With the Spring split of the 2018 League of Legends season now behind us, I just wanted to take a moment to single out one player DoubleLift. Not only is he one of the most experienced players in the League but recent events have shown him to be by far one of the most professional.
It will be news to few who follow the scene, that the weekend before the NA LCS Finals, Yihong Peng, his brother, murdered his mother and hospitalised his father. In the face of internet rumours DoubleLift announced the news via Twitlonger to say that he would be away from social media and with his family. A swift and professional response. A mere two days later Team Liquid owner Steve Arhancet unveiled the news that DoubleLift will compete in the finals.
It’s pure speculation, but I would guess it was DoubleLift making the contact and confirming his intention to play. DoubleLift said in the wake of victory, that he derives more pleasure helping his team mates achieve titles than from winning them himself. It must have been this drive that made DoubleLift get on that flight and put his undoubtedly immense emotional turmoil to one side and compete, and not only that, dominate.
The roars of the crowd in support of DoubleLift when his name was announced on stage were heartwarming. As a player he has cemented his place in League history by winning the NA LCS with three separate teams. An achievement no one else has and possibly no one else may attain.
When I initially started watching LoL I followed teams, then I got to know personalities and now I’m far more interested in the players. It will be great to see DoubleLift at MSI against the best of international League and from there hopefully secure a spot at Worlds. If DoubleLift can perform on the highest stage, the one thing that has so far alluded him, it really would be great to watch.
CodexCaster's Contribution 