Hall of Legends: Uzi

Esports is about more than just winning games. It’s about facing difficult moments and pushing through them. Many players dream of becoming legends, but only a few achieve that status.

Uzi is one of those rare legends. He played for Royal Never Give Up and impressed League of Legends fans everywhere. His journey was filled with obstacles and setbacks.

Despite these challenges, Uzi never quit. He worked hard and kept moving forward, even when things became difficult. His story shows that legends are created by overcoming hardships, not just by earning trophies.

Every regret and every struggle shaped Uzi’s journey. These experiences tested him and made him stronger. In esports, it takes more than skill to become a legend—it requires heart and courage.

The Early Days: Uzi’s Origins and Rise to Fame

This part explores how Uzi began his journey in esports. You’ll discover his early experiences, his distinctive approach to the game, and how he became a famous player in China.

Early Days in PC Cafes

Jian Zihao, better known as Uzi, spent much of his childhood in PC Cafes. He enjoyed playing competitive games, especially League of Legends. The thrill of winning and working with teammates motivated him to keep improving.

Uzi practiced regularly and quickly climbed the ranks on the Ionia server in China. He played under the name “Kuang Xiao Gou”, which means Mad Puppy. His bold and fast style soon made him stand out from other players.

Gaining Attention in Esports

Many top players noticed Uzi’s skill. Tabe, a member of Royal Club, saw that Uzi had both talent and confidence. Other well-known players, like Doublelift, mentioned how easily Uzi farmed in-game.

Uzi was shy in person, but he played with great energy and determination. Famous players such as Rekkles, Jatt, and Deft also praised him. They called him one of the best AD Carries in the world.

Changing the ADC Role

Uzi changed how people viewed the ADC role in League of Legends. He played with more aggression and took more risks than others. This new approach encouraged his teammates to support him even more during games.

Casters like Jun said that Uzi’s performances set new standards for players. He quickly became a well-known name in the LPL and in Chinese esports. His dedication and fresh ideas helped him rise from local tournaments to the national stage.

Defining a Playstyle: The ‘Mad Dog’ and ‘Raise the Puppy’ Era

This part explains how Uzi rose to fame as a star player in professional gaming. You will discover his distinctive playstyle and how it influenced his team’s approach.

Early Days and Playstyle

Uzi began his journey on the Ionia server, quickly drawing attention for his impressive skills and high rankings. Before adopting the name “Uzi”, he played under the handle “Kuang Xiao Gou”, which translates to Mad Puppy.

Most AD Carry players in the LPL preferred a cautious approach, focusing on farming and avoiding unnecessary risks. Uzi stood out by playing aggressively and always searching for opportunities to attack.

Team Strategy: Raise the Puppy

Tabe, Uzi’s support at Royal Club, recognized Uzi’s fearless approach. He praised Uzi’s confidence and mechanical skill. The team adjusted their tactics to make the most of Uzi’s strengths.

This method became known as “Raise the Puppy.” The idea was straightforward: the team provided Uzi with as many resources as possible. They believed that if Uzi gained an advantage, they had a strong chance to win. If he fell behind, the team would help him recover by giving him extra farm and jungle camps.

Reactions from Other Players

Some players questioned this approach. Doublelift and Rekkles, both well-known AD Carries, noticed how much the team focused on Uzi. They described his play as unpredictable and aggressive. Uzi’s style forced opponents to play more cautiously.

He soon earned the nickname “Mad Dog”, which fit both his previous game name and his intense style of play.

Iconic Moments and Influence

Uzi’s playstyle gained worldwide attention during the 2013 Worlds series against OMG. His performance on Vayne left a lasting impression. He avoided danger and dealt massive damage even under pressure.

Jatt, a respected commentator, said Uzi’s Vayne demonstrated what it truly meant to “carry” a game. After this, many teams and players began to reconsider their approach to the AD Carry role. The “Raise the Puppy” strategy influenced how teams managed their resources and set new expectations for skill in professional League of Legends.

The Year of Uzi: Triumph, Titles, and International Glory

The focus here is on Uzi’s outstanding 2018 season. You’ll see how his leadership transformed Royal Never Give Up (RNG) and how his achievements influenced Chinese esports.

Uzi’s New Role in RNG

In 2018, Uzi returned to RNG with a new attitude. He concentrated on improving his own performance while also helping his teammates grow. Instead of being the only standout player, he stepped up as a true leader for the team.

Uzi put in a lot of effort to support those around him. He motivated his teammates and helped create a strong sense of unity. This new way of working together made RNG more connected and successful.

Spring Split Success

During the Spring Split of the LPL, RNG demonstrated excellent teamwork. Uzi’s style shifted from pure aggression to more thoughtful, strategic plays. He continued to play champions like Vayne, but also chose others, such as Kai’Sa, to better suit the team’s needs.

His hard work paid off when RNG won the LPL championship. This win ended years of near-misses for both Uzi and the team.

MSI 2018 Challenge

After their LPL victory, RNG advanced to the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) in 2018. There, they went up against KingZone DragonX, a leading team from Korea. Many expected KingZone to come out on top, but RNG felt prepared for the test.

Uzi played with impressive skill and concentration. He paid close attention to important details, such as when enemy Summoner Spells would be available again. For instance, he noticed when KingZone’s Quicksilver Sash was on cooldown and used that opportunity to win crucial fights.

Teamwork and Victory

Uzi’s steady leadership supported his teammates, including Karsa, Letme, and Xiaohu. They trusted his calls, even under intense pressure. When KingZone left Kai’Sa open, Uzi picked her and led RNG to a hard-fought but significant win.

This victory brought RNG and the LPL their first MSI title. It was a major milestone for Chinese esports.

Changing the Story for China

2018 was also the Year of the Dog in China. Uzi’s victories at home and internationally changed how people viewed Chinese teams. His achievements inspired fans and helped Chinese esports earn greater respect worldwide.

The Burden of Greatness: Pressure, Injuries, and Personal Struggles

This part explores the pressures Uzi faced as a professional gamer. It discusses the physical and mental challenges he endured, and how these struggles shaped his career and life.

The Weight of Expectations

As Uzi’s career advanced, so did the expectations from fans and rivals. Many people called him the “crownless king” and wanted to see him win a major title. Every team he joined counted on him as their main hope for victory.

This constant attention made Uzi feel that losing was not an option. He started to believe he always had to win. This belief created a lot of stress for him.

Physical Struggles

Uzi trained hard to meet these expectations. Over time, his body began to suffer. His fingers became stiff, and his wrists hurt from long hours of practice.

Many pro gamers face similar problems. Uzi’s coach, JingYang Chen, noticed Uzi’s strong desire to win. However, he also saw that Uzi often ignored his body’s warning signs.

Uzi skipped regular exercise and stretching. He thought his determination could help him get through any pain. This choice made his injuries worse.

Health Challenges

Eventually, Uzi’s health problems became serious. Around 2019, he started to develop chronic conditions, including diabetes. He realized he needed to change his lifestyle.

Uzi began to eat healthier foods and wake up earlier. He learned that taking care of himself outside the game was just as important as practicing inside the game.

Mental and Emotional Strain

The pressure affected Uzi’s mind as well as his body. Losing important matches was heartbreaking for him.

His teammate Ming remembered seeing Uzi very upset after tough losses. Even the best players can feel sad and disappointed.

Another player, Rekkles, talked about how demanding the pro gaming life is. He said that spending every hour on the game and still not winning can feel like the end of the world.

Retirement and Comeback

In June 2020, Uzi retired because of his injuries and exhaustion. Fans felt sad but respected his decision. They understood how much he had given to the game.

Later, Uzi tried to return to professional gaming. The support from his fans encouraged him. He entered the Hall of Legends, not just for his victories, but for showing courage and inspiring others through his journey.

Conclusion: The Making of a Legend and Lessons from Uzi’s Journey

Uzi started as a passionate gamer. Over time, he became a respected legend in esports. His story shows the power of hard work and dedication.

Uzi faced many challenges. He dealt with injuries and moments of doubt. However, he never gave up.

Because of his efforts, Uzi earned a place in the Hall of Legends. This honor recognizes both his success and the hope he gives to others.

Uzi’s journey teaches us that being a legend is more than winning titles. It is about having the courage to keep going and helping others grow.

He made a strong impact on esports. Uzi reminds everyone that true greatness comes from heart and resilience.