(Updated: January 2025)
Royal Never Give Up (RNG) is one of the most iconic teams in the competitive League of Legends esports scene. Based in China, RNG is a name synonymous with excellence, perseverance, and an undying spirit, which resonates with its “Never Give Up” identity. Over the years, RNG has epitomized success in both regional and international tournaments, earning a reputation as a powerhouse in the League of Legends ecosystem. From groundbreaking victories in the LPL to earning multiple Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) titles, the team has proceeded to inspire a global fanbase. This article delves into the team’s rich history, notable players, competitive achievements, and its ongoing legacy in the ever-evolving league landscape.
The Birth of a Dynasty – The History of Royal Never Give Up
Royal Never Give Up’s journey began in May 2015 when the organization was established through the acquisition of Vici Potential Gaming. The initial roster was formed around players from Vici Potential Gaming, including LetMe, GodLike, Skye, Mlxg, Xiaohu, Wuxx, and LeY. In their debut competitive season, the 2015 LPL Summer Season, the team struggled, finishing in 9-12th place. However, RNG demonstrated its potential after receiving an invitation to the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) World Championship, where they revamped their roster with Looper and Mata. Though they showed promise by topping their group, RNG was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Fnatic in a tightly contested match that ended at 1-2.
Early Struggles and Signs of Greatness
Despite its modest beginnings, RNG began to shape itself as an organization focused on long-term success. The hiring of veteran players such as Looper and Mata indicated they were building with a vision to compete at the highest level. Although success initially eluded them, RNG’s investment in talent was beginning to show results that laid the groundwork for their future dominance.
Notable Achievements – A Timeline of Royal Never Give Up’s Competitive Success
2016 – RNG’s First Major Title
- RNG kickstarted 2016 with a bang by winning the LPL Spring Season, defeating rivals EDward Gaming (EDG) 3-1 in the finals. This marked their first major domestic title.
- They continued to impress during the 2016 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), finishing in 3-4th place after losing to SK Telecom T1 (SKT), reflecting their competitive acumen even on the international stage.
- In the 2016 Summer Season, RNG finished second, qualifying for that year’s World Championship. At Worlds 2016, RNG reached the quarterfinals, but once again, they fell to SKT with a series scoreline of 1-3.
2017 – Establishing Themselves Among Elite Teams
Although RNG did not secure titles during the LPL Spring and Summer splits in 2017, their consistent performance earned them a spot at the 2017 World Championship. Excitingly, RNG finished as group winners in the Worlds group stage but fell once more to SKT in a nail-biting semifinal series that ended 2-3. This marked RNG as one of the foremost teams globally, despite their inability to reach a Worlds final.
2018 – A Stellar Year
- 2018 was undoubtedly one of RNG’s most successful years. They won the LPL Spring Split, the 2018 MSI, the Demacia Cup Summer, and the 2018 LPL Summer Split.
- Their MSI 2018 victory was particularly notable, as RNG defeated Korea’s Kingzone DragonX in the final, cementing their status as an international powerhouse.
- Despite significant domestic and international success, RNG’s Worlds 2018 campaign ended in disappointment. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by G2 Esports in a closely contested 2-3 series.
2019 to 2020 – The Fall and Uzi’s Retirement
The 2019 season saw RNG struggle to replicate their earlier success, exiting in the group stages of the World Championship. Overwhelmingly, 2020 marked one of the organization’s most challenging years. RNG failed to qualify for Worlds for the first time in three years, and their iconic player Uzi—widely regarded as one of the greatest bot laners in League of Legends history—officially announced his retirement ahead of the Summer Split, citing health issues.
2021 – A Resurgence
RNG returned in full force in 2021 with strategic changes, including Xiaohu swapping from mid lane to top lane. This move paid dividends, as RNG won the LPL Spring Split and claimed the MSI 2021 title by defeating DWG KIA in an enthralling final. Their Worlds 2021 journey ended in the quarterfinals against EDward Gaming in another tight 2-3 series, but RNG had firmly announced their re-emergence as a global contender.
2022 – Making History at MSI
In 2022, RNG once again proved their dominance by winning the MSI, marking their third MSI title, more than any other team in League of Legends history. This achievement underscored their remarkable consistency on the international stage.
Royal Never Give Up – Current and Former Rosters
Current Roster
As of 2024, RNG’s current roster combines promising talent and innovative strategies:
- Juice (Zhou Lin): Top Lane
- Xiaoxu (Xu Xingzu): Top Lane
- Milkyway (Cai Zijun): Jungle
- Tangyuan (Lin Yuhong): Mid Lane
- JiaQi (Zi Jiaqi): Bot Lane
- Lele (Dang Bolin): Support
Notable Former Players
- Uzi – Legendary bot laner and the face of RNG for many years before his retirement in 2020.
- Xiaohu – A versatile player who transitioned from mid lane to top lane, helping RNG gain critical victories.
- Mlxg – Renowned for his jungle plays, contributing to RNG’s initial successes.
- Ming – A stalwart support player, integral to RNG’s rise.
- Looper – Key top laner instrumental in RNG’s early years.
- Mata – Veteran support player who brought leadership and experience to RNG.
Tournament Highlights
Results in the LPL
- 2016 Spring Split – Champions
- 2016 Summer Split – Runners-Up
- 2018 Spring Split – Champions
- 2018 Summer Split – Champions
- 2021 Spring Split – Champions
Mid-Season Invitational (MSI)
- 2018 MSI – Champions
- 2021 MSI – Champions
- 2022 MSI – Champions
World Championships
- 2016 – Quarterfinals
- 2017 – Semifinals
- 2018 – Quarterfinals
FAQs About Royal Never Give Up
What is Royal Never Give Up?
Royal Never Give Up (RNG) is a Chinese esports team known for competing primarily in League of Legends. Established in May 2015, they are one of the most successful teams in the game’s history.
Who owns RNG?
RNG is owned and operated as part of a broader Chinese esports organization, with backing from prominent investors in the gaming and entertainment industry.
What is RNG’s biggest achievement?
One of RNG’s greatest achievements is winning the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) three times (2018, 2021, 2022). This record remains unmatched in League of Legends history.
Who is RNG’s most famous player?
RNG’s most famous player is Uzi, widely considered one of the greatest ADCs (bot laners) of all time. Uzi represented RNG from its establishment and led the team to several victories before retiring in 2020.
What is RNG’s current roster?
As of 2024, notable members of RNG’s roster include Xiaoxu (top lane), Juice (top lane), Milkyway (jungle), Tangyuan (mid lane), JiaQi (bot lane), and Lele (support).
When did RNG last win MSI?
RNG last won the Mid-Season Invitational in 2022, making it their third MSI title.
How did RNG perform at Worlds 2018?
RNG was eliminated in the quarterfinals of Worlds 2018 after a tight 2-3 loss to G2 Esports.
Why did Uzi retire?
Uzi retired due to health issues, particularly related to physical strain from years of competitive play.
What role does Xiaohu play?
Xiaohu, originally RNG’s mid laner, switched to the top lane in 2021, which played a key role in revitalizing the team’s performance.
Where can I learn more about RNG?
Visit the officially Royal Never Give Up page for more detailed and updated insights.
