After brazenly stating that he would retire after PSG.LGD’s run at The Worldwide 2022 concluded, Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida has formally retired from aggressive Dota 2.
The legendary participant was very open about his resolution each earlier than and through TI11, saying that he wished to begin a brand new chapter in his life and that this occasion could be his final whatever the consequence.
In his original announcement, which was tied to a breakdown of what occurred through the TI10 grand finals that LGD misplaced to Workforce Spirit, Faith_bian famous this was a call he made quickly after that occasion and that TI11 could be his final effort to carry the Aegis of Champions as soon as extra.
After a gradual begin, nonetheless, LGD couldn’t discover their footing within the playoffs—they gained simply one in all their three collection and have been eliminated by Team Aster in a conflict of the highest Chinese language rosters. This resulted in LGD’s worst placement at any iteration of The Worldwide since TI6 as they exited in a tie for fifth.
Regardless of not reaching the heights the crew strived for the final two seasons, Faith_bian seems to be again pleased with how issues turned out total.
“After TI10, I already determined that this was my final 12 months competing within the professional Dota scene. Now, wanting again by way of my entire profession, I’m so completely happy to have had the distinctive expertise to struggle towards each opponent with my teammates by my aspect,” Faith_bian mentioned on Weibo.
“I’m so grateful to have had these reliable teammates all through my entire profession, and I actually recognize the time that we spent collectively. I didn’t go away any remorse about this 12 months, and I’m so completely happy about it.”
He’s now the second Dota legend to retire post-TI11, following fellow Chinese language scene staple Somnus who retired last week when Royal Never Give Up was eliminated. This gained’t be the final large identify calling it quits both, as MATUMBAMAN additionally plans to hold up his fortunate shorts as soon as Workforce Liquid is finished competing this season too.
Associated: MATUMBAMAN locks in happiness regardless of Liquid’s TI11 result
Faith_bian has been a prime competitor in Dota since 2014, and even earlier than becoming a member of LGD he had already achieved the sport’s biggest honor by lifting the Aegis TI6 with a Wings Gaming roster that’s thought-about among the many finest to ever play the sport.
Now, he steps away from Dota at 24 years outdated and has profession earnings seemingly surpassing $4 million to tackle different adventures—although he isn’t fairly ruling out a return.
“From 2014 to 2022, thanks for all of your assist and encouragement, thanks on your kindness and keenness,” Faith_bian mentioned. “I hope all of you bought to know the spirit of esports by way of me, and I hope you guys can all benefit from the esports itself. We will certainly meet once more if destined!”
That final little tidbit could be taken as leaving the door open for a possible return ought to he catch the frequent aggressive bug that brings so many retired esports execs again to the sport after taking breaks. But it surely may additionally simply be his method of thanking the followers and wishing them nicely on a path that might see them meet sooner or later.
Both method, LGD will now be trying to fill one of many greatest gaps possible as soon as the offseason and post-TI11 roster shuffle start in November.
Together with his retirement, Faith_bian walks away as a TI Champion, Main Champion, and with 1,464 professional games played at a close to 60 % win price throughout 87 distinctive heroes. Moreover, 1,455 of these video games have been performed alongside his longtime teammate Zhang “y`” Yiping, inserting them second all-time in professional matches performed as a duo.
