Preface: The S16 season has officially started, and most players are surely paying attention to the recent clashes, with intense competition happening in all major regions. Over the past few years, many excellent esports pros have opted to rest. Aging has indeed had a significant impact on players; their reactions are no longer as sharp as before, and not every player can maintain high-level performance like Faker. Recently, another top AD player announced his departure; this season will be his last duty. He was once a substitute for T1 and won the World Championship with them, as well as being a loyal Uzi fan—Oner.

Another top-tier AD player in LOL announces retirement

Most players are probably quite familiar with Oner, a top AD player from the European region. When he was with fnc, he was definitely one of the core players. Due to his good looks and excellent skills, he gained a large number of loyal fans and was very popular even in the LPL region. Most importantly, he is a devoted Uzi fan. Abroad, Uzi has two most faithful followers: one is the "big brother" and the other is Oner. After leaving fnc, his career began to decline, moving through lower-tier leagues and even joining the LCK region.

In the S14 season, he became the first foreign player in LCK, joining T1's second team and switching to support role. During that year's World Championship, T1 brought him along as one of the six starters; although he did not play, he lifted the championship trophy as a substitute, becoming the first player to hold both LEC and LCK world titles. That year, he refused to take the stage and gave up the champion skin, showing his deep professional integrity and respect for the game. In S15, he returned to the European region, joining lr team to compete fiercely against fnc.

In a previous interview, Oner expressed respect for Faker. They are close in age, with Faker just a few months older. He even said that retirement was not something he had considered at all, and if Faker could persist, so could he. It was thought to be his declaration, but recently Oner responded about retirement: "I think lr might be my last chapter in LEC. I give my all every day because this could be my final journey. Although it sounds sad, it is the truth. So now I’m putting in my utmost effort because this might be my last dance."

Perhaps after the season started, he realized the gap in form was too big. Not every player can maintain the high-level competitive standard like Faker. His departure is a huge shock for the European region; his status there is comparable to JKL’s. In just a few days, Oner’s situation changed drastically. He is likely now the oldest pro player in Europe. After so many years competing and accumulating wealth, it’s time to choose life wisely. If results can’t be achieved, there’s no need to keep fighting on the professional frontline.

Farewell thoughts

Who would have thought that a top AD from the European region would retire? Currently, Oner and Caps seem to be the only overseas players drawing attention, both originating from fnc. It feels like the European region is on the verge of collapse; the overall environment isn’t good. Hopefully, the LPL region can take this time to adjust well. Now that Uzi has returned to streaming, he’s rekindling fan interest. It seems his departure back then was really due to attacks from haters.

What do you all think about this situation?