Introduction: The competition for the S16 season has officially begun, and it is believed that most players have been following the recent matches. The Global Pioneer tournament is being fiercely contested. In recent days, the overall personnel adjustments in the LPL region have been quite significant, especially among several highly watched top-tier teams, where there may be fluctuations in roster changes. Late at night, many insiders in the LPL region publicly revealed surprising news to all players: IG's mid laner Rookie has decided to stop competing. Although management has been trying to persuade him, it seems unlikely to succeed. It appears that he has earned enough over the past two years and can now return to his hometown in Korea to "retire comfortably."

Exposure: Rookie firmly leaves LPL

It is believed that most players are quite familiar with IG, as a veteran powerhouse in the LPL region. Over the past few years, their popularity and influence have been very high, especially after assembling a star-studded lineup last season, with many expecting them to achieve better results. Last season was indeed decent, securing the LPL region's 4th seed. Although their World Championship run ended early, the team's resilience was evident, performing exceptionally well against T1 in a BO5 series. This season, despite significant investment, IG did not acquire strong players, and their overall performance has been mediocre.

During the offseason, IG's mid laner Rookie was exposed to have broken up with his girlfriend Xiao Yu, followed by a series of negative news. All of this has been hard for many fans to accept, as before this, they were considered the golden couple of the LPL region, and everyone thought their long-term relationship would lead to a happy outcome. However, reality proved otherwise. If not for netizens exposing Rookie's girlfriend in Korea, the two might not have disclosed the situation. Recently, almost all public opinion has leaned toward Xiao Yu, while Rookie himself has not responded at all. Even IG's sponsors have replaced Rookie in commercial activities.

Late at night, successive insider revelations left many players unable to believe it. The initial hints were vague: a top-tier mid laner wants to take a break, management is actively communicating, but the chances of returning are slim, likely leading to a rookie mid laner being used. Later, this news was confirmed, directly stating that Rookie does not want to continue playing. It is highly probable that Xiao Che will play in the second stage, and it is currently difficult to persuade him back. The specific reason is related to the recent incident, which everyone knows about. Indeed, his reputation is now very poor, with his previous image completely shattered.

To be honest, if this is truly the case, then Rookie must be a very shrewd player. Over the years, he has made substantial earnings in the LPL region, enough to retire comfortably back in Korea. Moreover, within IG, he likely holds some investment stakes; as long as IG continues competing, he probably receives dividends. Having earned enough, leaving LPL when convenient seems to be the typical approach of Korean players. Even Ruler publicly stated after his LPL matches that he likely won't return to the LPL region. From this perspective, Doinb appears to be the most conscientious Korean import, enduring numerous challenges while still persevering in the LPL region.

Final thoughts

Actually, since the incident was exposed, it should have been anticipated. The online backlash has been immense, with almost all negative attention directed at Rookie alone, and he himself has not provided any response—whether it's acquiescence or fabrication? This departure likely marks his complete retirement, as there is no need to continue competing for income; his savings over many years are sufficient for his livelihood.

What are your thoughts on this matter, esteemed viewers?