Team Liquid is preparing to put star AD carry Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng’s contract up for sale before the 2020 LCS Summer Split, according to a report from League of Legends journalist Travis Gafford. This development follows Team Liquid’s lackluster Spring Split, where they finished in ninth place. Doublelift has played under the Liquid banner since 2017.
Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng is a veteran in the North American League of Legends scene, having been active since 2011. He holds the record for the most LCS season victories, winning six titles since 2015. He joined Team Liquid ahead of the 2018 season, winning four consecutive LCS titles with the organization. Liquid gained ground internationally in 2019, placing second behind G2 Esports at the Mid-Season Invitational. They also placed 9-12th at both the 2018 and 2019 World Championships.
Team Liquid has struggled to maintain their form in 2020, taking losses to Cloud9, Evil Geniuses, and Immortals throughout the regular Spring season. The team was met with various obstacles throughout the Split, including new jungler Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen’s visa issues and Doublelift’s own lack of motivation.
Doublelift was eventually benched, and Liquid fielded Academy AD carry Edward “Tactical” Ra for week six. The team’s poor results culminated in a failure to qualify for the LCS Spring play-offs for the first time since 2017.
Journalist Travis Gafford broke the news of Doublelift’s potential trade in a YouTube video, stating that “multiple team sources” have confirmed the information. There is no official word on where Doublelift could go next, nor who will take his place on Team Liquid’s starting roster.
Gafford points out the odd timing of this trade, as Doublelift’s contract only runs until the end of this year. Regardless, Doublelift will reportedly be available for trade or buy-out for a short period between the end of the 2020 Spring Split and the start of the Summer Split. His contract is reported to be in the six-figure range, implying a similarly high buy-out.
Doublelift is considered one of the best North American League of Legends talents, and one of the best AD carries in the domestic scene. He represented Counter Logic Gaming and Team SoloMid prior to joining Team Liquid, winning at least one LCS title with each organization. Doublelift has played in seven World Championship events, dating back to the inaugural Worlds tournament in 2011.
This report remains unconfirmed by either Doublelift or Team Liquid. The 2020 LCS Summer Split will begin on May 16th.
Source: Travis Gafford
