FunPlus Phoenix, the unlikely heroes of the LPL at Worlds 2019

For many Western League of Legends fans, China’s LPL represents an enigmatic competitive landscape shrouded in mystery. While casual observers recognize the region’s characteristically aggressive teamfighting style and legendary ADC Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao’s mechanical prowess, deeper cultural elements like massive domestic fanbases and player backstories remain largely unexplored territory.

Internationally, LPL squads frequently get overlooked compared to established LCK powerhouses or underdog LCS teams fighting for recognition. This perception gap creates significant barriers to understanding the region’s true competitive depth.

The 2018 season marked a pivotal shift in global perceptions. Royal Never Give Up’s dominant run saw them capture both LPL domestic championships plus the Mid-Season Invitational title. They stood just one victory away from achieving the elusive golden road—winning all major tournaments in a single year—only to have their Worlds campaign abruptly ended by G2 Esports, who now pursue that same achievement in 2019.

Invictus Gaming ultimately claimed the 2018 World Championship, instantly elevating their roster to celebrity status across China. IG was positioned to fill the competitive vacuum left by SK Telecom T1’s decline, potentially becoming the next transformative force in competitive League. However, their dominance proved short-lived as they faltered in the MSI semifinals against LCS representatives Team Liquid, then barely qualified for Worlds 2019. Throughout the tournament, IG displayed flashes of their championship form before being eliminated in semifinals by the rising FunPlus Phoenix.

FunPlus Phoenix and Doinb Rise Up From the LPL

FunPlus Phoenix’s emergence appeared sudden to international audiences. Unlike established LPL brands, FPX lacked widespread recognition and their players weren’t among the region’s most celebrated stars. During 2018, they competed as a mid-tier organization striving for relevance. The transformational moment arrived in Spring 2019 with the acquisition of mid laner Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang, whose impact would redefine the team’s competitive trajectory.

Understanding FunPlus Phoenix requires understanding Doinb’s unique influence. The vibrant 22-year-old rapidly became the squad’s public face and primary attraction for new supporters. His infectious energy and playful demeanor won fan admiration while his crisp mechanical execution earned professional respect. Doinb’s unconventional approach distinguishes him as a player unafraid to challenge established metas and pioneer innovative strategies.

With Doinb commanding the mid lane, FunPlus Phoenix established LPL supremacy. They secured first-place finishes in both Spring and Summer splits, earning top playoff seeding. Despite their Spring performance, FPX fell to JD Gaming, missing their MSI opportunity. Come Summer, they reemerged as championship favorites, ultimately facing RNG in the finals and securing a 3-1 victory—a scoreline that would become their signature throughout Worlds.

During the group stage, FunPlus Phoenix landed in Group B alongside LEC’s Splyce, LMS representatives J Team, and VCS champions GAM Esports. Their initial performances raised concerns as they secured necessary wins for first seed advancement but lacked the commanding presence expected from LPL champions. Their disjointed, chaotic playstyle lowered external expectations, positioning them as the perceived weakest quarterfinal top seed. Their next challenge: LEC’s second seed Fnatic.

FunPlus Ends Fnatic’s Dream of a Worlds Run

Fnatic entered the matchup riding tremendous momentum following victories over SKT and RNG on Group C’s final day. Pre-match analysis favored Fnatic in what appeared straightforward on paper. Like their namesake mythological creature, FunPlus Phoenix resurrected themselves when it mattered most, displaying newfound decisiveness and organization that systematically overwhelmed Fnatic in another 3-1 series victory.

Advancing forward, Invictus Gaming awaited. The semifinal clash carried distinct significance for both squads—for FPX, validation as legitimate contenders; for IG, redemption from summer struggles.

IG couldn’t overcome the challenge, as their tournament progress proved insufficient against FunPlus Phoenix’s coordinated play. Doinb and his teammates secured their Paris finals berth and the honor of representing the LPL on the global stage.

FunPlus Prepares to Face G2 Esports in Worlds Final

The World Championship final approaches with unprecedented competitive balance, as both finalists possess genuine Summoner’s Cup claims for November 10. Player comparisons, statistical analysis, and champion pool evaluations present complex challenges given how G2 Esports and FunPlus Phoenix share fundamental similarities while maintaining distinct strategic identities.

Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem exemplifies consistency over flashiness in the top lane. He perfectly understands his role, excelling at pressure absorption and maintaining lane stability even during early game disadvantages. When GimGoon establishes individual advantages, he consistently translates them into team-wide benefits.

Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang stands as perhaps the most undervalued player at Worlds 2019. If Doinb represents the team’s heart, Tian functions as its strategic brain. While junglers typically categorize as either early-game proactive players or level-six focused controllers, Tian transcends these limitations through adaptive gameplay that prioritizes laner advantages. His versatility enables level-three ganking, protective playmaking, initiation leadership, and defensive salvation—making him the complete jungling package essential to FPX’s success.

The ultimate compliment for exceptional jungling is exceptional support play, and few at Worlds 2019 match Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song’s impact.

Crisp delivers remarkable consistency, proactive engagement, and represents the stronger half of the bot lane partnership. He favors playmaking support champions, frequently roaming to create map opportunities. Crisp partners with Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang, whose occasional questionable decisions—like Kai’Sa ultimate engages into unfavorable situations—mark him as the team’s strategic wildcard while maintaining reliability during critical moments.

Finally, Doinb completes the roster foundation. The cheerful mid laner consistently sacrifices personal lane priority to enable team success. Doinb prioritizes collective achievement over individual recognition, lacking the inflated ego that hinders many mid lane talents. His champion versatility enables him to transform nearly any pick into meta-relevant effectiveness, as demonstrated by his three Nautilus mid games against IG.

These five competitors function as a genuinely cohesive unit. They comprehend strategic sacrifice and prioritize collective achievement over individual accolades. Without dominant egos competing for personal glory or popularity, their unified approach propelled FunPlus Phoenix from relative obscurity to World Championship finalist status.

One compelling question demands resolution: if collaborative effort enables dream realization, can it also secure championship victories?

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