After more than a decade at the highest level in the LMS, LPL, PCS and LCS leagues, Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang, an emblematic figure of the competitive scene, announces the end of his career. From his triumphs with Flash Wolves to his ultimate return to PSG Talon, he left a lasting mark on League of Legends.
Maple bids farewell to the competitive scene
Maple’s journey began in 2013, when he joined the Gamania Bears before signing with the Flash Wolves, a team that would become the symbol of his success. With the Flash Wolves, he dominated the Taiwanese scene (LMS), winning multiple regional titles and becoming a feared threat on the international stage. Nicknamed the “Korean Killers”, the Flash Wolves distinguish themselves with unexpected victories against the big South Korean teams, and Maple, as a mid laner, is often at the heart of these exploits.
In 2018, Maple left the LMS to explore new horizons in China. With Suning Gaming then LNG Esports, he faced the competitive LPL scene, recognized as one of the most demanding in the world. Although these experiences are punctuated with uneven results, Maple once again demonstrates its ability to evolve in a high-level environment. In 2020, he returned to Southeast Asia to join PSG Talon. With this team, he returned to success, winning the PCS Spring and Summer 2021 and leading his team at the Worlds. His experience and leadership play a key role in these victories, confirming his veteran status.
The 2023 and 2024 seasons: a notable return to PSG Talon
After two relatively average splits in the LCS with Team SoloMid in 2022 and early 2023, Maple chooses to return to PSG Talon for the 2023 Summer Split. This return is motivated by his desire to return to a region that he knows and where he can fully exploit its potential. With PSG Talon, he won the summer season and led the team to the Worlds. Although the team did not manage to pass the group stage, Maple still stood out for its consistency and its impact in the decisive matches.
In 2024, Maple continues to carry PSG Talon on his shoulders. The team reached the PCS finals several times, but struggled to win in the face of the rise of new generations of players. At the 2024 Worlds, Maple and his team failed to advance past the play-ins, a disappointment for a player accustomed to the highest levels of competition. This year, however, marks the recognition of its resilience and its commitment in a demanding competitive environment.
An exemplary career and a lasting legacy
In ten years, Maple has played in the prestigious leagues of the League of Legends scene, from the LMS to the LPL, including the PCS and the LCS. More than a competitor, he was a true ambassador for the Southeast Asian scene, playing a key role in the region’s international recognition. His style of play, combining strategic intelligence and technical precision, has made him a reference for many midlaners, in Asia and beyond. His ability to adapt to the constant changes in the meta and the demands of different leagues has helped extend a career that far exceeds the usual longevity of professional players.
Maple leaves the scene with an impressive track record: multiple LMS and PCS titles, several Worlds participations, and a certain influence in Asia. He also played a role in popularizing League of Legends in Taiwan, inspiring a new generation of talent and laying the foundation for a competitive ecosystem within the region. Now 27 years old, and after a career full of accomplishments, Maple has chosen to turn the page. This decision marks the end of a major chapter for him, but also for the competitive League of Legends scene. He leaves the game with the unanimous respect of his peers and the community, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire players and fans across the world.
