Peanut bids farewell to his audience on livestream!

The biggest obstacle for LCK players’ esports careers is mandatory military service. Deft once tearfully shared on stream that he had to leave EDG because of his military duties. Similarly, Peanut, the most popular jungler among LPL fans, is forced to retire due to the same issue. Recently, Peanut held a livestream to say goodbye to his fans, expressing that he felt very lucky throughout his career, having met many interesting teammates and close friends. Aside from never winning a world championship, he considers his career nearly perfect.

Many Peanut fans asked when his retirement ceremony would be held, planning to attend and send their blessings. However, Peanut revealed that although HLE wanted to organize a retirement event for him, he declined because it would trouble many staff members. Also, knowing his own personality, he would likely cry during the ceremony, which he didn’t want to cause embarrassment. Therefore, he chose to say his final goodbyes to fans during the livestream instead.

Peanut predicts LPL will claim the championship next year.

During the livestream, Peanut shared many interesting stories, such as whether esports players can achieve a world championship purely through hard work. He admitted that before the World Championship began, he was determined to become the player with the most ranked games during the tournament. Peanut believed that only by being the hardest working player at Worlds could he make his final professional year worthwhile. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, HLE was eliminated by GEN in the quarterfinals. (If HLE had met GEN in the semifinals, they might have had a chance to win, especially since Chovy tends to underperform after reaching the semis.)

Finally, Peanut discussed why the LPL has failed to win the championship in recent years. He thinks LPL teams have had the ability to win Worlds but were missing some luck. For example, last year’s BLG and this year’s AL could have won if fortune had favored them a bit more. In the end, Peanut encouraged LPL fans during the livestream, believing LPL will win next year because he will retire then — making the “LPL championship formula” work. (There is a saying on Korean forums: when Peanut qualifies for Worlds, LCK always wins, and when he doesn’t, LPL takes the title.)

Faker’s pre-final interview draws widespread attention!

T1 and KT are about to face off in the S15 finals. Before the match, both teams were interviewed by official media. During the interview, Faker praised the delicious Chengdu hotpot and said Chinese fans and audiences are very enthusiastic, making it easy for him to compete in China. When asked which team impressed T1 the most this Worlds, Faker named LPL’s AL team as the biggest challenge. (AL was indeed strong, forcing T1 to pick Mundo — a champion ONER had never played before. If ONER had been more hesitant, AL might have won.)

Outside the arena, Faker also gave many interviews. Recently, one particular interview sparked much discussion among LPL fans. Many said if even one LPL player had Faker’s mindset, LPL could surpass LCK. The interview’s highlight was Faker choosing between winning the championship or getting married; he hesitated only briefly before choosing to win the S15 Worlds. (Faker once said he wouldn’t date before retirement, and with his three-year contract extension at T1, that means he might not start dating until he’s 32.)

Conclusion

With Peanut retiring next year, do you think LPL can win the championship then? The LPL organizers have implemented various reforms during the transfer period — do you believe these changes will help LPL improve? Also, do you think Faker can win Worlds this year? Personally, I really hope Faker wins, as it would strengthen LPL’s belief in beating him.