FunPlus Phoenix, 2019 LoL World Champions, Exit League of Legends LPL
In a move that has sent ripples through the global esports community, FunPlus Phoenix (FPX), the electrifying 2019 League of Legends World Champions, has officially announced its departure from the LPL, China's premier professional league. The organization confirmed it has sold its franchise slot, marking the end of a remarkable seven-year journey that saw a dark horse team rise to conquer the world.
The farewell announcement, posted to the organization's official social media channels, struck a somber and reflective tone, bidding a poignant goodbye to the fans and the league that defined its legacy. The departure closes a significant chapter in LPL history, leaving fans to reminisce about one of the most dominant and unforgettable championship runs the game has ever witnessed.
A Champion's Legacy Forged in Fire
FunPlus Phoenix entered the LPL in 2017, but it was their 2019 season that etched their name into the annals of esports history forever. After assembling a roster that perfectly blended raw talent with veteran ingenuity, FPX blazed a trail through the highly competitive LPL, securing the summer split championship and earning their ticket to the World Championship in Europe.
Led by the revolutionary play style of mid-laner Kim "Doinb" Tae-sang, the 2019 FPX squad was a force of nature. Their aggressive, roam-heavy strategy, which saw Doinb frequently impacting side lanes on unconventional champions, caught the entire world by surprise. The roster's synergy was undeniable:
- Top: Kim "GimGoon" Han-saem
- Jungle: Gao "Tian" Tian-Liang
- Mid: Kim "Doinb" Tae-sang
- ADC: Lin "Lwx" Wei-Xiang
- Support: Liu "Crisp" Qing-Song
This lineup didn't just win; they dominated. They stormed through the World Championship knockout stage, culminating in a stunning and decisive 3-0 sweep against European hopefuls G2 Esports in the grand finals in Paris. Tian was named Finals MVP for his masterful jungle performance, but the victory was a testament to a team that was truly greater than the sum of its parts. They lifted the Summoner's Cup, cementing their place as the second LPL team in history to become world champions.
The End of an Era
Following their monumental victory, FPX remained a competitive force within the LPL for several seasons, but they were never quite able to recapture the world-beating magic of their 2019 form. Roster changes and the natural evolution of the game's meta saw the legendary lineup slowly disband, with each player eventually moving on to other teams.
The organization's performance in recent years has been a struggle, a stark contrast to their peak. The decision to exit the league, while sudden, is seen by many as the final, inevitable conclusion to a gradual decline. In their farewell statement, the organization reflected on its seven-year journey, expressing immense gratitude to the players, staff, and fans who supported them from their humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the sport. While the specific financial or strategic reasons behind the sale were not detailed, the move is indicative of the challenging and ever-shifting landscape of professional esports.
A New Contender Rises from the Ashes
The coveted LPL franchise slot left vacant by FPX will not remain empty for long. It has been acquired by eStar Gaming, a prominent Chinese esports organization making its return to the League of Legends Pro League. eStar Gaming, in a partnership with the globally recognized brand Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP), will field a team for the upcoming season.
This marks a significant return for eStar, which previously competed in the LPL before selling its slot. Their re-entry, backed by the international resources of NIP, introduces a new and ambitious player into the league. For LPL fans, the departure of a beloved champion is bittersweet, but it is tempered by the excitement of a new organization joining the fray, ready to build its own legacy.
The transition signals a new era for the LPL. While the memory of FPX's fiery phoenix emblem and their aggressive, map-wide dominance will be cherished, the league continues its relentless march forward, perpetually evolving with new teams, new stars, and new stories waiting to be written.
FAQ: FunPlus Phoenix's LPL Exit
Why is FPX leaving the LPL?FunPlus Phoenix officially announced the sale of its LPL franchise slot, marking the end of its seven-year participation in the league. The organization's farewell message focused on celebrating its history and thanking its community, without specifying the exact business reasons for the departure.
Who is replacing FPX in the LPL?The LPL slot has been acquired by eStar Gaming, a returning organization that is partnering with the international esports brand Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) for its new League of Legends team.
What was FPX's biggest achievement?Their crowning achievement was winning the 2019 League of Legends World Championship. They defeated G2 Esports 3-0 in the finals, becoming the second LPL team ever to win the title.
Will the FPX organization shut down completely?No. While FunPlus Phoenix is exiting League of Legends, the organization remains active in other esports. They are particularly prominent in the Valorant scene, where their team competes at the highest international level.