Clearlove returns to pro play, joins EDG for 2021 LPL season

Following a transformative year as EDward Gaming’s head coach, Ming “Clearlove” Kai makes his dramatic return to competitive League of Legends as the organization’s primary jungler. This strategic reversal marks one of the most intriguing roster moves in the current LPL offseason.

Amidst numerous high-profile retirements across the professional scene, Clearlove’s comeback represents a calculated gamble by EDG management. His coaching tenure produced inconsistent outcomes, with the team securing fifth position during the 2020 LPL Spring Split before plummeting to tenth place in the summer segment. Rather than continuing in his coaching capacity, Clearlove aims to directly influence gameplay from within the jungle role, seeking to restore EDG’s former competitive dominance in the upcoming 2021 season.

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— Edward Gaming (@EDG_Edward) December 14, 2020

Clearlove stands as one of League of Legends’ most enduring competitors, with professional roots extending back to 2012. His career began unexpectedly in the mid lane for Team Phoenix before he discovered his true calling in the jungle position, where he evolved into one of the game’s most accomplished players. Early competitive success arrived during his Team WE tenure from 2012-2013, where he captured multiple tournament victories preceding the LPL’s formal establishment. While competing among elite teams throughout the 2013 LPL season, championship victories remained elusive until his transition to EDward Gaming.

Clearlove maintained his starting jungle position for nearly six consecutive years with EDG before assuming head coaching responsibilities in December 2019. He became the franchise’s defining personality during this period, securing five LPL championships while representing the region at five separate World Championships. EDG’s competitive performance has noticeably declined since 2018, creating speculation that Clearlove’s veteran presence might catalyze a return to championship form.

Clearlove’s comeback following his coaching year introduces significant strategic uncertainties. While supporters enthusiastically welcome the veteran’s return to active competition, the practical effectiveness remains unproven. A player of his experience level could substantially elevate team performance through leadership and game knowledge, or potentially hinder progress due to diminished individual mechanics. The current LPL jungle pool features extraordinary young talent, making individual skill parity challenging for Clearlove. His success will depend on maximizing team-oriented strengths and strategic decision-making rather than relying solely on mechanical prowess.

EDG’s competitive revival with Clearlove hinges on several critical factors: effective shot-calling implementation, jungle pathing optimization, and objective control coordination. Teams facing veteran returnees often struggle with adapting playstyles to accommodate different strategic approaches.

Clearlove and EDG commence their 2021 campaign when the LPL season launches in January.

At 27 years old, Clearlove ranks among League of Legends’ most senior active competitors. While age may influence mechanical reaction times and individual performance consistency, he compensates with unparalleled strategic insight and leadership capabilities exceeding most contemporary players. His role will likely encompass primary shot-calling responsibilities and in-game leadership direction.

Professional gaming veterans often develop compensatory strategies as mechanical abilities evolve, focusing on game knowledge, map awareness, and strategic positioning. These qualities become particularly valuable during high-pressure tournament situations where experience often outweighs raw skill.

While EDG’s 2021 League lineup hasn’t received full confirmation, indications suggest a roster heavily weighted toward experienced competitors. The organization has historically maintained multiple players for each position to facilitate development of emerging talent. The finalized roster will likely exceed five members with strategic rotations anticipated between matches.

The projected EDG lineup for 2021:

• Top – Li “Flandre” Xuan-Jun (rumored)
• Jungle – Ming “Clearlove” Kai / Zhao “Jiejie” Li-Jie
• Mid – Lee “Scout” Ye-chan
• Bot – Park “Viper” Do-hyeon (rumored)
• Support – Tian “Meiko” Ye

This rotational approach allows EDG to leverage Clearlove’s strategic expertise while maintaining Jiejie’s mechanical intensity for specific matchups. Teams employing strategic player rotations often gain tactical flexibility but must manage team chemistry carefully.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Clearlove returns to pro play, joins EDG for 2021 LPL season Analyzing Clearlove's return to EDG's jungle and the team's 2021 competitive prospects