TL;DR
- Uzi retired in 2019 due to severe hand/shoulder injuries and type-2 diabetes from intense training
- His comeback after 895 days featured impressive performance despite Bilibili Gaming’s series loss
- The legendary ADC achieved MSI and Asian Games titles in 2018 before health issues emerged
- Proper medical management and recovery period enabled his return to professional competition
- Uzi’s story highlights esports athletes’ physical demands and health maintenance importance

Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, widely regarded as one of League of Legends’ most iconic professional marksmen, has staged an extraordinary return to competitive gaming by debuting with LPL organization Bilibili Gaming. This comeback represents one of esports’ most anticipated returns in recent memory.
The 2018 Mid-Season Invitational champion signed with the franchise during the offseason period. Following his established pattern from previous teams including Royal Never Give Up, Uzi remained absent during the initial segment of the competitive split preceding Lunar New Year celebrations. Despite not being listed on the starting lineup for their confrontation with Invictus Gaming, Bilibili Gaming’s defeat in the opening match of their best-of-three series triggered Uzi’s introduction, marking his first LPL appearance in 895 days—a significant milestone in professional League history.
His reemergence performance exceeded all expectations. Competing in merely his seventh professional Jinx appearance, Uzi secured an early elimination then progressed to achieve a triple elimination during a critical base protection scenario. He concluded the engagement with an impressive statistical performance featuring 11 eliminations and 17 supporting actions against only four defeats, securing victory for Bilibili Gaming in his celebrated return.
Following an equalized 1-1 scoreline, the decisive third match unfolded contrary to expectations as Invictus reclaimed series control to earn a 2-1 triumph, notwithstanding Uzi’s dominant beginning in the bottom pathway. Nevertheless, the veteran competitor demonstrated no discernible skill deterioration and appears prepared to rapidly regain peak competitive condition.
Why did Uzi retire?
Uzi departed from professional League of Legends competition in 2019 primarily because of debilitating hand and shoulder musculoskeletal conditions.
The legendary marksman originally stepped away from competitive play following a remarkable seven-year professional tenure that included capturing both Mid-Season Invitational and Asian Games championships during 2018, while additionally reaching World Championship finals in consecutive years during 2013 and 2014.
His characteristic approach to exhaustive training sessions spanning extended durations eventually exacted substantial physical consequences on the athlete. Significant damage to his upper extremities impaired his capacity to maintain practice regimens, constituting the principal justification for his competitive departure. These demanding preparation techniques coincided with nutritional deficiencies, resulting in his diagnosis with type-2 diabetes mellitus—a serious metabolic disorder requiring lifelong management.
Professional esports athletes frequently encounter similar health challenges, with repetitive strain injuries representing the most prevalent occupational hazard. Proper ergonomic setups, scheduled breaks, and balanced nutrition are essential preventive measures that many competitors overlook during intensive training periods.
Before his health-enforced hiatus, Uzi had established himself as one of League of Legends’ most accomplished competitors. His career trajectory demonstrates the intense demands of professional gaming at the highest level.
The 2018 competitive season represented Uzi’s performance zenith, where he simultaneously secured international recognition through multiple championship victories. His consistent excellence across seven professional years established benchmarks for mechanical skill and competitive dedication that continue to influence new generations of professional players.
Understanding the physical price of elite esports performance provides crucial insights for aspiring competitors. Many professional gamers now incorporate physical therapy, structured rest periods, and nutritional planning into their training regimens—lessons learned from pioneers like Uzi who sacrificed their health for competitive excellence.
Fortunately, the extended competitive absence permitted Uzi to comprehensively address his medical concerns, facilitating his highly anticipated competitive reinstatement this season.
The rehabilitation process for professional gamers recovering from repetitive strain injuries typically involves specialized physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, and modified practice schedules. These rehabilitation principles apply broadly across competitive gaming disciplines, similar to how strategic approaches in our Class Guide help players optimize their performance in various gaming environments.
Uzi’s successful management of his health conditions demonstrates that with proper medical supervision and lifestyle adjustments, esports professionals can overcome significant physical challenges. His experience underscores the importance of health management in sustaining competitive careers, much like the comprehensive strategies outlined in our Complete Guide to competitive excellence.
For players seeking to maximize their gaming performance across different titles, understanding these health management principles is as crucial as mastering game mechanics through resources like our Weapons Unlock guides that detail optimal equipment selection.
Action Checklist
- Implement structured break schedules during extended practice sessions to prevent repetitive strain injuries
- Establish ergonomic workstation setup with proper wrist support and monitor positioning
- Develop balanced nutritional plan addressing metabolic health and energy sustainability
- Schedule regular medical check-ups to monitor conditions like carpal tunnel or metabolic disorders
- Integrate physical therapy exercises into daily routine to maintain musculoskeletal health
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