Preface: The S15 season has fully wrapped up, and most players have been paying close attention to the recent offseason. Teams have been steadily revealing their newest lineups. Several powerhouse teams in the LPL have already gathered completely. This transfer period has generated the most buzz around AD player Uzi. As one of the premier pros in the LPL, his every return sparks worldwide interest. This transfer window has been the most intense yet, with even fan groups’ admins continuously leaking news. Recently, this matter reached its conclusion. Fans encountered Uzi offline and received a clear response: he will not return to compete in the LPL, as his second child is about to be born.

Uzi’s winter transfer saga reaches its conclusion

Most players are quite familiar with AD player Uzi. As a top professional, his career has been brilliant and colorful. He has won numerous honors in the LPL and was runner-up multiple times at the World Championship. Due to health injuries, he was forced to step away from the professional scene, effectively retiring at his peak. Reflecting on those years, Uzi once joked about how RNG had severely disadvantaged him. In previous seasons, he made brief comebacks, notably during the summer split with EDG, where he played many matches and helped secure two World Championship spots before leaving the LPL again.

The S15 season marked a dark period for the LPL. Hosting the World Championship domestically, the finals featured the LCK’s T1 and KT teams, with the bot lane fully exposed. After the transfer window opened, discussions about Uzi’s return grew louder, and the hype increased. Uzi himself seemed cooperative, undergoing intense Korean solo queue training, mirroring his previous pro routines. As the transfer deadline approached, Uzi’s winter transfer story reached its finale when some fans met him and Omi in person. Uzi gave a definitive reply.

Uzi stated: He will not return to the LPL, his physical condition is currently well maintained and recovering nicely, and Omi is expected to give birth to their second child before the new year. This response aligns with the views of industry insiders, confirming that while some teams did approach Uzi, he decisively declined. Considering his age as a veteran player, there is no need for him to return just for LPL’s attention and hype, and no team would offer a suitable contract. Most players probably anticipated this outcome, but some fans still hoped for a different answer because Uzi’s popularity in the LPL is extremely high.

Every year there’s news about Uzi’s comeback, and it’s unclear whether it’s online trolling or someone stirring up rumors. Each winter transfer period, the topic flares up until the very end of the window, then gradually fades. This season’s rumors were the most exaggerated, starting from major leaks in fan groups and insider analysis based on his Korean solo queue rankings, pushing the hype to a climax. The final result may be disappointing, but all fans understand that Uzi’s decision is absolutely reasonable. Nearly 99% of people would make the same choice.

Farewell thoughts

The LPL teams have mostly completed their reshuffles. Judging from the announced rosters, BLG remains the standout team, the most capable contender for the World Championship. JDG has recruited many rookies, but aside from Gala, the other players are mostly second-tier and unlikely to compete strongly against LCK teams.

What do you all think about this situation?