Peng “Doublelift” Yilang has retired from League of Legends professional play after more than a decade playing professionally.
Doublelift has reigned, for almost as long as the LCS has existed, as one of the premier native North American talents. Beginning in support as a feared Blitzcrank one-trick, Doublelift would quickly transition to the Marksman or AD Carry role. Playing on Counter Logic Gaming, TSM, Team Liquid, and 100 Thieves, Doublelift has won eight domestic trophies, and was a member of the Team Liquid roster that remains the only North American team to make an international final. He
announced his retirement on YouTube and social media
on December 1, 2023.
Doublelift retires from professional play
Doublelift has twice before left professional play, though under different circumstances. In 2017, the star ADC took a split-long absence from the LCS to take time away from the rigors of pro play. Then, after leaving TSM during a second stint on the roster, he spent two years away from the pro play stage before eventually returning on 100 Thieves.
Doublelift acknowledged his previous absences, saying that this time it was different, a “decision [he’s] never going to walk back from.” In the video announcing his departure, Doublelift thanks his fans for their support and says that his priorities around his life have changed greatly since he first began his journey.
Doublelift’s professional career truly began when he was kicked out of the house by his parents, who disapproved of his attempts to become a professional esports player. He was taken in by League of Legends journalist “Travis Gafford”, and his career snowballed from there. Doublelift says that his greatest regret was his inability to win Worlds. That one final achievement he recognizes is one he will have to leave behind, a pinnacle unreached.
The star NA ADC says he will move on to full-time content creation, and remain in the League of Legends space.
Nicholas James
About Nicholas James
Nicholas James is a gaming writer with a passion for all things geekdom, as well as live theater. Nicholas is best known for covering League of Legends and other top MOBA titles, but his expertise covers numerous games across multiple genres. When not watching the LCS or playing the latest new release, Nicholas can be found doing some tabletop gaming and painting his favorite miniatures. Nicholas has also published with Hotspawn, TheGamer, Dexerto, Esports.gg and other industry outlets.
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