Top Esports are flying high this split, finishing first in the LPL regular season with Yu “
JackeyLove” Wen-Bo once again at the heart of their success. His performances have him tipped as the likely MVP, a reminder of why he’s long been considered the LPL’s premier AD carry since
Jian "Uzi" Zi-Hao's retirement.
Yet behind the spotlight, JackeyLove is facing a battle of a different kind. In
a recent livestream, the 2018 Worlds champion admitted that his future is unclear:
“I don’t know if I can keep going tomorrow,” he said, citing health concerns that have been building for years. "
My doctor told me the only thing I can do is play a games or two, get up, move around a little. But I can only take a couple of steps — my body has too many injuries."
Health issues behind the scenes
JackeyLove revealed he has been suffering from chronic tinnitus, a condition causing a constant ringing in the ears that disrupts sleep, focus, and overall mood. "Why do my ears hurt even without wearing headphones?" he asked. Doctors have urged him to rest more, avoid long sitting sessions, and reduce headphone use, which is practically impossible for a professional player.
With eight years of competition behind him, JackeyLove explained that after this season, he plans to undergo a full check-up. If he does step away, his priority will be recovery before deciding whether to pursue streaming or other ventures outside of pro play. "Honestly, even if I wanted to keep playing, I wouldn’t be able to do it for many more years. To be real with you, I still want to live a few more years," he said.
For the LPL, the possibility of losing JackeyLove is significant. His presence consistently drives attention and viewership, while for fans, he remains a symbol of an era that began with
Invictus Gaming’s Worlds victory in 2018. Whether he continues or chooses to retire, one thing is certain: his legacy as one of the region’s greatest carries is already secure.
Header Photo Credit: Riot Games/Colin Young-Wolff
