In the post-Worlds 2023 transfer window, TheShy is probably the most interested name in the LPL when he and WBG had a lot of controversy during the negotiation process. As a result, TheShy and WBG “went their separate ways”, and this player even announced a temporary break from playing in LPL Spring 2024. TheShy's absence is one of the reasons why this tournament dropped. decreased viewership in the recent period.
TheShy's absence has caused the audience's interest in LPL to decrease significantly
With only the announcement of a temporary break, many audiences still maintain the belief that the once “Top God” will return in LPL Summer 2024. This belief is further reinforced when WBG management once publicly announced his intention. “roll out the red carpet” to welcome TheShy back. However, the latest information related to this player brings bad news to LPL audiences.
Specifically, in a recent livestream, Uzi confirmed that the friendly tournament called “Veterans Cup” will continue to be held. And just a few hours later, the list of “veterans” who will compete in this tournament was also announced. Notably, besides famous names like Doinb, Uzi, Letme…, TheShy also appears on this list.
TheShy recently appeared on the list of participants in the “Veterans Cup” alongside Doinb, Uzi, Letme…
It is important to know that the “Veterans Cup” is a tournament only for players who have retired or no longer intend to play professionally. In addition, this tournament also brings together many famous streamers in the LPL region. With TheShy appearing on this list, the rate of “Top god” retiring and not returning in LPL Summer 2024 is very high.
TheShy will probably not return to play in the upcoming LPL Summer 2024
Furthermore, in the past few days, information that WBG has a new Top and Jungle duo has also appeared. Experts in the LPL revealed that Breathe and Tarzan will join WBG in the upcoming season. In addition, other strong teams in the LPL all have full personnel in the Top Lane position. Therefore, the chance of TheShy returning is almost non-existent as of now. Not to mention, as mentioned, to be able to own TheShy, LPL teams must buy his livestream contract at an extremely high price. Therefore, the chance of TheShy returning is almost non-existent as of now.
WBG was revealed to be recruiting Breathe and Tarzan to prepare for LPL Summer 2024
It is important to know that TheShy is an extremely famous player in the LPL region. This guy's return to play in the LPL can attract an extremely large number of viewers. However, the above information shows that the LPL tournament can no longer rely on this player to “pull views” in the future. For the press at LPL, this is extremely bad information for this tournament.
“After WBG's new lineup was revealed, the rate of TheShy retiring increased rapidly. Currently, there is no information about this player's return and the situation is not positive at all. The most important point is that the top teams in LPL do not need TheShy and WBG is the most possible choice” – Trang Sohu concluded
“With the above list, at least the Group Stage and the first half of the playoffs of LPL Spring 2024 will not be as noticeable as this friendly tournament” – A gamer commented
“I believe that many people are now more interested in the “Veterans Cup” than the LPL. Maybe they will find a way to make the most of this and organize it twice a year” – Another player sarcastically commented on the unattractiveness of the LPL
To be fair, TheShy has had a successful career, winning Worlds and LPL as well as being extremely famous. This player himself had a serious injury and is not too young anymore, so retiring in the future is understandable. Of course, this will have negative impacts on LPL at present, especially in terms of viewers. However, this is also an opportunity for teams to find and build new stars instead of being too dependent on TheShy's popularity.