Uzi’s journey earned him a place in the Hall of Legends, alongside Faker, as one of the LPL players that have made a significant impact to LoL esports.
Another iconic player is going to be inducted into the Hall of Legends, League of Legends' (LoL) hall of fame for LoL esports players who have made a significant impact through their career and achievements.
Jian “Uzi” Zi-hao from the LoL Professional League (LPL) will be joining the LoL G.O.A.T.
Lee “Faker” Sanghyeok as the second inductee into the Hall of Legends. The announcement was made on 20 May (Tuesday), on LoL’s official website and social media accounts:
“Uzi’s legacy goes beyond his titles and achievements; he changed the way we view the bot lane role and left a permanent mark on League of Legends Esports,” Chris Greeley, Global Head of LoL Esports said in a statement. Greeley continued on saying that the global voting breakdown really showed that “Uzi had left his mark on LoL Esports.”
Uzi’s storied LoL esports career
Also known as the “Golden Boy of China,” Uzi is considered to be one of the legends of the LPL, and one of the world's best bot laners during his time. His professional career began in 2012 when he joined 
Royal Club, where he quickly gained attention for his mechanical prowess and aggressive ADC playstyle, particularly on champions like Vayne. At just 15-years old, Uzi led Royal Club to the World Championship final in 2013, where they lost 3-0 to SK Telecom T1.
The following year in 2014, Royal Club (renamed Star Horn Royal Club) once again reached the Worlds final, this time with Uzi playing alongside Korean imports InSeok “inSec” Choi and Kyung-Sup “Zero” Yoon. Despite another impressive run, they fell short again, losing 3-1 to 
Samsung Galaxy White.
In 2015, Uzi transferred to 
Oh My God, but the season was underwhelming as the team struggled to find synergy. He sat out most of the 2016 Spring Split due to injury and later joined QG Reapers, which rebranded into Newbee, although he never played a full season with them. In 2016 Summer, Uzi returned to 
Royal Never Give Up (RNG), beginning what would become the defining chapter of his career. Over the next few years, Uzi and RNG built a dynasty in the LPL, with Uzi playing a central role.
The peak of Uzi’s career
The peak of Uzi’s career came in 2018, a year in which RNG won the LPL Spring and Summer Splits as well as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), which was his first major international title. That same year, Uzi also won gold with China at the Asian Games Esports demonstration event. He was hailed as the best ADC in the world, and RNG were considered favourites to win Worlds 2018. However, they were shockingly upset by 
G2 Esports in the quarterfinals, ending their title run early.
Injuries and retirement
In the years that followed, Uzi continued to play for RNG, but recurring wrist injuries and health concerns, including Type-2 Diabetes, began to impact his performance. In June 2020, Uzi officially retired, citing his physical condition and medical advice. He remained a part of RNG in an ambassadorial and streamer role, but the competitive scene felt his absence.
In 2022, Uzi made a short-lived return with 
Bilibili Gaming during the Spring Split, but he struggled to adapt to the meta and never fully regained his starting spot. Despite high expectations, the comeback was brief, and Uzi quietly stepped away from the pro stage again.
Uzi’s legacy
While Uzi never captured a Worlds title, his legacy remains untouchable in the LPL. He’s remembered for his incredible mechanics, consistency, and for elevating the ADC role in China. Uzi's career is often seen as both a tale of brilliance and bittersweet near-misses, with fans continuing to revere him as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Hall of Legends celebration event
As the second inductee into the Hall of Legends, Uzi joins an elite group of players whose impact on League of Legends extends beyond competition. Uzi received an overwhelming amount of votes from panellists across the globe, further cementing his status as one of the game’s most influential figures. His journey—from a young prodigy to a legendary icon—continues to inspire aspiring professionals and fans alike.
On the Rift, Uzi will be honoured throughout the duration of the Hall of Legends in-game event beginning 11 June, which includes the return of the event pass that will guide players throughout his career and dedicated cosmetic items themed after and made in collaboration with the Mad Dog. More details to come soon. Uzi also will be honoured at the official Hall of Legends Induction Ceremony in Shanghai, China, on 6 June.
As with last year, Mercedes-Benz will present a custom art piece honouring Uzi, blending the real world with the universe of League of Legends. Created in a distinctive visual style, the artwork will spotlight Uzi’s incredible career achievements and capture elements of his personal journey. A personalised Mercedes-Benz G-Class with EQ Technology will also be gifted to Uzi. More details about the event will be revealed in the weeks ahead.
“We want to honour Uzi with something as individual and unique as his career: a MANUFAKTUR customised G-Class with EQ Technology,” said Bettina Fetzer, Head of Communications and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz AG. “This one-of-a-kind vehicle shall be a steady companion, always reminding him of his great achievements.”
Uzi will also be given a custom Hall of Legends skin based on the League of Legends champion of his choice. With Vayne being his signature champion, it’s highly likely that Uzi could choose Vayne for his Hall of Legends skin. However, nothing about the Hall of Legends skin has been revealed by Riot at this point in time.
