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Yiliang ‘Doublelift’ Peng is reportedly preparing to make a return to professional League of Legends next year. The LCS veteran is the most heralded AD carry in North America and retired from competitive play towards the end of 2020.
According to reports, the marksman has been talking to some LCS organizations concerning his return to the competitive season next season.
“Doublelift might make a return to pro play next year,” the report read.
“According to sources, the former pro player has been talking with several LCS teams. Nothing has been settled for now.”
The player responded to the post by simply writing “Who asked” in the comment section. While nothing has been confirmed, the prospect of Doublelift’s returning to pro play has several LCS fans excited.
This is not the first time the famed marksman has announced a return to the LCS. In March, Doublelift admitted that he constantly felt the urge to complete.
“I have the urge. I very frequently get the urge to compete because it is something that is so romanticized in our minds, and it is really fulfilling,” he said.
“I still think I can… I think Bjergsen had the best take possible; when he came back, he told his team, ‘Guys, I’ve been out of it for a year. I’m not gonna be that good, but I promise that I can get really good; I just need some time.’ I think that is the right mindset.”
While competing, the content creator played for squads like TSM, CLG, and Team Liquid. Doublelift was famous for his outstanding mechanical skills and abilities on and off the Summoner’s Rift.
The 29-year-old has won eight League of Legends Championship Series titles during the course of his professional career. The trophies were won during Doublelift’s time with Counter Logic Gaming, Team Liquid, and TSM. The LCS veteran also has five All-Pro nominations as well as five All-Star appearances and is widely considered the most reputable player in NA League history.
Doublelift retired two years ago after playing in TSM and put an end to a chapter in the League’s history. During his time in TSM, the player experienced several ups and downs.
Before joining TSM, Doublelift was benched by Team Liquid in the Spring Split, and the team cited his lack of motivation as the reason. They eventually finished in ninth place. He moved to TSM that summer along with players like Vincent “Biofrost” Wang and Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, and the team ended their regular season run in fourth place.
TSM won the 2020 Summer Split tournament and added the win to their list of LCS championships. The team participated in the 2020 World Championship, but they were eliminated from the tournament in the group stage without winning a single match.
After the disappointing end to their otherwise good season, Doublelift announced his retirement from competitive playing during the offseason.
The player’s potential return to the LCS could inject some life into the league next year, especially after it recently recorded its worst showing in the history of the World Championship.
It is not certain what squad he will be signed to, but Doublelift’s experience, knowledge, and leadership skills as a veteran would make him an excellent addition to any LCS squad.
