Buzz
These are the 5 players revered by the LPL community as 'gods' in the history of League of Legends, but also sparking considerable controversy.
In the history of League of Legends, at each position in a lineup, one can find numerous talented players. These players may rise like a fleeting star before fading into oblivion, or they may endure at the pinnacle, becoming legends and icons of the League of Legends community. Finding 5 names truly deserving to be considered icons for each position is a challenging task. The Chinese League of Legends community has compiled a list of 5 individuals deemed 'gods' in their respective positions, but this list has also generated much debate.
TheShy - Top Lane
In the top lane position, TheShy is hailed as a 'god' by the LPL community. During his peak, he served as a role model for other top laners to learn from. TheShy's playstyle is characterized by 'top lane carrying the team,' and he reached the pinnacle of this style. Other top laners with a similar playstyle, such as Bin, Nuguri, Ale, have all been compared to the 1999-born player, but until now, no one has surpassed the Invictus Gaming top laner.
SofM - Jungle
The jungle role, often a topic of controversy, belongs to SofM. According to the LPL online community, SofM, also known as the 'Rich Man' by LPL fans, has revolutionized the jungle playstyle in the LPL, and almost all world-renowned jungle players consider SofM as their idol, such as Tian, Canyon, and even Karsa and Mlxg, who were rumored to be 'afraid of SofM to the point of competing for substitute positions.'
Letme từng tiết lộ, cả Karsa và Mlxg quá 'ngán' đối đầu với SofM và tranh nhau ngồi dự bị
Although SofM has never claimed any titles in his career and has never joined any top teams, he became the first Vietnamese player to reach the finals of the World Championship (Worlds 2020). Even though his form has fluctuated, SofM still makes opponents tremble whenever facing him, such as the Kha’Zix 'lighting up the map' during the LPL Summer 2021.
Faker - Mid Lane
The mid lane might be an unexpected but reasonable choice of the LPL community, not a Chinese player but Faker. No need to say much about this 'icon of the LCK and the League of Legends community' as his reputation extends beyond an esports discipline. Faker is now, as T1 CEO Joe Marsh stated, an internationally recognized celebrity. Faker's reputation, even those outside the League of Legends community, has heard of him, and in Korea, he is considered the 'idol of idols.'
Although at the present moment, Faker is crossing the downhill slope of his career, his contributions to SKT T1/T1, to the LCK, and to League of Legends are immeasurable. Perhaps, no one can replace Faker's position now that his name has become an icon.
Uzi - Marksman
In the Marksman position, undoubtedly no one can surpass Uzi. If we have to find a player influential enough to become an icon like Faker in the LCK, surely the first name that comes to mind is Uzi from the LPL. A legendary Marksman, an idol for renowned Marksman players like Gumayusi, Ghost... Even the arrogant Doublelift admits with respect that he will never be as good as Uzi. The most regrettable thing about Uzi's career is that he has not yet secured a World Championship trophy. And if the rumors are true, Uzi is likely to make a comeback soon to fulfill his ambition.
MadLife - Support
Last but not least, the 'god of the Support position,' the one considered to have 'redefined the Support role' is none other than the 'Crazy Life' MadLife. He may not have claimed any titles like SofM, but MadLife can be seen as the best Support that League of Legends has ever had. The Thresh in MadLife's hands is the 'horrible nightmare' of players as he seems to be magnetically attached to Death Sentences. Even the concept of 'Support carrying the team' can be considered coined by the League of Legends community when witnessing MadLife play. Approaching the closest to the World Championship, he was sadly blocked by Taipei Assassins.
The true death sentences delivered by MadLife to his opponents
However, this ranking also sparks considerable controversy. If Uzi has been out of professional League of Legends for a long time, both TheShy and SofM have experienced a decline in form. Not to mention, in the jungle position, LPL and the global League of Legends are not short of talented players like Bengi (LCK - 3-time World Champion) or InSec - the one even named for the devastating combo of Lee Sin. Also, the likes of Clearlove, Mlxg... are also being considered by the Chinese gaming community.
Nevertheless, there's an opinion that evaluating and ranking is relative as everyone has different standards. In the end, League of Legends is a 5-player game, and no one can single-handedly claim all the glory and titles.
Regardless, whether it's SofM, MadLife, or iconic figures like Faker, TheShy, Uzi, they will go down in League of Legends history as those who have proven themselves to be the best in their positions. Among them, SofM - the player emerging from the depths of the League of Legends VCS region - will undoubtedly be remembered because he represents the talents that can rise from the areas considered the lowest in both the general esports scene and the League of Legends world.
