Team Overview
Top Esports (TES), often referred to simply as "Topsports" or "TES," is one of the most explosive and talented League of Legends organizations to emerge from China's League of Legends Pro League (LPL) in the modern era. Based in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, the organization was founded in 2017 by Topsports, a subsidiary of Xtep International Holdings, one of China's leading sportswear and athletic footwear companies. The marriage between a traditional sports brand and esports was prescient, reflecting the growing convergence of athletic culture and competitive gaming in China.
TES entered the LPL by acquiring a league franchise slot during the league's franchising process in 2017, and for their first couple of seasons, the team operated in the lower half of the standings as they worked to establish their identity. Everything changed in 2019 when the organization signed Zhuo "knight" Ding, a prodigiously talented mid laner who had been developing in the LDL (League of Legends Development League). Knight's arrival transformed TES from a middling LPL squad into a genuine title contender. His mechanical brilliance, combined with an aggressive and decisive playstyle, immediately drew comparisons to the greatest mid laners in LPL history.
The true explosion of TES's competitive relevance came in 2020 when the organization completed a superteam roster by signing Yu "JackeyLove" Wen-Bo, the ADC prodigy who had won the 2018 World Championship with Invictus Gaming at just 17 years old. The combination of knight and JackeyLove gave TES arguably the most mechanically gifted duo lane pairing in the world at the time, and the results followed almost immediately. TES won the 2020 LPL Summer Championship and entered the 2020 World Championship as the tournament favorites, ultimately reaching the grand final before falling to DAMWON Gaming.
TES embodies the philosophy that defines LPL League of Legends: relentless aggression, mechanical outplay, and a willingness to force fights at every opportunity. While this style has sometimes led to inconsistency, it has also produced some of the most thrilling and memorable series in Chinese esports history. The organization's commitment to signing top-tier talent and their willingness to invest in building championship-caliber rosters has made them a permanent fixture in the upper echelon of the LPL.
Shenzhen itself is a fitting home for an esports organization. Known as China's "Silicon Valley," the city is the headquarters of tech giants like Tencent (which owns Riot Games and operates the LPL), Huawei, and DJI. The city's technology-forward culture, young demographic, and massive investment in digital entertainment infrastructure make it a natural hub for esports development. TES benefits from this ecosystem, drawing on Shenzhen's talent pool, corporate partnerships, and digital infrastructure to support their operations.
The organization's brand identity is built around a bold red color scheme and an aggressive visual identity that mirrors their playstyle. TES merchandise and content consistently rank among the most popular in the LPL, and the team has cultivated a passionate fanbase that spans across China and into the broader international community. Their fans are known for their vocal support and unwavering loyalty, even during periods when the team has struggled to convert regular season dominance into championship trophies.
Championship History
Top Esports' championship history is defined by explosive peaks of performance, dramatic tournament runs, and a persistent hunger for the ultimate prize that has driven the organization through periods of both triumph and heartbreak. While their trophy cabinet may not be the largest in the LPL, the quality and drama of their competitive achievements have earned TES a lasting place in Chinese esports lore.
2020 LPL Summer Championship — Crowning Moment
The 2020 LPL Summer Split represented the zenith of Top Esports' domestic achievements. With a roster featuring 369 in the top lane, Karsa in the jungle, knight in mid, JackeyLove at ADC, and yuyanjia on support, TES tore through the regular season with a dominant record. In the playoffs, TES dispatched Suning in a convincing series to claim the LPL Summer Championship, their first major domestic title. The victory validated the organization's investment in assembling a star-studded roster and cemented TES as China's number one seed heading into the 2020 World Championship. Knight was named the split MVP, recognizing his consistently outstanding performances throughout the season.
2020 World Championship — The Run to the Final
Top Esports entered the 2020 World Championship in Shanghai as the LPL's first seed and one of the tournament favorites. Their group stage performance was commanding, as TES topped their group with a combination of aggressive laning and decisive mid-game teamfighting that overwhelmed their opponents. In the quarterfinals, TES defeated Fnatic in a closely contested five-game series, with JackeyLove delivering clutch performances that reminded the world why he was considered one of the greatest ADC players alive.
The semifinals saw TES face Suning in an all-LPL clash that produced some of the most exciting League of Legends played that year. TES prevailed 3-1, advancing to the grand final against DAMWON Gaming. The finals, however, proved to be a step too far. DAMWON's suffocating vision control, superior jungle pathing from Canyon, and ShowMaker's world-class mid lane play overwhelmed TES in a 3-1 defeat. Despite the loss, the 2020 Worlds run remains the defining moment of Top Esports' organizational history and established them as a team capable of competing at the highest international level.
2020 Mid-Season Cup — International Debut
Earlier in 2020, TES participated in the Mid-Season Cup, a joint LPL-LCK tournament held as a replacement for the cancelled Mid-Season Invitational due to the global pandemic. TES reached the semifinals of the tournament, falling to eventual champions FunPlus Phoenix. While not a championship victory, the Mid-Season Cup gave TES valuable international experience that would serve them during their Worlds run later that year.
2022-2023 LPL Playoff Runs
Following the departure of JackeyLove and a period of roster reconstruction, TES remained competitive in the LPL through 2022 and 2023. The team reached multiple LPL playoff rounds, consistently finishing in the top four of the regular season standings. While they were unable to recapture the championship form of 2020, their sustained presence at the top of the LPL demonstrated the organization's commitment to maintaining a competitive roster and their deep institutional knowledge of what it takes to compete at the elite level of Chinese League of Legends.
Performance History
The following table presents Top Esports' year-by-year results across major competitions, illustrating the organization's trajectory from LPL newcomer to international contender.
| Year | LPL Result | International Result | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | LDL (Development League) | N/A | Organization founded; building initial roster |
| 2018 | Lower standings (Spring & Summer) | Did not qualify | First full LPL season; establishing identity |
| 2019 | Playoffs (Summer) | Did not qualify for Worlds | knight joins; TES becomes playoff contender |
| 2020 | LPL Champions (Summer) | Worlds Finalist (Lost 1-3 to DAMWON) | Peak roster with JackeyLove; best year in org history |
| 2021 | Playoffs (Spring & Summer) | Worlds Group Stage exit | Inconsistent international performance |
| 2022 | Top 4 (Spring & Summer) | Worlds Quarterfinals | Wayward joins top lane; roster transitions |
| 2023 | Top 4 (Summer) | Worlds Group Stage | Post-knight era; rebuilding around new core |
| 2024 | Playoffs contender | TBD | Continued roster development and LPL competition |
Notable Players
Top Esports has attracted and developed some of the most talented players in LPL history. The organization's willingness to invest in superstar talent has been a defining characteristic of their roster-building philosophy.
JackeyLove (Yu Wen-Bo) — ADC
JackeyLove is perhaps the most iconic player in Top Esports' history, despite arriving at the organization already as a World Champion. Born on November 18, 2000, JackeyLove burst onto the scene as the youngest member of Invictus Gaming's 2018 Worlds-winning roster, earning his championship at just 17 years old. When he joined TES in 2020, he brought with him a combination of mechanical brilliance, clutch gene, and fearless aggression that perfectly complemented knight's mid lane dominance.
JackeyLove's signature trait was his ability to turn seemingly lost teamfights with explosive mechanical outplays on champions like Ezreal, Kai'Sa, and Aphelios. His Kai'Sa play during the 2020 Worlds quarterfinals against Fnatic became iconic, as he repeatedly flashed into the enemy backline to secure kills that shifted the momentum of crucial teamfights. JackeyLove is widely considered one of the top three ADC players in LPL history, alongside Uzi and GALA, and his time at TES represents some of the most exciting League of Legends played in the LPL era.
knight (Zhuo Ding) — Mid Lane
Knight's story with Top Esports is one of a generational talent who elevated an entire organization. Joining TES in 2019 from the development league, knight immediately established himself as one of the most mechanically gifted mid laners the LPL had ever produced. His champion pool was virtually unlimited, his laning phase was oppressive, and his ability to generate advantages from the mid lane provided the foundation upon which TES built their entire gameplan.
During the 2020 LPL Summer split, knight was named the split MVP, averaging the highest damage share and gold share among all LPL mid laners while maintaining exceptional KDA ratios. His Syndra, Zoe, and LeBlanc were considered among the best in the world, and opponents often resorted to target-banning three mid lane champions against TES just to limit knight's impact. Knight departed TES after the 2022 season to join Bilibili Gaming, but his three-year tenure at TES defined the organization's golden era and established him as one of the greatest mid laners in Chinese League of Legends history.
369 (Bai Jia-Hao) — Top Lane
369 was a key member of Top Esports' roster during their most successful period, serving as the team's top laner from 2019 through 2022. Known for his versatility and ability to play both carry and tank champions at an elite level, 369 was often the unsung hero of TES's compositions. His Renekton and Jayce play during the 2020 Worlds run was exceptional, providing TES with the top lane pressure they needed to enable knight and JackeyLove to carry teamfights. 369 later moved to JD Gaming where he continued to be one of the LPL's premier top laners, winning the 2023 MSI championship.
Karsa (Hung Hao-Hsuan) — Jungle
The veteran Taiwanese jungler Karsa brought invaluable international experience and jungle pathing knowledge to TES during their 2020 championship run. Previously a member of Royal Never Give Up, Karsa's controlled and vision-oriented jungle style provided stability that balanced TES's aggressive solo laners. His ability to track the opposing jungler and secure neutral objectives was a critical component of TES's 2020 macro game. Karsa's tenure at TES demonstrated his adaptability and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest junglers to play in the LPL.
Tian (Gao Tian-Liang) — Jungle
Tian joined Top Esports after his legendary 2019 season with FunPlus Phoenix, where he won the World Championship and was named Finals MVP. While his time at TES was marked by periods of both brilliance and health-related absences, Tian brought a World Championship pedigree and aggressive ganking style that complemented TES's lane-dominant approach. His experience and shotcalling contributed to TES's continued competitiveness during the 2021-2022 seasons.
Infrastructure & Facilities
Top Esports operates a modern training facility in Shenzhen that reflects the city's reputation as a technology and innovation hub. The facility is equipped with high-performance gaming stations for each player, a dedicated analysis room for VOD review and strategy sessions, and a content production studio for the organization's growing media output. TES benefits from Shenzhen's advanced telecommunications infrastructure, which provides the low-latency internet connections essential for competitive practice.
The organization's parent company, Xtep International, brings corporate resources and operational expertise that many esports organizations lack. This backing provides TES with financial stability, professional management structures, and access to Xtep's marketing and branding capabilities. The synergy between a traditional sportswear brand and an esports organization has allowed TES to create unique cross-promotional opportunities, including limited edition TES-branded athletic wear and collaborative content that bridges the gap between traditional sports fans and esports audiences.
TES competes in the LPL, which hosts its matches from a dedicated broadcast studio in Shanghai. For home matches, TES players travel to Shanghai for match days, a common arrangement in the LPL's centralized format. The LPL has been exploring regionalized home-and-away formats, and Shenzhen's status as one of China's largest and most prosperous cities positions TES well for any future expansion of localized LPL events. The city's Universiade Sports Centre and other modern venues could serve as potential esports event locations as the industry continues to grow in the region.
Player welfare at TES includes dormitory-style housing near the training facility, access to coaching staff and analysts, and physical fitness programs. The organization has invested in sports psychology resources, recognizing the mental demands of competing at the top level of the LPL, one of the most competitive and stressful esports leagues in the world with its grueling schedule of regular season matches, training scrimmages, and international events.
Top Esports Infrastructure Summary
- Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Training Facility: Modern esports center with individual practice stations
- Match Venue: LPL Studio, Shanghai (centralized league format)
- Parent Company: Xtep International Holdings (sportswear conglomerate)
- Support Staff: Coaches, analysts, sports psychologist, fitness trainers
- Player Housing: Team dormitory in Shenzhen
Geographic Influence Score
EsportsAtlas assigns each team a Geographic Influence Score (GIS) based on regional dominance, international performance, player development and export rate, fan base reach, infrastructure investment, and cultural impact on the local esports ecosystem. Top Esports' GIS reflects their status as one of the LPL's most prominent organizations operating from one of China's most important cities.
Top Esports' geographic influence is anchored in Shenzhen's unique position as China's technology capital. The city's proximity to Hong Kong, its role as headquarters to Tencent (the parent company of Riot Games), and its massive young professional population create a fertile environment for esports growth. TES serves as the primary esports brand associated with Shenzhen, giving them a geographic identity that distinguishes them from the many LPL teams based in Shanghai or other Chinese cities.
Internationally, TES's brand recognition was significantly boosted by their 2020 Worlds finals appearance. The global broadcast of the Worlds finals exposed TES to millions of viewers outside China, establishing brand awareness in Europe, North America, Korea, and Southeast Asia. JackeyLove and knight became internationally recognized names, and TES merchandise began appearing in global esports retail channels. However, the organization's international influence remains below that of LPL peers like Royal Never Give Up or EDward Gaming, who have achieved Worlds titles and sustained multi-year international presence.
Top Esports Geographic Influence Score Breakdown
- Regional Dominance: 78/100 — LPL champion, consistent playoff team
- International Performance: 75/100 — 2020 Worlds finalist, multiple Worlds appearances
- Player Development: 72/100 — Developed knight; attracts top free agents
- Fan Base Reach: 80/100 — Large Chinese fanbase; growing international following
- Infrastructure Investment: 77/100 — Modern facility backed by Xtep resources
- Cultural Impact: 74/100 — Primary esports brand of Shenzhen tech city
- Overall GIS: 76/100
Rivalries
Top Esports' rivalries reflect the intense competitive landscape of the LPL, where multiple superteams vie for domestic supremacy and the right to represent China on the international stage. TES's matchups against fellow LPL powerhouses have produced some of the most memorable series in Chinese League of Legends history.
Top Esports vs. JD Gaming
The TES vs. JDG rivalry intensified dramatically during the 2020-2023 era, as both organizations fielded star-studded rosters competing for LPL supremacy. The rivalry took on an additional dimension when TES top laner 369 transferred to JDG, creating a direct narrative thread between the two teams. Their playoff matchups have been characterized by explosive teamfighting, razor-thin margins, and the kind of mechanical showcases that define LPL League of Legends. Both organizations represent the aggressive, fight-heavy playstyle that has made the LPL the most entertaining league to watch globally.
Top Esports vs. EDward Gaming
The rivalry between TES and EDward Gaming (EDG) is rooted in the competition between China's premier LPL organizations. EDG's 2021 World Championship victory and their sustained domestic excellence have made them a measuring stick against which TES constantly competes. The matchups between TES and EDG often feature contrasting styles: TES's explosive aggression against EDG's more controlled and strategic approach. Their regular season and playoff clashes have been appointment viewing for LPL fans.
Top Esports vs. DAMWON Gaming (Dplus KIA)
The international rivalry between TES and DAMWON Gaming was forged in the crucible of the 2020 World Championship finals. DAMWON's dominant 3-1 victory over TES denied China another Worlds title and established the Korean team as the world's best. The rivalry represents the broader LPL vs. LCK narrative that has defined international League of Legends competition for the past decade. While the two teams have had limited direct matchups since 2020, their Worlds finals clash remains one of the most significant international series in esports history.
Current Roster
Top Esports continues to field a competitive roster in the LPL, maintaining their commitment to attracting talented players and competing for domestic titles. The organization's roster philosophy has evolved from the superteam approach of 2020 toward a more balanced strategy that emphasizes player development alongside veteran leadership.
Top Esports League of Legends Roster (2024-2025 Season)
- Top Lane: Qingtian
- Jungle: Tian (Gao Tian-Liang)
- Mid Lane: Creme
- ADC: Jackeylove (Yu Wen-Bo)
- Support: Meiko (Tian Ye)
- Head Coach: Homme (Baek Sung-jin)
The current roster blends experienced veterans with developing talent, reflecting TES's dual commitment to competing for titles today while building for the future. The coaching staff, led by experienced figures from the LPL coaching ranks, provides the strategic framework that allows TES's mechanically gifted players to maximize their impact in games.
TES's academy team continues to operate in the LDL (League of Legends Development League), serving as a pipeline for future talent. The organization has historically been more reliant on free agent signings than academy development, but recent investments in their development infrastructure suggest a growing emphasis on homegrown talent that could shape the team's competitive direction in the coming years.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Top Esports' legacy in Chinese esports is built on moments of breathtaking competitive drama and the star power of their marquee players. While the organization has yet to claim the ultimate prize of a World Championship, their 2020 Worlds finals appearance and their sustained presence at the top of the LPL have earned them a place among China's most respected esports brands.
The organization's impact extends beyond the competitive server. TES has been a significant contributor to the narrative tapestry of the LPL, providing storylines that have captivated millions of Chinese esports fans. The JackeyLove transfer saga, knight's rise from development league prospect to world-class mid laner, and the team's dramatic playoff runs have all become foundational stories in LPL lore. These narratives resonate deeply in China's massive esports viewing audience, which numbers in the hundreds of millions.
TES's connection to Shenzhen gives the organization a unique geographic identity within the LPL. As the primary esports brand associated with one of China's most important and fastest-growing cities, TES carries the aspirations of Shenzhen's tech-savvy population. The city's government has actively promoted esports as part of its digital economy strategy, and TES's success contributes to Shenzhen's growing reputation as an esports destination within China.
"Top Esports at their peak represented everything that makes LPL League of Legends special: fearless aggression, individual mechanical brilliance, and the belief that any teamfight can be won if you have the hands to make the play." — LPL broadcast analysis
Looking forward, Top Esports remains committed to competing for championships in the LPL and on the international stage. The organization's financial backing from Xtep International, their established infrastructure in Shenzhen, and their track record of attracting top-tier talent position them well for continued relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of Chinese esports. The quest for a World Championship remains the organization's ultimate goal, and the memory of that 2020 Worlds finals — so close to glory — continues to drive TES's competitive ambitions.