Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao is a name that resonates with League of Legends fans worldwide. Known for his exceptional skills as an AD Carry, Uzi has left an indelible mark on the esports scene. While many are familiar with his impressive gameplay, there are several fascinating aspects of his life and career that often go unnoticed. Let’s dive into ten interesting facts about this League of Legends legend that you might not have known before.
1. The Origin of His Nickname
Uzi’s in-game name isn’t just a random combination of letters. It’s actually derived from a submachine gun, the Uzi. This choice of name perfectly reflects his aggressive playstyle and rapid-fire mechanics in the game. However, what’s even more interesting is that he earned another nickname early in his career: “Mad Dog.” This moniker was given to him due to his incredibly aggressive play style, which often caught opponents off guard and led to spectacular plays.
2. A Prodigy from the Start
Uzi’s journey in professional League of Legends began at an incredibly young age. He started his pro career in 2012 when he was just 15 years old. This early start allowed him to develop his skills rapidly, competing against seasoned players and quickly rising to become one of the most feared ADCs in the world. His natural talent, combined with years of professional experience at such a young age, contributed significantly to his legendary status in the League community.
3. The Curse of the Runner-Up
Despite his incredible skill, Uzi faced a peculiar “curse” early in his career. In both 2013 and 2014, he led his team, Royal Club (later renamed to Star Horn Royal Club), to the World Championship finals. However, on both occasions, they finished as runners-up. This led to a narrative of Uzi being “always the bridesmaid, never the bride” in major tournaments. It wasn’t until later in his career that he would break this curse and claim major international titles.
4. A Brief Stint as a Mid Laner
While Uzi is renowned for his skills as an AD Carry, few fans know that he briefly switched to the mid lane position in 2014. This change came about due to team restructuring after the departure of Royal Club’s mid laner, Tabe. However, the experiment was short-lived. Uzi’s exceptional talent as an ADC was too valuable to keep away from the bot lane, and he soon returned to his signature role, much to the relief of his fans and teammates.
5. Health Challenges and Resilience
Throughout his career, Uzi faced significant health challenges that would have ended the careers of many other players. He suffered from chronic wrist pain and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. These health issues forced him to take frequent breaks from competitive play, especially during the spring splits of the LPL. Despite these setbacks, Uzi’s determination and love for the game always brought him back to the professional scene, showcasing his incredible resilience.
6. The “Uzi Effect” on Champion Popularity
Uzi’s mastery over certain champions often led to a surge in their popularity among players. His exceptional skills with champions like Vayne, Kai’Sa, and Ezreal not only made these picks feared in professional play but also increased their pick rates in solo queue across all regions. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Uzi effect,” demonstrated the significant influence he had on the meta and playstyles of ADC players worldwide.
7. A National Hero
In 2018, Uzi achieved something no other esports player had done before – he won a gold medal for China in the Asian Games. This was the first time esports was included as a demonstration sport in the Asian Games, and Uzi led the Chinese national team to victory. This achievement elevated his status from a gaming celebrity to a national hero, bringing unprecedented recognition to esports in China.
8. The Pentakill King
Uzi holds an impressive record in professional League of Legends – he has the highest number of pentakills in major tournaments. A pentakill, where a player eliminates all five members of the enemy team single-handedly, is a rare and exciting occurrence in professional play. Uzi’s ability to secure seven pentakills throughout his career is a testament to his exceptional mechanical skills and game sense.
9. A Streaming Sensation
After his retirement from professional play in 2020, Uzi transitioned into a successful streaming career. His streams quickly became some of the most watched in China, with fans tuning in to see his still-impressive skills and learn from his gameplay. This transition showcased Uzi’s enduring popularity and his ability to remain relevant in the League of Legends community even after stepping away from competitive play.
10. The Comeback Kid
In a surprising turn of events, Uzi announced his return to professional play in 2023, joining Edward Gaming (EDG) for the LPL Summer Split. This comeback, after nearly three years of retirement, sent shockwaves through the League of Legends community. It demonstrated not only Uzi’s enduring passion for the game but also his ability to overcome the health issues that had initially forced his retirement. His return match against Invictus Gaming was one of the most-watched LPL games of the split, showing that the “Uzi effect” was still very much alive.
Bottom Line
Uzi’s impact on League of Legends extends far beyond his impressive statistics and tournament victories. As a prodigy turned esports icon, he has inspired a generation of players, particularly in China, to pursue their dreams in competitive gaming. His aggressive playstyle and mechanical prowess have redefined the ADC role at the highest level of play.
Uzi’s career also highlights the evolving nature of esports. His transitions between professional player, streamer, and back again showcase the diverse paths now available in the industry. His journey from the young “Mad Dog” to a respected veteran mirrors the maturing of League of Legends as an esport.
Moreover, Uzi’s battles with health issues have brought attention to the physical demands of professional gaming, leading to increased focus on player wellness in many organizations. This could potentially improve conditions for future generations of esports athletes.
While new stars will undoubtedly rise, Uzi’s impact on the game, particularly in China and the global ADC meta, will be felt for years to come. His story of passion, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence against all odds serves as an inspiration to players worldwide.
As League of Legends continues to evolve, Uzi’s legacy reminds us of the human element behind digital competition. He has shown that with dedication, resilience, and a bit of “mad dog” spirit, it’s possible to become a legend in the world of esports.