(Updated: January 2025)
LGD Gaming, a prominent name in the esports industry, has made its mark in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), China’s top-tier professional League of Legends competition. Established in 2012, this influential team has gone through numerous ups and downs, roster changes, and competitive seasons, always striving to achieve new heights in the world of professional gaming. With a storied history, iconic players, and contributions to the global esports scene, LGD Gaming stands as one of the key organizations in professional League of Legends.
LGD Gaming – A Storied History
Founded on February 20, 2012, LGD Gaming launched its League of Legends division under Zhou “Bug” Qilin’s leadership. During their early years, LGD showcased their ambition by competing in the TGA Grand Prix 2012. Their performance in the tournament earned them a spot in the Season 2 China Regional Finals, where they eventually fell short to Invictus Gaming.
As the professional League of Legends scene developed, LGD struggled to secure a permanent foothold in China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL). When Tencent inaugurated the LPL as China’s official League of Legends championship series in 2013, LGD failed to qualify for both the spring and summer splits. However, their persistence paid off when they successfully entered the 2014 LPL Spring Split. Despite a slow start, their fourth-place finish in the 2014 summer split marked an upward trajectory for the team.
Challenges and Turning Points
By 2015, LGD Gaming had fully embraced global trends by signing high-profile Korean players. Among the acquisitions were Gu “imp” Seung-bin from Samsung White, alongside Choi “Acorn” Cheon-ju and Lee “Flame” Ho-jong. These strategic roster changes helped LGD rise in the 2015 LPL Spring Split rankings and compete in the playoffs, defeating teams like OMG and Snake Esports before succumbing to EDward Gaming in a hotly contested final.
The move signaled LGD’s desire to stand among the elite teams in the competitive world of League of Legends. The team continued to evolve over the years, but fluctuating results and roster instability often challenged their consistency.
Team Roster – Past and Present
Current Roster
- Chen “1874” Li-Xin
- Xian “Chelizi” Han-Xi
Previous Notable Players
- Jay (mid laner) – Permanently banned for match-fixing in 2022
- Xiaoxu (top laner) – Active from January 15, 2023, to March 24, 2023
- xqw (mid laner) – Active from January 30, 2023, to March 1, 2023
- Assum (AD carry) – Active from June 14, 2022, to August 14, 2022
- YeG (mid laner) – Active from January 11, 2022, to August 14, 2022
- Shadow (jungler) – Active from June 10, 2021, to August 14, 2022
Notable Achievements – LPL and Beyond
Domestic Competitions
LGD Gaming secured several notable performances domestically, including a strong run in China’s LPL:
- LPL 2014 Summer Split: Finished fourth in the regular season and qualified for playoffs.
- LPL 2015 Spring Split: Defeated powerhouse teams OMG and Snake Esports but lost to EDward Gaming in the final.
- LPL 2020 Summer: Finished fourth in the regular season and second in the regional finals, demonstrating resilience and consistency.
International Appearances
While LGD Gaming’s international track record includes some disappointments, the team achieved noteworthy results:
- World Championship: LGD finished ninth at the 2020 World Championship, earning $126,750 in prize money.
- NEST 2017: Secured a third-place finish, winning $12,074.
- NEST 2016: Achieved runner-up status, earning $15,000.
Previous Results in League of Legends Championships
One of LGD Gaming’s most memorable seasons occurred in 2020 when they reached the League of Legends World Championship. Although they advanced through the Play-Ins stage and showcased promise, they eventually fell short of expectations, finishing ninth. Despite the result, the experience demonstrated LGD’s ability to compete on an international stage.
Lessons from Competitive Performance
Over the years, LGD Gaming has experienced both highs and lows in competitive performance. Their successes demonstrate the strength of their strategic planning, particularly their willingness to sign talented players internationally. However, consistency has often eluded the team, with frequent roster changes impacting team synergy. LGD has shown resilience and potential over time, always aiming to reestablish itself as a significant contender in competitive League of Legends.
LGD Gaming FAQ
What is LGD Gaming?
LGD Gaming is a professional esports organization from China, known for its competitive League of Legends team competing in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL).
When was LGD Gaming founded?
LGD Gaming’s League of Legends division was established on February 20, 2012.
What are some notable tournaments LGD Gaming has participated in?
LGD Gaming has participated in numerous tournaments, including the LPL, League of Legends World Championship (2020), and NEST events in 2016 and 2017.
Has LGD Gaming won any championships?
While LGD Gaming has achieved several strong performances, such as runner-up in the 2015 LPL Spring Split, they have yet to win a major international championship.
Who are some of LGD Gaming’s most notable players?
Notable players include Gu “imp” Seung-bin, Choi “Acorn” Cheon-ju, Lee “Flame” Ho-jong, and others who contributed significantly to LGD Gaming’s growth.
What is LGD’s performance in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL)?
LGD has had mixed results in the LPL, including a surprising runner-up finish in the 2015 Spring Split playoffs and a strong showing in the 2020 Summer Split.
Did LGD Gaming ever compete in the League of Legends World Championship?
Yes, LGD Gaming competed in the 2020 League of Legends World Championship, finishing ninth overall after advancing through the Play-Ins stage.
Where can I find more information about LGD Gaming?
You can explore more details about LGD Gaming on their officially LGD Gaming page.
Why did LGD Gaming recruit Korean players in 2015?
LGD Gaming signed Korean players in 2015 to strengthen their roster and improve their chances in the competitive League of Legends scene. This strategy led to a noteworthy performance in the LPL Spring Split.
What challenges has LGD faced over the years?
LGD Gaming has faced challenges such as roster instability, mixed performances in both domestic and international tournaments, and adapting to the evolving competitive landscape.
