TL;DR
- Doinb selected Malphite for his World Champion skin despite minimal competitive use
- The choice serves as a tribute to his wife Umi, who exclusively plays Malphite
- FPX skins include Gangplank, Lee Sin, Malphite, Vayne, and Thresh
- Doinb demanded Riot include Malphite’s signature dance in the skin
- This marks the seventh team to receive championship skins in League history
The triumphant FunPlus Phoenix squad has finalized their championship skin selections, determining which League of Legends champions will showcase the team’s distinctive colors and branding. This milestone represents one of the most anticipated moments following any World Championship victory.
During an engaging live broadcast, FPX mid laner Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang unveiled the five skins that will become available to players worldwide this spring season. The prestigious lineup features Gangplank, Lee Sin, Malphite, Vayne, and Thresh. FunPlus Phoenix becomes only the seventh organization in competitive history to earn this honor, with Lee Sin and Thresh notably receiving their second team-themed skins.
Each competitor typically chooses champions they demonstrated mastery with during critical tournament matches, including the championship finals. Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem’s Gangplank selection reflected his consistent performance, while Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang’s Lee Sin pick commemorated his MVP-winning performances. Lin “Lwx” Wei-Xiang and Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song opted for Vayne and Thresh respectively to represent their roles.
However, Doinb diverged from conventional selection logic with his unexpected Malphite choice. The rocky champion appeared in just one match throughout their Worlds campaign—a group stage encounter against GAM Esports where his impact was relatively limited compared to other picks.
This unconventional decision carries profound personal significance beyond competitive metrics. Doinb consistently expresses deep appreciation for his wife Umi Lee’s unwavering support, even allocating substantial portions of his post-victory interviews to acknowledge her crucial role in his success journey.
Strategic skin selection often involves balancing personal preference with champion popularity, but Doinb prioritized emotional value over statistical relevance. Many professional players face similar dilemmas when choosing between meta-relevant champions and personally meaningful options.
According to translations provided by Reddit user u/lollideath from Doinb’s live stream, Malphite stands as the sole champion Umi can effectively play, making the selection particularly meaningful for both. Doinb’s enthusiasm for this tribute shines through his detailed descriptions.
“This will undoubtedly become the most impressive Malphite skin ever created,” Doinb confidently told his viewing audience. “I’ve repeatedly emphasized to Riot Games developers that incorporating the character’s signature dance animation is absolutely essential for authenticity.”
The dedication exemplifies how elite competitors often use their platform to honor those who supported their ascent. Unlike many esports professionals who select champions based solely on competitive significance, Doinb prioritized personal connection, setting a memorable precedent for future champions.
While Western audiences generally appreciate the romantic gesture, many expressed preference for champions Doinb utilized more extensively during the tournament, such as Ryze or Nautilus. However, the final determination reflects what truly resonates with the player personally rather than popular demand.
Collecting championship skins requires understanding both their gameplay value and commemorative significance. For serious collectors, tracking these limited availability items becomes essential for comprehensive gaming collections that capture historical competitive moments.
The Malphite selection demonstrates how personal narratives increasingly influence professional gaming culture. As esports continues maturing, these human elements add depth beyond mere statistical achievements, much like understanding specialized role selections enhances overall game comprehension.
For players seeking to maximize their competitive advantage while appreciating gaming history, consulting a complete strategic resource provides invaluable context for such milestone decisions.
Action Checklist
- Monitor official release dates for limited-time availability windows
- Evaluate skin thematic elements against personal playstyle preferences
- Compare with previous championship skins for collection completeness
- Analyze special features like dance animations or visual effects
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » FunPlus Phoenix decide on 2019 Worlds champion skins FPX Doinb's surprising Malphite skin choice reveals touching tribute to his wife's support