Former MAD Lions jungler (and Lee Sin extraordinaire) Zhiqiang “Shad0w” Zhao has become the first European player to ever sign for an LPL team! This is quite a big deal, all things considered. Going forward, Shad0w will compete under LGD Gaming’s banner.

Now, on the one hand, it’s fantastic that this young prospect was able to bounce back after a fairly horrific showing at last year’s Worlds. On the other, the sheer mention of LGD Gaming doesn’t really get the blood pumping. Heck, we’re putting it mildly here. This perennial Chinese organization was unable to finish any higher than fourteenth place last split, and with just four wins and twelve losses to their name, it’s fair to say that they don’t have any hype or momentum whatsoever coming into the second half of 2021. The LPL is an insanely competitive region, but this is still a wholly alarming result.

Back when MAD Lions made it official that they were going to replace Shad0w with LVP standout Javier “Elyoya” Prades, most folks were taken aback. Shad0w was by no means a consistent performer but he definitely had spectacular moments on the LEC stage, most of which pushed MAD Lions over the finish line back in 2020 Spring.

Now, though, with Elyoya claiming his first LEC title, it’s quite obvious that MAD made the correct call. He’s not only a spectacular jungler but also one whose best days are still ahead. If he’s been able to compete on even footing with LEC royalty despite being so green and inexperienced, we can’t wait to see what he’ll be able to accomplish in a couple of years’ time.

Shad0w, therefore, found himself in quite an awkward position. The LEC, in particular, is stacked with exceptional junglers, so a fresh start — potentially in an entirely different region — was undeniably the best way to approach his potential comeback. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors and, who knows, maybe he’ll one day return to the LEC and potentially complete his redemption arc? Stranger things have happened throughout history, so it’s definitely within the realm of possibility.

Hopefully Shad0w be able to push LGD towards relevancy over the coming weeks and months, although he’ll definitely face some mighty stiff competition over in China!