A chapter closes in the history of Bilibili Gaming. AD Carry Zhao "Elk" Jiahao is leaving the Chinese organisation after three years with the team, as announced by BLG on its social platforms. Elk was present throughout BLG’s rise as one of the strongest teams in the LPL, up until the profound disappointment of the latest Worlds campaign.

At the same time, Bilibili Gaming also announced the contract extension of two of its players through 2027. Despite rumours suggesting his departure, Luo "ON" Wenjun will remain with the team, as will Zhuo "knight" Ding, who has re-signed for two additional years.

A necessary change?

The core of Bilibili Gaming is losing another of its key components. After the departure of Peng "XUN" Lixun last year, Elk now follows. Only ON and Chen "Bin" Zebin remain from the roster that made such a strong impression in 2023. Joining that same year, Elk was initially overshadowed in the league by JD Gaming’s dominance and by his positional counterpart, Park "Ruler" Jae-hyuk. The following season, however, he established himself as one of the world’s premier AD Carries, winning both LPL titles—earning Finals MVP in Spring—and reaching the final of both international events.

This year proved far more difficult for him and for the team. A roster change in the jungle failed to yield the expected results, and a bot lane that could no longer dominate contributed to BLG ending its season with an exit in the Swiss Stage at Worlds. According to reports, Park "Viper" Do-hyeon is expected to replace Elk next year, which would undoubtedly represent an upgrade for BLG.

The end of the Elk–ON duo

This move marks the end of a botlane that ranked among the world’s best for three years. Elk and ON part ways after a final season in which, much like their Worlds performance, they struggled to assert their usual level of control. ON remains with the team and will be paired with a new AD Carry next year. Midlaner knight will also continue with the organisation. The multi-title LPL champion faced his own difficulties this season, despite a strong Split 3 in which he appeared to regain form, earning Finals MVP. Further announcements from BLG regarding additional changes are expected soon.

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.