FunPlus Phoenix, one of China’s most recognized esports organizations, is preparing to leave the League of Legends Pro League after the 2025 season. The organization confirmed that its participation will officially end in early 2026, closing a major chapter in its competitive history.
The team rose to global prominence with its 2019 World Championship victory, a defining moment for both FPX and Chinese League of Legends. However, in the years that followed, the organization faced challenges maintaining its earlier dominance, leading to a gradual decline in performance that ultimately shaped its decision to withdraw from the league.
LoL Worlds 2019 Champions
Following their strong finish in the 2019 LPL Summer Split, FunPlus Phoenix entered the global stage with a unified and confident roster. The lineup included Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem, Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang, Kim “Doinb” Tae-sung, Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang, and Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song. Each player contributed distinct strengths that shaped the team’s coordinated playstyle.
| Player | Role | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| GimGoon | Top | Retired |
| Tian | Jungle | Weibo Gaming |
| Doinb | Mid | Ninjas in Pyjamas |
| Lwx | ADC | Free Agent |
| Crisp | Support | Weibo Gaming |
FPX leaves the LPL
FunPlus Phoenix confirmed its departure from the League of Legends Pro League after years of declining performance. Once celebrated for its 2019 world championship, the organization struggled to maintain consistent results in the seasons that followed. The team’s inability to qualify for major international events and its repeated roster adjustments reflected ongoing challenges in regaining competitive stability.
The announcement, made on November 17, stated that FPX would officially withdraw from the LPL at the end of the 2025 season. According to the league’s restructuring plans, TJ Sports repurchased the team’s franchise slot, finalizing FPX’s exit effective January 1, 2026. This move aligned with broader efforts to streamline the league and reduce financial strain among participating organizations.
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | World Championship | Champions |
| 2020 | Worlds Qualification | Missed |
| 2021 | Worlds Group Stage | Eliminated |
| 2022–2025 | LPL Seasons | No major titles |
Following the announcement, all FPX players became free agents, opening opportunities for them to join other teams. The organization’s departure closed an eight-year chapter in Chinese esports, marked by both triumph and struggle. Despite recent setbacks, FPX remains recognized for its contributions to player development and for shaping one of the most memorable eras in the LPL’s history.
