Rise of the Titans: How JD Gaming Conquered the LPL and the World Championship

Few teams in the history of competitive League of Legends have embodied the idea of rising against the odds quite like JD Gaming (JDG). Once a relatively unassuming roster in the Chinese LPL (League of Legends Pro League), JD Gaming’s climb to the apex of not just their region but the entire world has been nothing short of spectacular. With relentless resilience, tactical evolution, and an unforgettable display of synergy, JDG transformed into a powerhouse capable of challenging and defeating even the fiercest of opponents. In this article, we’ll explore the defining moments that charted their journey from relative obscurity to becoming a global titan.
From Humble Beginnings to LPL Contenders
JD Gaming’s story began in 2017, when they first entered the LPL scene. JDG was not a team that immediately screamed dominance—they were rather known as the underdog, a team filled with potential that struggled to break out of mediocrity. At a time when juggernauts like EDward Gaming (EDG), Royal Never Give Up (RNG), and Invictus Gaming (IG) were the gatekeepers of LPL supremacy, JDG found themselves struggling to match the expectations and the ferocity of these seasoned teams. However, 2019 marked the beginning of a profound transformation.
In 2019, JD Gaming showed the first real signs that they were capable of challenging the LPL elite. With players like Zoom, Yagao, and Loken, JDG began building the foundation of their future success. They reached the finals of the LPL Spring Split that year, an achievement that heralded the potential of this rising squad. Although they lost to Invictus Gaming in the Spring Split finals, the team gained the invaluable experience that would serve as the catalyst for their growth.
The real turning point came in 2020 when JD Gaming made key roster moves that would forever alter the trajectory of their history. The acquisition of Kanavi, a talented jungler from South Korea, provided JDG with the X-factor they desperately needed. Kanavi’s brilliance as a carry jungler redefined JDG’s playstyle and gave them the dynamic edge to challenge any opponent. Kanavi’s control over objectives, his synergy with his laners, and his knack for finding opportunities where others saw none made JDG one of the most feared teams in the league.
JDG’s performance in the 2020 Spring and Summer Splits showed a team in transformation. In Spring, they lifted their first-ever LPL trophy by defeating Top Esports (TES) in a thrilling series that showcased the aggressive and fearless approach they had become known for. They didn’t stop there, as they went on to dominate the Summer Split as well, ultimately qualifying for the World Championship as one of the top seeds from China. Although their Worlds journey ended earlier than they hoped, the 2020 season established JDG as a genuine contender for international glory.
The Road to World Domination: JDG’s Evolution into Titans
The period from 2021 to 2022 was challenging for JD Gaming. Despite their impressive form in 2020, the team faced significant struggles as they attempted to maintain their position at the top of the LPL. Internal roster changes, inconsistent performances, and an evolving meta all contributed to JDG’s difficulties during this time. Though they still managed to put up a fight in the playoffs, their championship-winning magic seemed to be missing, and they fell short of their lofty ambitions.
These years, however, were far from wasted. They provided the team with critical experience in dealing with adversity, refining their playbook, and learning how to adapt to ever-shifting metas. The acquisition of 369 from Top Esports in 2022 marked another turning point for the team. 369’s top-lane prowess added a level of stability and impact that JDG had been lacking since the departure of Zoom. Paired with Kanavi’s continued brilliance, JDG began to rekindle the spark that had made them LPL champions in 2020.
One of the key elements that fueled JDG’s resurgence was their unique approach to teamwork. Unlike many teams that focused on individual carry performances, JDG’s strength lay in their ability to play as a cohesive unit. Yagao’s control mage playstyle, coupled with Hope’s consistent AD carry performances, made JDG a formidable late-game force. They embraced an identity that was flexible—able to adapt to early skirmishes, set-piece team fights, and split-pushing strategies depending on the opponent and the situation.
2023: The Rise to Global Prominence
By the time 2023 arrived, JD Gaming was no longer a team content with regional success—they had their eyes set firmly on international glory. Their 2023 LPL Spring Split was a statement of intent. The synergy between Kanavi and 369 became one of the most feared combinations in the league, as they expertly executed top-side focused plays that often left opponents scrambling. JDG’s domination of the Spring Split was complete when they took down Bilibili Gaming in the finals to secure another LPL championship.
The MSI (Mid-Season Invitational) of 2023 was an opportunity for JDG to prove themselves on the world stage. They carried their LPL momentum into MSI, showcasing a blend of strategic ingenuity, mechanical brilliance, and teamwork that ultimately saw them lift the trophy. Their victory at MSI was a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and the unyielding belief that they could compete with the best from any region.
The 2023 LPL Summer Split further cemented JDG’s place as the dominant force in China. With Ruler, a former world champion ADC, joining the ranks, JDG added both experience and firepower to their already stacked roster. Ruler’s consistent, world-class performances in the bot lane complemented Kanavi’s jungle aggression and 369’s dominance in the top lane, making JDG an almost unstoppable force domestically.
2023 World Championship: The Summit of Greatness
The crowning achievement for JD Gaming came at the 2023 World Championship. Entering as one of the favorites, JDG played with a level of confidence and composure that demonstrated their evolution from underdogs to titans. Throughout the group stage and knockout rounds, JDG exhibited an adaptability that was unmatched. Whether through early-game aggression, precision team fighting, or intelligent macro play, JDG could win in a multitude of ways.
One of the defining characteristics of JDG during Worlds 2023 was their superior understanding of the meta. Kanavi’s versatility as a jungler enabled JDG to switch between carry-focused and tank-focused compositions seamlessly. 369, meanwhile, continued to be a rock in the top lane, often setting the tone for JDG’s teamfighting prowess. Ruler, with his veteran experience, was the consistent damage dealer, making sure every fight tilted in JDG’s favor.
In the finals, JD Gaming faced off against Gen.G, the best team from South Korea, in what was billed as a clash of titans. The series was an epic back-and-forth, but JDG’s resilience, bolstered by their fearless approach, carried them over the finish line. It was a defining moment for the organization—a team that started out as an LPL mid-tier contender had finally become the World Champions. The confetti rained down as JDG hoisted the Summoner’s Cup, marking the culmination of years of hard work, tactical growth, and the determination to never settle for second best.
The Legacy of JD Gaming
The rise of JD Gaming from humble beginnings to conquering the League of Legends world is a testament to perseverance, smart management, and trust in player development. Their journey has inspired countless fans and aspiring players, proving that with the right combination of talent, dedication, and synergy, anything is possible.
JDG’s story is more than just about winning titles—it’s about building a team culture where players can thrive, where growth is fostered not just through talent acquisition but through teamwork, cohesion, and adaptability. Players like Kanavi, who evolved from a promising young talent into a world-class jungler, and 369, who found redemption and success with JDG, exemplify the potential that can be unlocked through the right environment.
The legacy of JDG is one of hope and inspiration. For years, they were in the shadows of teams like RNG and EDG, but through unyielding belief and relentless pursuit of improvement, they emerged as not only the kings of China but the champions of the world. As JDG continues forward, they are no longer seen as an underdog, but as a titan—a team that demands respect, capable of standing tall in any arena, against any opponent.
The rise of JD Gaming is a story of evolution, resilience, and a testament to the power of teamwork. It serves as a reminder that no matter how daunting the journey may seem, even the most unassuming beginnings can lead to the summit of greatness. For JDG, their story is far from over—it’s a legacy in the making, with more pages to be written and more trophies to be won.