Cover-Credits:
Jian "Uzi" Zi-Hao, widely regarded as one of the best AD carries in the world, first announced his retirement from League of Legends esports in 2020. Over the last three years, Uzi has had an up-and-down career, laced with multiple breaks and comebacks to pro play. He last played with EDward Gaming (EDG) in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) Regional Finals, where EDG lost to Weibo Gaming (WBG) and failed to make it to Worlds 2023.
Following this, Uzi was seen at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea on 19th November for the Worlds 2023 grand finals as he was co-streaming the series along with Kim "Doinb" Tae-sang.
With Worlds 2023 done and dusted and most teams, across regions locking in their 2024 rosters, the off-season has picked up pace.
In this scenario, during a recent livestream, Uzi reportedly opened up about playing League of Legends competitively and the struggles he's facing.
Uzi Opens Up About Playing Competitively, Says He's "Defeated Against Reality"
On 22nd November, one Redditor named laobalaomadecai posted a translation of what Uzi said on his recent stream. The Redditor quoted the transcription from bbs.hupu.com.
On his stream, Uzi stated that he could not even compete in LDL (League of Legends Development League), the Chinese Tier 2 scene, let alone in the LPL tryouts. He said, "I really can't do it anymore. I no longer have the desire to play competitively. That desire has been defeated by reality. 'Just practice more if you suck'? I can't get back to where I need to be regardless of how much I practice, I took too long of a break."
He also talked about how intensive the training periods are in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) and in the LPL. Uzi said he really cannot handle playing professionally anymore, adding, "We train for at least 12 hours a day, even 15 hours a day is considered normal. It's really hard to take. Maybe other leagues have it easier, but the training schedule in LCK and LPL is really tough."
According to him, if he does not train at that level, he would not be able to catch up to the rest. However, his body and health does not allow him to train 15 hours a day.
In the same stream, Uzi also addressed the possibility of him moving to a different region like North America or Europe. He reportedly said, "There's no point going to other regions unless it can get me to a Worlds title. Life is pretty comfortable as it is. I get to see everyone (on stream) every day. I wouldn't be able to do that if I play professionally."
At the time of writing this article, according to Leaguepedia, Uzi is still on the active roster of EDG. Neither Uzi nor EDG have posted a farewell message as of now.
It is to be noted that in 2020, Uzi took to Weibo to say that he was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes because of "chronic stress, obesity, irregular diet, staying up late and other reasons." Additionally, Uzi and his partner welcomed their child at the end of 2022.
