In Doublelift’s last competitive appearance, things went well. He led Team Liquid to a big win over China’s EDG at Worlds, proving that LCS teams can compete with the best from the East. However, Team Liquid’s run at Worlds ended in the group stage, marking the fourth year in a row that Doublelift has been eliminated without reaching the knockout round. This has led many to label him as a talented player who struggles on the big stage.
But that label isn’t entirely fair. Winning Worlds is a difficult feat, and only one team can achieve it. Just because Western teams like Fnatic and Cloud9 haven’t won the championship doesn’t mean they aren’t talented. Doublelift’s career has been one of the most successful in the history of esports, with six LCS titles to his name. His ultimate goal has always been to win Worlds and prove that he is the best.
Doublelift’s Career with TSM
Doublelift’s career can be divided into two periods: before and after joining TSM. Before TSM, he played for CLG but never seemed to have real potential at international events. He won the team’s only domestic championship in the 2015 Summer Split but couldn’t advance past the group stage at Worlds. When he joined TSM, he found kindred spirits in team owner Andy “Reginald” Dinh and mid laner Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg. TSM dominated North America and gave Doublelift hope that winning big at international events was possible.
The Fall at Worlds
However, TSM’s attempts at Worlds were disappointing. In 2016 and 2017, they were expected to make deep runs but failed to advance past the group stage. The team couldn’t adapt to the meta and struggled in the bot lane, ultimately leading to their elimination. Doublelift acknowledges that something went wrong and that he should have spoken up, but it’s difficult to find motivation when nothing is going right. This pattern has happened too many times to be coincidence, and Doublelift is aware of it.
Doublelift’s Unquenchable Desire to Win
Despite the disappointments, Doublelift’s desire to win remains strong. He is still considered the best bot laner in the region and dominates the regular season. His numerous LCS titles are a testament to his skill and success. Even though he hasn’t won Worlds, he never stops fighting and gives his all in every game. Like the Oakland Athletics in the book “Moneyball,” Doublelift has accomplished incredible things but hasn’t been able to win it all. Nevertheless, his determination and drive should be honored.
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