FPX Tian is taking a break from competitive LoL due to health reasons
FunPlus Phoenix jungler and former world champion Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang recently announced that he will take a break from competitive League of Legends
After beating Rogue Warriors in a 2-0 fashion to start out week three of the 2021 LPL Spring Split, Tian has decided to take a temporary break due to mental strains. According to Tian, the match against Rogue Warriors was one of few matches that he enjoyed since 2019. As of late, Tian has been feeling stress during matches and will now be seeking professional help.
“Yesterday’s 2-0 against RW was one of the few games after 2019 that I actually enjoyed playing,” Tian said in his announcement. “In our last game against EDG, due to pressure, I would suddenly feel unwell.”
It’s still not confirmed how long Tian will be out for but it sounds like it could be for quite a few weeks. To replace Tian during his break, it’s rumored that former eStar Young jungler Zhou “Bo” Yang-Bo will step in but that isn’t confirmed. The rumors started after both FPX mid laner Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang and support Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song have been duo queueing with Bo in solo queue.
The break from Tian is announced right after FPX has started to return to shape after a poor 2020 season. The 2019 World Champions didn’t manage to defend its title last year which resulted in a big roster upgrade for the 2021 season. FPX picked up former DWG KIA top laner Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon to add more individual power to the team.
With Tian taking a break, this comeback might be delayed a bit as FPX will have to build up synergy with a completely new jungler.
FPX will play its next game on January 23 against Suning. A new jungler will be announced leading up to that.
Who is Tian in LoL?
Tian is a 20-year-old jungler from China. Tian started his career at Young Miracles in 2017 before joining Suning for the 2018 season where he made his LPL debut. Tian only played a few months for Suning before getting picked up by FunPlus Phoenix who was looking to take the LPL by storm.
During the 2019 season, Tian and FPX crawled their way to the top of the LPL and managed to win the 2019 LPL Summer Split. The success in the LPL was carried on to the 2019 World Championship where FPX won to everyone’s surprise.
What is the FPX 2021 LPL roster?
With changes in the top lane for 2021, FPX is fielding a star-packed roster for the season. Nuguri was without a doubt the strongest top laner in the LCK and will now be looking to continue that dominance in the LPL.
- Top – Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon
- Jungle – Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang (on break)
- Mid – Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang
- Bot – Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang
- Support – Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song
Read Also
League of Legends
LoL: Europe Shines Against Korea in 2026 As NA Struggles To Keep Pace
Ben Boland
In 2026, Europe has had its best results against the East in LoL Esports history. While their losses to North America may overshadow their achievements, EU has a winning record against South Korea this year. Meanwhile, NA has the LEC’s number but has its worst head-to-head against the East since 2023 — here I will break down the key statistics that show this. After years of Europe being a shell ...
League of Legends
Which League of Legends Region Will Win 2026 Worlds?
Hannan Mundia
The League of Legends World Championship is easily the game’s most important annual tournament. The top teams from every major region compete for a chance to win the substantial cash prize and etch their names in League of Legends history. This year will be no different, with the 2026 Worlds coming beginning on October 15. Teams from multiple regions have already qualified for the tournament, though their performances throughout the ...
Esports Betting
Cloud9 vs LYON LCS Summer Playoffs Upper Bracket: Best Bets and Predictions
Ben Boland
It’s a great time to be a League of Legends esports bettor with the LCS Summer playoffs heating up. We have Cloud9 looking to slay their playoff demons against LYON, a side that is looking to win their third straight championship. With LYON picking Cloud9 as their opponent, perhaps they are extremely confident they will get the job done, or are they underestimating the boys in blue? Stay tuned as ...
League of Legends
Team Liquid vs FlyQuest: Predictions & Best Bets for the LCS Summer Playoffs
Ben Boland
With the LCS Summer Playoffs heating up, Team Liquid is looking to make history with a surprise win over FlyQuest this weekend. It would mean TL would be competing at Worlds 2026 on home soil for the first time in the organisation's history. For FlyQuest, this is a chance to progress ahead of schedule with their young squad, getting some valuable reps on the biggest stage esports has to offer. ...
Esports Betting
Gen.G vs HLE: Best betting odds and picks for LCK 2026 grand final
Hannan Mundia
The 2026 LCK grand final will see HLE challenge Gen.G to determine which team walks away with the first-place prize, giving the winning team a much-needed confidence boost before the World Championship. After every top professional Korean League of Legends team has poured sweat and time, this year’s LCK split is finally about to conclude. The grand final match will be between the powerhouse team Gen.G and the challenging Hanwha ...
Esports Betting
Here Are My Predictions For The Hanwha Life Esports vs T1 LCK Lower Final
Ben Boland
LCK fans are in for a treat as Hanwha Life Esports and T1 both battle for a ticket to the grand final, where Gen.G awaits. The last time these two met, they tore the house down. I expect more of the same this time in the lower final. Here are the best bets to make on HLE vs T1 in the LCK 2026 Summer Playoffs Lower Final at GG.BET, one ...
League of Legends
Riot Games eyes Polymarket and Kalshi for esports sponsorships
Michael Hassall
Riot Games, the creator of League of Legends and VALORANT is reportedly exploring the protentional of sponsorship deals with prediction market operators including Polymarket and Kalshi, as per reports emerging late last night (Sep. 10). First reported by Cecilia D’Anastasio of Bloomberg, Riot has started conversations with the two top prediction market operators, Kalshi and Polymarket, with a view to one or both of them becoming sponsors within Riot Games’ ...
