TL;DR
- Doublelift returns to TSM as full-time content creator after retiring from competitive play
- The legendary ADC won multiple LCS championships across three different organizations
- His return follows Bjergsen’s similar transition from player to TSM coach and part-owner
- Personal relationship with TSM CEO Leena Xu made the move unsurprising
- While prize earnings exceed $300K, streaming and salaries represent his primary income
Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng makes his highly anticipated return to the esports scene, though not in the competitive capacity many fans might expect.
The celebrated League of Legends marksman has inked a comprehensive agreement with his former squad, committing to represent TSM exclusively as a streaming personality and content producer. This strategic career pivot was officially confirmed through TSM’s social media channels with an announcement video.
We’re incredibly excited to welcome @Doublelift1 back to #TSM as a full-time content creator and streamer. pic.twitter.com/pgnI3Pzdz8
— TSM (@TSM) March 10, 2021
Doublelift concluded his professional playing career simultaneously with longtime teammate Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg after their disappointing performance at the 2020 World Championship, where TSM failed to secure a single victory across six group stage matches. Despite this underwhelming finale, he maintains his status as North America’s most recognizable professional competitor and one of the region’s most accomplished players historically.
His professional journey commenced in 2011 with Counter Logic Gaming before transitioning to Team SoloMid in 2015. During his initial two-year tenure with the organization, he contributed to the legendary 2016 TSM lineup frequently cited as arguably the greatest North American roster ever assembled.
The veteran marksman departed TSM to align with Team Liquid in 2017, experiencing his most dominant competitive period while securing multiple championship titles. He eventually rejoined TSM in 2020 following a contentious separation from TL. Although his final competitive split with TSM marked the conclusion of his playing days, it proved remarkably successful as he propelled the team to claim the 2020 LCS Summer Split championship, securing their Worlds qualification.
While Doublelift severed his professional affiliation with TSM, he maintained close personal connections through his romantic partnership with TSM’s Chief Executive Officer Leena Xu. This ongoing relationship rendered his streaming contract with the organization somewhat predictable to industry observers.
Bjergsen similarly returned to TSM post-retirement, currently serving in a coaching capacity for their League of Legends division while holding partial ownership stakes in the company. This pattern demonstrates TSM’s strategic approach to retaining iconic talent within their ecosystem beyond active competition.
How much is Doublelift worth?
Doublelift has accumulated more than $300,000 solely from tournament prize distributions throughout his League of Legends competitive tenure, though his comprehensive net worth remains undisclosed. Prize earnings represent only one component of professional gamers’ income streams, excluding contractual salaries earned during his career or supplementary revenue from streaming activities and individual sponsorship arrangements.
Most elite League of Legends competitors, especially those achieving Doublelift’s level of recognition and influence, generate their primary income through guaranteed salary packages rather than tournament winnings. These compensation figures typically remain confidential, though top-tier player agreements are acknowledged to reach seven-figure annual values in the current esports landscape.
Action Checklist
- Follow Doublelift’s official streaming channels for regular content updates
- Analyze his transition strategies for insights into post-competitive career planning
- Study content creation business models in esports for career diversification
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Doublelift returns to TSM as content creator and streamer Doublelift returns to TSM as full-time streamer after competitive retirement, joining Bjergsen in new roles