Uzi

Jian 'Uzi' Zi-Hao, born April 5, 1997, is widely regarded as one of the greatest AD carries in League of Legends history. Known for his mechanical precision and aggressive playstyle, Uzi dominated the professional scene for nearly a decade before retiring in 2020 due to health concerns.

Uzi began his professional career in October 2012 with Royal Club, quickly establishing himself as a mechanical prodigy. His early years saw him reach the 2013 World Championship finals with Royal Club, where they lost to SK Telecom T1 in a 0-3 sweep. This marked the beginning of his reputation as a player who could compete at the highest level but struggled to secure the ultimate victory.

After Royal Club rebranded to Star Horn Royal Club, Uzi experienced his second consecutive World Championship final appearance in 2014, again finishing as runner-up to Samsung Galaxy White. These back-to-back finals appearances at such a young age cemented his status as a generational talent.

Following stints with Oh My God and Qiao Gu Reapers, Uzi joined Royal Never Give Up (RNG) in 2016. This proved to be the most successful period of his career. With RNG, he won the 2018 Mid-Season Invitational and the 2018 LPL Spring Split, finally capturing international and domestic titles that had eluded him.

Uzi's playstyle was characterized by exceptional mechanics, particularly on champions like Vayne, Kai'Sa, and Ezreal. He was known for his ability to outplay opponents in 1v1 scenarios and his aggressive laning presence. His mechanical skill was so renowned that he became the first player to reach 2,000 kills in the LPL, a record later surpassed by only a handful of players.

Beyond his individual skill, Uzi was instrumental in popularizing the 'protect the ADC' meta in China. His teams would often build compositions specifically designed to enable his late-game carries, leading to the famous '养狗战术' (raising the puppy) strategy.

Uzi's career was also marked by his intense competitive drive and perfectionist mentality. He was known for his emotional outbursts and high expectations of himself and his teammates. This passion, while sometimes controversial, endeared him to fans who saw his genuine investment in every game.

Health issues, including chronic wrist injuries and type 2 diabetes, forced Uzi into retirement in June 2020. His farewell message to fans was emotional, acknowledging the physical toll his career had taken and expressing gratitude for the support he'd received throughout his journey.

Post-retirement, Uzi has remained involved in the League of Legends community. He briefly returned to competitive play with Bilibili Gaming in 2021 before joining EDward Gaming in 2023. However, persistent health issues led to his departure from EDG in December 2023.

Uzi's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and tournament results. He helped elevate the standard of play in the LPL, inspired countless players in China and worldwide, and demonstrated that mechanical skill could transcend regional boundaries. His induction into the League of Legends Hall of Legends in 2025 cemented his status as one of the game's all-time greats.

Even in retirement, Uzi's influence on the game remains significant. His aggressive playstyle and champion pool continue to inspire current players, and his career serves as a testament to the physical and mental demands of professional gaming at the highest level.