Preface: The S15 season has fully concluded, and it’s believed that the vast majority of players have been following the recent offseason closely. During the winter transfer period, the major LPL teams underwent some changes, assembling stronger rosters, while some players temporarily stepped away from the professional scene. Given the shortage of outstanding players, this transfer window saw the well-known domestic top laner Huxi choose to take a break, surprising many fans since any team would likely want him if he wished to continue playing professionally—he was once considered on par with Bin. It was later revealed that he switched to gaming companion work with an hourly rate of 1000. After only one month, he announced his return and mentioned that the orders for gaming companions weren’t as many as expected.

Top-tier Top Laner Announces Return to LPL

Most players are likely familiar with the top laner Huxi. As a domestic player in the LPL region, he has maintained a good level of popularity and fan interest over the past few years, with his salary reaching the top tier in the LPL. Unfortunately, his performance hasn’t been very consistent recently; despite joining several teams, he never qualified for the World Championship. During the winter transfer period, many expected him to join forces with a top team, but news came out that he was taking a break, and by the end of the transfer window, he hadn’t signed with any team.

A few days ago, LPL official caster Miller publicly revealed Huxi’s recent activities. For over a month, he has been working as a gaming companion with an absurdly high rate. As an active pro player, his hourly price is nearly 1000. For a single game, the fee is that high, and playing 6 or 7 matches a day could bring in close to 200,000 a month. Indeed, some current professional players command high prices right after leaving the pro stage, attracting many wealthy clients, but over time, prices inevitably drop, and the number of orders decreases. Cube is a clear example of this trend.

Back then, Cube was also a mid-tier player. After entering the gaming companion industry, earning tens of thousands a month far exceeded his pro player income. However, within just half a year, he issued an apology stating that he had been shortsighted and begged LPL fans and officials to give him a chance to return to the professional scene. He has now become a fringe player. Many thought Huxi would also succumb to the lure of money and keep gaming companions crazily, but during a livestream, he responded rationally, acknowledging that as a top-tier player, he shouldn’t waste the prime years of his career.

After only one month as a gaming companion, he officially announced his return to the LPL, saying that his time playing companion games was also to engage in high-level matches and adjust his form. Honestly, even if it was just for money, there’s no shame in that—professional players need to make a living too. Now, he is trying to find a team and definitely wants to keep competing. If he has the ability, hopefully he can continue playing in the LPL. His break is partly related to not having teamed up with ELK before. For mid-to-lower tier teams like LGD or WE, they probably don’t want to take on a player like him, and they can’t offer a high salary either.

Farewell Thoughts

Huxi is considered a relatively clear-headed professional player. He commands a top-tier salary in the LPL and hasn’t been swayed by earning over a hundred thousand in just one month. His response now isn’t too late, as the new season hasn’t started yet. Some teams will surely make roster changes after the Demacia Cup, so this is a good opportunity. However, he can only return in the third stage since the new season rules require a mandatory two-stage break.

What do the viewers think about this situation?