Clearlove returns to pro play, joins EDG for 2021 LPL season

After a year spent as head coach for EDward Gaming, Ming “Clearlove” Kai is returning to Summoner’s Rift as the team’s starting jungler. 

With a lot of big names retiring in the ongoing offseason, it’s now time for a player to return to the big stage. The long-time EDG veteran Clearlove will once again be the starting jungler for the team, after some mixed results as the team’s head coach in 2020. As a coach, Clearlove didn’t manage to take EDG to the top, settling for a fifth-place finish in the 2020 LPL Spring Split followed up by a disappointing 10th-place finish in the summer split. Clearlove will instead return to Summoner’s Rift and will hope to get the team back on track in 2021. 

Clearlove is a true veteran in his field and has been around since 2012. He started out as a mid laner for Team Phoenix but quickly made a swap to the jungle position where he ended up becoming one of the best ever. Clearlove saw his first success with Team WE from 2012 to 2013, where he won several tournaments before the LPL was created. He would later compete among the best during the 2013 LPL season, but didn’t manage to win any trophies before joining EDG.

Clearlove played for almost six straight years with EDG before becoming the head coach in December 2019. He was the face of the team for several years and managed to win five LPL trophies in those years, and participated at five World Championships. Since 2018, EDG has not been able to deliver at the same high level as it had previously, but a veteran like Clearlove might be able to take the team back to the top. 

Can EDG succeed with Clearlove returning to the jungle?

The fact that Clearlove returns after a year as head coach obviously makes him a big question mark. While fans are happy to see the veteran return to the jungle, it’s still unknown if it will pay off. A returning player of his age could either improve a team immensely because of his leadership and experience, or it could also drag the team down. There are currently many talented junglers in the LPL and it’s unlikely that Clearlove can keep up with them on an individual level. Clearlove has to play towards other strengths on the team in order to make his team better. 

Clearlove and EDG will play their first match when the LPL starts up in January next year. 

How old is Clearlove?

Clearlove is 27 years old and will therefore be one of the oldest active professional players in League of Legends. Even though his age might have an effect on his mechanical abilities, Clearlove will bring a lot of experience and leadership, more than most other players could. He will likely be the shot-caller for the team and the one to lead his troops within the game. 

What is the EDG Lol roster for 2021?

The EDG LoL roster for 2021 isn’t yet entirely confirmed, but it looks like EDG will consist of a lot of experienced players. The team has been known for having several players for each role to help foster its younger talent. The roster is expected to have more than five players and there will likely be changes to the starting roster from game to game. 

The expected EDG roster for 2021: 

• Top – Li “Flandre” Xuan-Jun (rumored)
• Jungle – Ming “Clearlove” Kai / Zhao “Jiejie” Li-Jie
• Mid – Lee “Scout” Ye-chan
• Bot – Park “Viper” Do-hyeon (rumored)
• Support – Tian “Meiko” Ye