Chinese Dota 2 Midlaner Paparazi Retires From Competitive Dota 2: All You Need To Know

In a surprising turn of events, Zhang “Paparazi” Chengjun, the renowned Chinese Dota 2 midlaner, has officially announced his retirement from competitive gaming. The news was shared with the community by Xtreme Gaming through a heartfelt post on the Chinese social media platform, Weibo. Paparazi’s departure from the professional Dota 2 scene marks the end of an illustrious eight-year career that has left an indelible mark on the esports world.

Paparazi’s Journey With Xtreme Gaming

Paparazi’s association with Xtreme Gaming began two years ago when he joined the organization as their midlane player. During his time with Xtreme Gaming, Paparazi demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to the team, winning the hearts of fans both in China and across the global Dota 2 community. Xtreme Gaming expressed their gratitude to the talented player for his invaluable contributions and memorable moments during his tenure with the team.

The Decision to Retire

According to Xtreme Gaming’s statement, Paparazi had expressed his desire to retire after The International 11 (TI11), which concluded in October. However, owing to a shortage of midlaners in China at the time, he chose to extend his stay with the team to support their competitive endeavors. Despite this extension, Paparazi’s health issues played a significant role in his decision to step away from competitive gaming.

Riyadh Masters 2023 and the Final Farewell

The recently concluded Riyadh Masters 2023 proved to be a poignant moment in Paparazi’s career. Prior to the event, Paparazi had once again requested Xtreme Gaming to release him and allow him to retire. However, in the spirit of teamwork and loyalty, he agreed to remain with the team after they were permitted only one roster change, which brought Zhao “XinQ” Zixing to the squad as a replacement for Hu “Kaka” Liangzhi.

During the Riyadh Masters 2023, Paparazi exhibited exceptional skills and commitment, despite the team facing challenges during the later stages of the group stage, leading to their eventual elimination from the tournament.

Paparazi’s Legacy in Dota 2

Throughout his impressive career, Paparazi made a significant impact on the competitive Dota 2 scene. He rose to fame during his time with Vici Gaming from 2017 to 2020, where he was recognized as one of China’s most mechanically proficient core players. His achievements included securing second place at ESL One Katowice 2018, third place at the MDL Changsha Major, and victories at DreamLeague Season 11, EPICENTRE Major 2019, and ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational Singapore. Additionally, he achieved an impressive 5th – 6th position at The International 2019.

Paparazi’s ability to excel in both the midlane and safelane roles showcased his versatility and prowess as a player. Despite his achievements, he remained humble and garnered a devoted fan following throughout his career.

Looking Ahead

As the curtain falls on Paparazi’s competitive journey, fans will cherish the memories of his exceptional performances and contributions to the Dota 2 community. While he bids farewell to the professional scene, the world of esports has seen many players return to competitive gaming after taking a break. As such, fans may witness the resurgence of Paparazi in the future, provided his health improves and his passion for the game continues to burn.

In the meantime, the Dota 2 community sends its best wishes to Paparazi for a fulfilling and prosperous future beyond the competitive realm. His legacy as a skilled and beloved midlaner will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the esports landscape.

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