey that year was nothing short of remarkable:
- 2019 LPL Spring: FPX achieved a 3rd-place finish.
- 2019 LPL Summer: They claimed their first LPL title by defeating Royal Never Give Up (RNG) 3-1 in the finals.
- 2019 League of Legends World Championship: FPX made history by securing China’s second consecutive Worlds title. In an unforgettable run, they defeated G2 Esports 3-0 in the finals, solidifying their legacy on the global stage.
2020 – Navigating Challenges
Following their 2019 triumph, FPX faced new challenges in 2020. The team parted ways with GimGoon and brought in Khan as their new Top Laner. Despite the change, FPX experienced mixed results:
- 2020 Spring: They secured 3rd place after losing to JD Gaming in playoffs but defeated Invictus Gaming in the consolation bracket.
- 2020 Summer: FPX finished 7-8th in playoffs following a loss to Victory Five.
- 2020 Regional Finals: In a decisive match for Worlds qualification, FPX fell to Invictus Gaming in a narrow 2-3 series, marking the end of their season.
2021 – A Rollercoaster of Success and Setbacks
The 2021 season was marked by significant roster instability and mixed performances. Tian, the team’s star jungler, temporarily stepped back due to health concerns. His initial replacement, Bo, was later suspended for match-fixing, which led to rotations involving both Beichuan and Tian. Despite these challenges, FPX managed to perform well:
- 2021 Spring Playoffs: They finished 2nd, losing 1-3 to RNG in the finals.
- 2021 Summer Playoffs: They once again finished 2nd, with a 1-3 loss to EDward Gaming in the finals.
- 2021 World Championship: Unfortunately, their Worlds campaign ended early, as they were eliminated in the group stage with a 13-16th place finish.
Current Roster – A New Era
In recent years, FPX has undergone several roster changes in an effort to rebuild and reestablish their dominance in the LPL. As of the latest updates, their roster includes:
- Sheer (Xu Wenjie) – Top Laner
- Sorrow (Li Deming) or Shadow (Zhao Zhiqiang) – Jungler
- Care (Yang Jie) – Mid Laner
- Xingye (Qian Ze) or bat (Gao Jun) – Bot Laner
- Jwei (Sun Junwei) – Support
Notable Matches and Achievements
- 2019 LPL Summer Finals: Defeated RNG 3-1 to clinch their first LPL title.
- 2019 Worlds Finals: Swept G2 Esports 3-0 to claim the World Championship.
- 2021 Playoffs: Runner-up finishes in both the Spring and Summer playoffs.
- 2017 Demacia Cup: Debut tournament with a 9-15th place finish.
FunPlus Phoenix – FAQs
What is FunPlus Phoenix?
FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) is a Chinese professional esports organization competing in League of Legends and other games. Founded in 2017, FPX achieved global recognition after winning the 2019 World Championship.
When was FPX founded?
FunPlus Phoenix was founded on December 20, 2017.
Who are the most notable players in FPX history?
Some of the most iconic players in FPX history include Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang, Gao “Tian” Tianliang, Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem, and Lin “Lwx” Weixiang.
What is FPX’s biggest achievement?
Their biggest achievement is winning the 2019 League of Legends World Championship, where they defeated G2 Esports 3-0 in the grand finals.
Which region does FPX compete in?
FPX competes in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), the top-tier competitive league in China.
Has FPX won any LPL titles?
Yes, FPX won their first LPL title in the 2019 Summer Split by defeating Royal Never Give Up.
Who is FPX’s current mid laner?
The current mid laner for FPX is Yang “Care” Jie, who joined the team in 2022.
How did FPX perform at the 2021 World Championship?
FPX had a disappointing run at the 2021 World Championship, exiting in the group stage with a 13-16th place finish.
Which team did FPX beat in the 2019 Worlds finals?
FPX defeated G2 Esports 3-0 in the 2019 World Championship grand finals.
What is FPX’s philosophy in team building?
FPX emphasizes synergy, strategy, and innovation in their team-building approach, often focusing on players who excel in both individual skill and teamwork.
