What If Uzi Never Retired?

In the pantheon of League of Legends greats, Jian “Uzi” Zihao holds a unique spot. Revered as one of the most mechanically gifted ADC (Attack Damage Carry) players in the game’s history, Uzi defined an era of aggressive bot-lane dominance. His unexpected retirement in 2020 due to health concerns sent through the esports community, leaving fans wondering what could have been. Though he briefly returned in 2022, it wasn’t the same Uzi we once feared and admired.

But what if Uzi never retired? What if the king of the bot lane had stayed on the throne, continuing to push boundaries in the LPL and internationally? In this speculative dive, we explore four key areas where the League of Legends world might look different had Uzi continued his storied career uninterrupted.

1. China’s First World Victory Could Have Come Sooner

The elusive Worlds title always felt just within reach for Uzi, but he never quite grasped it. He reached the World finals twice with Royal Club in 2013 and 2014, only to fall short. In 2018, RNG looked unstoppable after an MSI win and a domestic championship, but a surprising loss to G2 Esports in the quarterfinals halted the dream.

Had Uzi continued competing beyond 2020, his experience, leadership, and unmatched laning prowess could have anchored RNG—or any LPL team—through the mental and mechanical gauntlet of Worlds. It’s not hard to imagine a version of the 2021 or 2022 RNG squads, with Uzi as their ADC, hoisting the Summoner’s Cup. His continued presence could have helped refine China’s aggressive style into a more controlled force on the global stage, finally securing the one accolade that eluded him.

2. The Bot Lane Meta Would Have Evolved Around Him

Uzi didn’t just play the bot lane—he redefined it. Known for his hyper-carry style, perfect positioning, and unmatched damage output, Uzi forced entire metas to adapt to him. His signature champions—Vayne, Kai’Sa, Ezreal—often dictated how teams drafted and played around the bottom side of the map.

If Uzi had remained in the pro scene, he likely would have continued influencing the evolution of ADC champions and builds. Riot Games might have seen more data from high-level ADC performances, leading to balance patches shaped by Uzi’s impact. Younger ADCs in the LPL and globally would have had to rise to a much higher bar, possibly leading to a renaissance of mechanical excellence in the role. In a world where Uzi never retired, the bot lane meta might look entirely different today.

3. A New Era of Rivalries Would Be Born

Throughout his career, Uzi built legendary rivalries—with Faker and SKT, with Deft, and with the emerging LPL stars who sought to dethrone him. But what about the new generation? Players like GALA, Ruler (after his move to JDG), and JackeyLove stepped into the spotlight in the years after Uzi stepped away.

Had Uzi stayed, the LPL would have witnessed electrifying head-to-heads—veteran versus prodigy, legend versus rising star. A continuous Uzi career would have created a narrative goldmine for fans and analysts alike. Esports thrive on storylines, and few are more compelling than a legend refusing to be eclipsed. These showdowns could have elevated LPL’s global viewership, intensified domestic competition, and carved out even more unforgettable moments in competitive League of Legends history.

4. The Global ADC GOAT Debate Might Be Settled

When talking about the greatest ADC of all time, Uzi is always in the conversation—often topping it. Yet critics point to the absence of a Worlds trophy as the one stain on his otherwise luminous legacy. Had Uzi kept playing, especially during RNG’s peak or by joining a superteam, he might have silenced those criticisms once and for all.

With continued appearances at international events, more MVP titles, and possibly even a Worlds win, the GOAT debate might have leaned decisively in his favor. While other names like Deft, Ruler, and even Gumayusi continue to build impressive resumes, Uzi’s sustained dominance could have dwarfed them all. Instead of “what if,” we might now be saying “no doubt.”