Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao is a former LPL Champion, and now he’s forming a Wild Rift team. Sounds like he’s creating his own esports org in China, named “Ultra Fantastic Gaming”, shortened into UFG. It’s certainly a standout name, that’s for sure. He’s not going into this venture alone though. A popular Chinese singer, Fan Chengcheng co-founded UFG with him, and they’re getting a start in Riot’s mobile MOBA, Wild Rift. In China, it’s going to be known as League Mobile, and will supposedly release later this year by Tencent.
Uzi’s not the first to start prepping a Wild Rift team either, but this is the first team to come out of the LPL that we’ve seen. T1 has also started getting ready in the LCK.
Do You Have What It Takes?
We imagine this is only open to players in China, or people that can legally relocate to China. Wild Rift isn’t live in China yet, but it’s not a shock to see people like Uzi start preparing a team. After all, Uzi was quite the player in the LPL. He won three LPL splits, a Mid-Season Invitational, and the Asian Games. If you combine that with a pair of second-place finishes in Worlds (Season 3, 4), he’s a player with quite a lot of experience.
So it’s not a shock to see Uzi and Chengcheng start with a Wild Rift team. Sure it’s not live, but there are apparently plans in place for a serious esports scene, courtesy of TJ Sports (runner of the LPL in China). Right now, there are a few ways to get into Wild Rift in China: The national competition, the LPL, and the Influencer path. We have yet to see what path Uzi will take his team on, but likely national competition.
How do you qualify to try and join this team?
- At least 16 years old
- Team Awareness
- Ability to handle stress
- Proven proficiency in League Mobile or Kings of Glory.
If you have what it takes, you can send in an application (no fees). There will be a minimum salary – 6,000 Chinese Yuan (~922 USD), and there is no higher cap. So it sounds like if the team succeeds, they can make more. There will also be professional training and coaching provided for the players selected for the team. UFG had this to say on Weibo:
“@UziQAQ and @范丞丞Adam0616 formally established the UFG e-sports club. The mobile game division of UFG League of Legends is recruiting professional players. If you are talented in e-sports and have a professional dream, if you want to stand on a bigger stage, UFG will provide you with the opportunity to realize your dreams and look forward to your joining! Eligible friends please send your resume to the mailbox, and we will contact you according to the actual situation.”
We are curious to see if Uzi picks up unknowns, up-and-coming mobile stars, or former LPL pros to join his team. It’s certainly a bold move to get started early.
Source: https://www.esportstalk.com/news/lol-pro-uzi-launches-wild-rift-team-starts-recruiting/
