The professional League of Legends has seen many legendary players rise and fall, but only a select few manage to stay at the top for years after reaching the pinnacle. While players like Faker have continued to dominate long after their World Championship victories, others have chosen to step away from the game soon after achieving success. One such player was Doinb, who, after winning Worlds in 2019, eventually took a break from competitive play. Now, after two years away from the pro scene, he’s making a much-anticipated return.
On January 9, 2025, Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP), a well-known team competing in China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL), announced the signing of Doinb. The move has been sent through the League of Legends community, as fans eagerly anticipate how the veteran mid-laner will perform after such a long hiatus.
NIP’s Roster Under Construction
Doinb’s arrival comes at a time when Ninjas in Pyjamas are still in the process of finalizing their roster for the new season. According to Leaguepedia, both their top laner and jungler—shanji and Aki—have not extended their contracts, leaving some uncertainty around the team’s final lineup. However, with experienced players like ppgod already on the roster, NIP appears to be assembling a strong squad that could compete at the highest level.
While it remains to be seen how the full roster will shape up, one thing is certain: Doinb’s return adds a new layer of excitement to the upcoming LPL season. If NIP can successfully build a team around him, they could become serious contenders in 2025.
Doinb (image via Getty)What Can Fans Expect from Doinb?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Doinb’s return is his current form. The mid laner hasn’t competed professionally since the end of 2022, when he failed to qualify for Worlds. Although he remained active as a content creator and streamer, playing in a competitive environment is a completely different challenge.
Doinb is known for his unconventional playstyle, favoring unique champion picks and aggressive roaming to support his team. However, the game has evolved significantly in the last two years, and adapting to the current meta will be crucial for his success. Many fans are eager to see whether he can still compete with the new generation of mid laners in China, who have been honing their skills while he was away.
A Look Back at Doinb’s Legacy
For many Western fans, especially those in Europe, Doinb is best remembered for his incredible run in 2019. That year, he led FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) to victory at the League of Legends World Championship, cementing his place in history. FPX dominated the LPL Summer Season before steamrolling through the international competition.
In the Worlds grand final, they faced off against G2 Esports, who were looking to complete the “Golden Road”—a perfect year that would have included titles from both their domestic splits and MSI 2019. However, Doinb and FPX crushed their European opponents in a decisive 3-0 victory, securing the Summoner’s Cup and marking one of the most dominant Worlds performances in history.
While Doinb’s success continued into 2021, his career took a downward turn in 2022 when he and his team failed to qualify for Worlds. This led to his decision to step away from competitive play. Now, with a fresh start at NIP, he has the chance to rewrite the narrative and prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
A Highly Anticipated LPL Debut
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Doinb back in action. The 2025 LPL Split One begins on January 12, but Ninjas in Pyjamas will make their debut a week later, on January 19. Their first match will be against Invictus Gaming, one of the most well-established teams in the league.
This matchup will be an early test for Doinb’s return and will provide insight into how well he has adjusted after his time away. If he can lead NIP to a strong start, it could signal the beginning of an exciting season for both the team and its fans.
Doinb (image via Getty)Can Doinb Regain His Former Glory?
The LPL is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and returning after a two-year absence is no easy feat. The meta has changed, new players have emerged, and the general skill level has only risen. However, if there’s one thing Doinb has proven throughout his career, it’s that he thrives on defying expectations.
His unique playstyle and leadership have always set him apart, and if he can adapt to the current state of the game, he could once again become one of the league’s most dangerous mid laners. For Ninjas in Pyjamas, his presence alone brings star power and experience—two factors that could be crucial in building a championship-contending team.
As the 2025 LPL season kicks off, all eyes will be on Doinb and his return to professional play. Will he reclaim his spot among the best, or will the new generation prove too strong? One thing is certain: his comeback is one of the most exciting storylines of the year, and fans can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
