MSI champions RNG trade top laner Bin

In a recent surprise move, Chinese LPL team RNG have traded top laner Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin to Bilibili Gaming, receiving top laner Chen “Breathe” Chen in return.

Unlike in many traditional sports, player trades in esports are somewhat rare. Following the exchange, fans have questioned why RNG have decided to trade Bin just days after they won the MSI 2022.

RNG trade Bin

Bin joined RNG in December 2021 after a two-year stint with Weibo Gaming, formerly Suning, where he reached the Grand Final of Worlds 2020. With RNG, Bin secured his first-ever LPL title as the team qualified for MSI 2022. During the LPL Spring split, Bin was one of the best top laners in the league, posting the joint-fourth highest KDA at the position. At MSI, Bin recorded the highest KDA amongst top laners.

In statements released about the trade, neither RNG or Bilibili Gaming revealed why the trade had taken place. However, Chinese esports outlet HUPU Esports have claimed that this was a trade both teams had wanted to make during the winter transfer window prior to the Spring split.

Breathe joins RNG

The price for Bin was 21-year-old top laner Breathe, who has played for various LPL teams since 2019. He began his career in China’s top league with Oh My God, having played for their academy team, Oh My Dream. After three splits with OMG, Breathe joined Team WE ahead of the 2021 season. With Team WE, Breathe earned a third-place finish in Summer 2021, as well as Third Team All-Pro honors for the split.

Ahead of the 2022 Spring split, Breathe joined Bilibili as the team rebuilt its roster. The top laner had a solid split, earning the joint-fourth highest KDA at the position alongside Bin.

In a statement on Chinese social media site Weibo, RNG CEO Yao Jin-Cheng asked fans to welcome Breathe to the team.

“We got Bin from WBG through the normal transfer process. The swap between Bin and Breathe was made by the club with careful consideration. We will not harm the team nor be irresponsible to the players. See you in the summer split. The players are innocent, please encourage Breathe more. If you guys are really unsatisfied, please come and flame me.”

Only time will tell if these moves are successful. Heading into the Summer split, RNG are looking to maintain their hold on the league while Bilibili Gaming will look to secure their first-ever trip to an international tournament.

Header: Riot Games