JackeyLove Takes Medical Hiatus from LPL for 2026 Split
League of Legends icon Yu “JackeyLove” Wen-Bo, Top Esports star ADC and 2018 Worlds champion, has stepped away from professional play on doctor’s orders due to ongoing health issues. The announcement, delivered live on stream, confirms he’ll miss at least the LPL’s first split of 2026, prioritizing recovery after nearly a decade of competition.
This follows months of speculation sparked by his pre worlds 2025 health hints, silencing retirement rumors with a firm commitment to return stronger. “I’ll be taking a break to rest and recover, to get my condition back in form,” JackeyLove shared. “Then I’ll look for the right moment to come back. I need to take care of things first.”
The Toll of Pro Gaming on Veterans
JackeyLove’s break underscores esports dark side of the relentless 16 hour practice days, high stakes pressure, and physical tolls like fatigue and injuries. Approaching his 10th pro year, his aggressive style has fueled TES highs with winning multiple LPL titles but comes at a price. Doctors mandated rest to sustain longevity, echoing cases like Uzi’s wrist woes or Deft’s past struggles.
TES Responds with JiaQi Promotion
Top Esports moves swiftly, officially slotting Zi “JiaQi” Jia-Qi into the ADC role for LPL 2026 Split 1. The young talent, already rostered, steps up amid TES’s championship ambitions post worlds 2025 semifinal run.
TES 2026 LPL Split 1 ADC Options
- JiaQi: Primary starter, temporary replacement during JackeyLove’s recovery.
- JackeyLove: Expected delayed return;, core for later splits.
JiaQi’s addition stabilizes TES’s bot lane duo with supports like Meiko, but lacks JackeyLove’s superstar carry potential challenging for a title push.
Top Esports 🇨🇳 confirm JiaQi 🇨🇳 as their AD Carry for the 2026 LPL season, stepping in while JackeyLove 🇨🇳 recovers from health issues.
JiaQi is expected to hold the starting spot early in the split as TES prepare for a potential delayed return from their star botlaner.#LPL… pic.twitter.com/gMPXfGfpl8
— Strafe Esports (@strafeapp) November 27, 2025
Social Media Reacts
Social media lit up with support: #JackeyLoveGetWell trended as fans praised his health first choice, while TES faithful eye JiaQi’s upside.
LPL 2026 kicks off early January, with JackeyLove’s right moment return could align with Spring playoffs or MSI. His hiatus reshapes China’s ADC meta, but recovery success will come first before he should return.
Since: October 29, 2025
