Melany M. July 19, 2019
Liu "Mlxg" Shi-Yu is retiring from professional League of Legends.
Chinese team Royal Never Give Up announced the news in a heartfelt message on Twitter.
“We are heartbroken to announce that Mlxg has decided to retire. We will forever miss the one and only “Gank Machine” and your signature “Gank or Starve” style,” RNG wrote. “Mlxg We truly wish the best for you! Wherever your future takes you, you will always be part of our RNG family!”
Mlxg, the Gank Machine
Mlxg started his career with the now-disbanded Energy Pacemaker.Carries. He joined RNG in 2015 where he stayed until the end of his career.
The jungler was known for his aggressive and unpredictable style. It was borderline impossible to anticipate his moves, something that made him an asset for RNG.
2018 was the golden year for Mlxg. RNG earned back-to-back LPL titles. Mlxg was part of China’s national team at the 2018 Asian Games where the squad won gold. The jungler won the Mid-Season Invitational 2018 and attended the World Championship for the third time.
Mlxg’s final season
Mlxg started sharing the stage with up-and-coming jungler Hung "Karsa" Hao-Hsuan. Where Mlxg was aggressive and unpredictable, Karsa was measured and methodical. Both junglers complimented each other and contributed to the team’s success.
The Gank Machine slowed down in 2019. Mlxg missed the 2019 LPL Spring Split and became inactive in summer. According to the team, he was taking time to recover from health issues. The new’s of his retirement surprised the community, which immediately shared messages of support.
“Wishing a happy retirement to Mlxg, the Gank Machine! We'll miss seeing you at international events,” wrote Team Liquid on Twitter.
Mlxg will go down in League of Legends history as one of the best Lee Sin players and a role model for young junglers. His energy and fun gameplay will be missed in the professional scene.