Renowned professional League of Legends player, Peter “Doublelift” Peng, has officially called an end to his illustrious career spanning over a decade. This announcement, made on December 1, 2023, through an in-depth interview, marks the closure of an era in the esports world. Doublelift, known for his remarkable consistency in the LCS (League of Legends Championship Series), has left an indelible mark on the competitive gaming landscape.
Throughout his career, Doublelift has been associated with some of the most prominent teams in the North American League of Legends scene, including Counter Logic Gaming (CLG), Team SoloMid (TSM), Team Liquid, and most recently, 100 Thieves. His unwavering dedication and exceptional skills have cemented his status as one of the most recognizable ADC (Attack Damage Carry) players in North America.
Retirement announcement
In his retirement announcement video, Doublelift left no room for ambiguity, stating, “I’m retiring, for real this time.” Unlike his previous breaks from the competitive scene, which proved temporary, this decision is permanent, marking the end of his professional gaming journey.
Doublelift’s exit from the competitive stage is not devoid of contemplation. He reflected on his role as an analyst during TSM’s underwhelming performance at the 2020 League of Legends World Championship. His comprehensive understanding of the game and extensive career offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an ADC virtuoso.
Despite his deep passion for the game and fervent desire to compete, Doublelift candidly acknowledged that his return to professional esports this year did not yield the financial returns he had hoped for. In comparison to a lucrative streaming career, his professional journey would entail financial losses, particularly considering the current economic climate in the LCS and esports as a whole.
The downsizing of team budgets has diminished the prospects of assembling a roster capable of winning the World Championship, a pinnacle Doublelift had long aspired to reach.
A legacy of success
Doublelift’s career boasts an impressive array of accomplishments, including eight LCS playoff victories and five LCS regular season triumphs. His crowning achievement on the international stage was securing second place at the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational while representing Team Liquid. Despite qualifying for the World Championships on eight occasions, Doublelift managed to finish in the top eight only once.
As time passed, Doublelift’s conviction in his chances of winning the World Championship waned. Faced with this stark reality, he has chosen to relinquish his final grand aspiration and retire from professional competition.
While Doublelift may be exiting the professional esports arena, he is not bidding farewell to the gaming community entirely. His focus will now shift to full-time streaming and content creation, ensuring that his legion of fans can continue to engage with him in the virtual realm.
