Doinb becomes the first import player to become LPL resident

In a groundbreaking development for professional League of Legends, FunPlus Phoenix’s star mid laner Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang has achieved an unprecedented milestone by becoming the inaugural foreign competitor to secure LPL residency status. This landmark decision follows his five-year tenure competing within China’s premier esports league, where he established himself as both a world champion and community favorite.

The residency designation carries profound implications for team composition strategy. Doinb will no longer occupy an import slot, granting his organization enhanced flexibility in roster construction. Originally hailing from South Korea, the mid lane specialist first gained recognition as an exceptionally talented solo queue competitor, earning respect from elite players including the legendary T1 mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, who publicly acknowledged Doinb’s exceptional mechanical skills and game knowledge.

Doinb becomes LPL resident in China after five years

Doinb’s professional journey commenced in 2015 when LPL organization QG Reapers identified his potential and recruited him to compete in China. This initial opportunity marked the beginning of what would become a transformative career path spanning multiple teams and competitive eras within the league.

The QG Reapers franchise underwent significant organizational changes during Doinb’s tenure, eventually rebranding and being acquired by JD Gaming in 2017. During this period, the roster featured several notable Korean imports including former T1 players Kim “Clid” Tae-min and Kim “Khan” Dong-ha, both of whom would later return to the LPL to join FunPlus Phoenix, creating a fascinating full-circle narrative.

Following his stint with QG/JD Gaming, Doinb transitioned to Rogue Warriors before ultimately finding his competitive home with FunPlus Phoenix ahead of the 2019 season. Prior to this pivotal move, the mid laner had experienced limited competitive success despite his individual talents, leading him to seriously contemplate retirement from professional play.

The 2019 competitive season represented Doinb’s career-defining breakthrough. FunPlus Phoenix captured the 2019 LPL Summer Split championship, securing their qualification for the World Championship tournament. Entering the global competition, FPX stood among the favored contenders for the title, though initial skepticism emerged following their measured performance during the group stage phase.

As the tournament progressed through knockout rounds, FunPlus Phoenix demonstrated overwhelming dominance that no opposing squad could effectively counter. Their systematic dismantling of elite international teams showcased a level of strategic coordination rarely witnessed in professional League of Legends.

Doinb exhibited a distinctive competitive approach throughout the championship run. He represents one of the rare mid lane specialists who prioritizes team-oriented playmaking above individual lane dominance, willingly sacrificing personal statistical performance to enable broader strategic advantages for his team. This selfless methodology challenged conventional wisdom about mid lane responsibilities in professional play.

The charismatic mid laner now prepares for another competitive campaign within the LPL, this time competing as an official resident rather than an import player. Despite his renewed commitment, Doinb continues to weigh retirement considerations and previously expressed openness to transferring to alternative competitive regions. However, the residency grant has fundamentally altered his career trajectory and future planning considerations.

“For this moment, I struggled for 5 years. I’ve finally become LPL’s first resident player! The LPL made me. Thank you for accompanying me in these five years!” Doinb expressed via his personal Weibo account. “As a resident, I will work even harder to give my all till the very end for this region, and defend our glory.”

This residency achievement establishes a significant precedent for international player integration within regional leagues. The decision reflects both Doinb’s competitive contributions and his cultural assimilation within the Chinese esports ecosystem over his five-year tenure.

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