Cover-Credits:
Xtreme Gaming
Chinese Dota 2 midlane player Zhang "Paparazi" Chengjun, adored by fans not only in his home country but also throughout the world of competitive Dota 2, has retired from competitive gaming. Through a Weibo post, Xtreme Gaming informed the community of his departure from the team and his overall retirement while also elaborating on his journey with the organization over the last two years. As noted by Xtreme, Paparazi had requested retirement after The International 11 (TI11) concluded in October, but owing to a lack of midlaners in China at the time, he took on the responsibility for an extended period of time. With his Dota 2 retirement, Paparazi draws the curtains on an accomplished career that lasted eight years with his professional debut coming back in 2015.
Xtreme Gaming announces Paparazi’s Dota 2 retirement
As Xtreme mentioned in its Weibo post, after conversations that have occurred for some time, the time finally came to bid farewell to its midlaner. The organization acknowledged some of the player's memorable moments during the last two years which he committed to through thick and thin.
Xtreme also touched upon the recently concluded Riyadh Masters 2023. It was not only after TI11, but also before the Riyadh Masters 2023, that Paparazi had requested Xtreme to leave and retire, but the player opted to stay on at the organization's request given that competing teams were permitted only one roster change. Zhao "XinQ" Zixing had already joined the squad as a replacement for Hu "Kaka" Liangzhi.
According to the organization, despite being compelled to play exclusively for the event, he played wonderfully. The team started well with a stable performance in the play-ins but fell apart during the business end of the group stage which resulted in elimination.
In light of his health issues, the player has seemingly wanted to take a long break from professional gaming. His wish to leave has finally been granted.
While his stint with Xtreme had its ups and downs, it was with Vici Gaming from 2017 to 2020 that Paparazi made his big break and became renowned as one of the most mechanically proficient Chinese core players.
He finished second at ESL One Katowice 2018, third at the MDL Changsha Major, won DreamLeague Season 11, EPICENTRE Major 2019, ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational Singapore, and finished second at MDL Chengdu Major while he was with the organization. The squad was also a formidable competitor at The International 2019, finishing 5th - 6th.
Over the course of his Dota 2 career, Paparazi has consistently shown an ability to play both the midlane and the safelane exceptionally well. He has kept a modest profile while amassing a significant fan base across the global Dota 2 community.
At the age of 27, his career, which started with Team FanTuan in 2015, concludes nearly eight years later after many successes and recognition. Many players have returned to competitive Dota 2 and esports in general, thus it would not be surprising if, following The International 12, fans witness the return of Paparazi provided his health improves and his motivation increases.
