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2019 Worlds Champions FPX Exit the LPL
The 2019 Worlds Champion FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) have announced their departure from the LPL (League of Legends Pro League). The Chinese organization will cease all League-related operations starting January 1st, 2026.
There are also reports circulating regarding RNG’s departure from the LPL ahead of 2026, meaning two of China’s oldest and most storied organizations may be absent from the upcoming season.
FPX: A Phoenix Rises
Officially entering the league in December 2017, FunPlus Phoenix’s first competitive season was LPL 2018. Despite being a new organization, they performed relatively well.
For the 2019 season, they brought in DoinB as their mid laner and Tian in the jungle—two signings that completely reshaped the team. The team's X-factor was DoinB’s unorthodox picks such as Twisted Fate and Nautilus, propelling FPX from a 7th–8th place team in 2018 to 3rd in Spring and eventually winning the 2019 LPL Summer Split.
At Worlds 2019, they dominated their group and qualified for playoffs as Group B’s first seed. In the Playoffs, they defeated Fnatic in the Quarters, defending champions Invictus Gaming in the Semis, and swept G2 Esports in the Grand Finals to secure China’s second consecutive world title.
Just two years into their LPL journey, FunPlus Phoenix became Worlds Champions. They also denied the West its strongest claim to the Summoner’s Cup since 2013.
2019 would be their peak, however, as FPX struggled to replicate their success in the following years. Eventually closing the curtains on the League operations.
A Phoenix’s Journey Ends
At the end of 2025, the LPL began a major restructuring due to declining international results and decreasing engagement. Part of this involved repurchasing club slots, and FPX voluntarily decided to sell its slot back.
At the end of last year, the league initiated the repurchase of club slots. Guided by the principle of continuously optimizing the competition schedule and adhering to voluntary applications, the league recently reached a mutual agreement with FPX (FunPlus Phoenix) Esports Club through amicable negotiations: FPX Esports Club will cease participation in the LPL and related competitions effective January 1, 2026. Both parties will jointly ensure the proper placement of players and complete subsequent repurchase procedures.
The exact reasons for FPX's departure remain unclear, underwhelming results, a decline in the league’s popularity, and high operating costs are believed to be major factors.
FPX's commemorative post on their departure also reflected on their short yet ceremonious journey. Celebrating the fans, players and staff associated with the brand.
The flame on our chest is both a mark of past glory and a lighthouse reminding us to stay true to our beginnings. It urges us to “embrace the good and amend our shortcomings,” to keep evolving, even if all we can carry forward is the faintest spark—still sincere, still burning.
This long road has been a trail of growth, a record of history. We moved through the twilight and fog of the arena, embarking on one courageous journey after another, leaving behind deep and shallow footprints—each moment intense and fleeting, carved with no regrets.
To everyone who once journeyed with FPX across its many League divisions—players, coaches, partners, staff—thank you.
Along with FPX, RNG—another premier Chinese organization—is also expected to end its LPL operations by the end of 2025. While details on their departure have yet to be announced, an official statement is expected in the coming days.
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Featured image credit: Riot Games
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