Worlds 2019 champions FunPlus Phoenix bid farewell to the LPL

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Following a championship win in 2019, FunPlus Phoenix has left the LPL due to a recent string of unsuccessful performances.

FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) has announced they will leave the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) in 2026. While the team had a strong performance and won a championship in 2019, they haven’t been able to achieve the same level of success in competitions recently.

LoL Worlds 2019 champions

G2 Esports almost won the championship for Europe, playing on their home turf. However, their dream ended in Paris when FunPlus Phoenix convincingly defeated them 3–0 in the finals. Throughout the tournament, FunPlus Phoenix played with a clear purpose: to secure China’s second world championship.

After winning the 2019 LPL Summer Split, FPX came into the World Championship with high hopes, boasting a team of exciting new players and established stars. The team included Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem (now retired), Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang (currently with Weibo Gaming), Kim “Doinb” Tae-sung (Ninjas in Pyjamas), Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang (a free agent), and Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song (Weibo Gaming). This talented group was the driving force behind FPX’s memorable championship victory.

FPX leaves the LPL

Despite early success, the team couldn’t keep up their winning streak and missed qualifying for the 2020 World Championship. They were considered strong contenders the following year, but their performance was disappointing. They didn’t advance past the group stage, leading fans to question if they could return to their former glory.

It’s been tough watching FPX since they won their first championship. They haven’t been able to win another one at home or even make it to international tournaments, and honestly, their performance has really fallen off. I’ve seen them try so many different player lineups and strategies, hoping they could get back to how amazing they used to be, but they just haven’t been able to recreate that winning feeling that we all loved. It’s disappointing as a fan.

FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) announced on November 17th that they are leaving the League of Legends Pro League (LPL). In a heartfelt message on Weibo, the team said that thanks to their fans, ‘FPX’ will always represent a vibrant and memorable period in esports history, rather than fading into obscurity. All players are now available to sign with other teams.

FunPlus Phoenix is leaving the League of Legends esports world after eight years of competition and nurturing talented players, both in China and on the global stage. We wish everyone involved all the best in what they do next.

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2025-11-17 13:11