Invictus Gaming AD carry JackeyLove enters free agency

Chinese esports organization Invictus Gaming revealed that AD carry Yu “JackeyLove” Wen-Bo has entered free agency after his contract ended. The 2018 League of Legends World Championship team stated that they are in talks with the talented player and hope that he will renew his contract for the 2020 season. However, JackeyLove may be interested in joining another team after falling short at the most recent international League of Legends event.

JackeyLove in free agency

All of JackeyLove’s competitive history has been with Invictus Gaming in the Tencent League of Legends Pro League (LPL). While he switched over to Invictus Gaming Academy roster Young Glory in 2017, this could be the first time he switches organizations entirely. The 19-year-old has played an essential role in Invictus Gaming’s success in the past few seasons. The team has achieved multiple first-place finishes in the LPL. It is also well known for its defeat of European esports organization Fnatic in a 3 – 0 match record, to win the 2018 World Championships.

The team later fell to North American esports organization Team Liquid at the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational, but many initially attributed this to being overconfident. However, the team then placed 6th in the 2019 LPL Summer Split, with a 7 – 8th place finish in the Summer Split Playoffs. Invictus Gaming was able to take the victory in the LPL Regional Finals to qualify for a slot at Worlds. Unfortunately, the team then lost to fellow LPL team Fun Plus Phoenix 1 – 3, which resulted in them being eliminated in 3 – 4th place.

Changes to Invictus Gaming

Substitute top laner Lee “Duke” Ho-seong has already stated he would be leaving the roster. Coach Kim “Karam” Ga-ram also left the organization this week, after joining in March originally in the head coach position. Compared to many top players in the scene who are almost in their late 20s, JackeyLove is still very young.

Salaries for the LPL aren’t too public, but a Weibo recruitment post by JD Gaming in April noted that top players could earn nearly $1.5 million with the organization. JD Gaming is not on the same level as Invictus Gaming, which means that the salary range could be higher. In addition, Invictus Gaming is owned by Wang Sicong, the only son of Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin who boasted a net worth of $30.1 billion in 2018.

However, many players at that level may prefer championships over a salary increase instead. Will JackeyLove move organizations or continue with Invictus Gaming? Let us know about your opinion, and keep up with Daily Esports for all of your League of Legends coverage.