by Yiliang ‘Doublelift’ Peng is making a comeback to competitive League of Legends with an all-star team, aiming for a spot in the 2025 North American Challengers League (NACL).
The former League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) champion, who retired twice in 2023, has assembled a roster of well-known players and streamers to compete in the NACL open qualifiers on March 1.
The team features familiar faces from Doublelift’s competitive past, including former TSM teammates Mingyi ‘Spica’ Lu and Vincent ‘Biofrost’ Wang, along with former Team Liquid teammate Eugene ‘Pobelter’ Park.
Popular League streamer Ashkan ‘TF Blade’ Homayouni rounds out the roster.
During a recent stream, Doublelift shared his excitement for the new squad and explained why he chose TF Blade.
He highlighted the streamer’s mechanical skill, large fanbase, and polarising persona as key factors that would bring more attention to their matches.
Despite forming a team capable of competing for an League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA) spot, Doublelift made it clear that his primary goal is content creation rather than returning to professional play.
“I have no interest in living the lifestyle of a pro player. Leena (my partner) and I are planning to get married and start a family,” he said.
“I want to enjoy my hobbies and interests outside of League of Legends.”
Sources: Doublelift is set to make a NACL OQ team.
Ashkan "TF Blade" Homayouni ????????
Mingyi "Spica" Lu ????
Eugene "Pobelter" Park ????
Yiliang "Peter" "Doublelift" Peng ????
Vincent "Biofrost" Wang ????????Their scrims will be streamed similar to what Los Ratones does. #NACL #LTA pic.twitter.com/uWp9hMcyJm
— LCS Eevee (@LCS_Eevee) February 12, 2025
If the team were to qualify for the LTA, Doublelift suggested he would likely step down rather than compete full-time.
The team will not have a dedicated coach but plans to invite guest coaches periodically, including notable figures like William ‘Meteos’ Hartman and Nick ‘LS’ De Cesare.
In addition to competing, Doublelift plans to stream all of their NACL Open Qualifier scrims live, starting on February 13 against Supernova.
This transparent approach, inspired by the European team Los Ratones, aims to engage fans and showcase their progress.
The NACL Open Qualifier will feature a double-elimination bracket with 64 teams, with the top three teams advancing to the NACL.
Success in the NACL would then provide an opportunity to compete in the Tier-1 Promotion Tournament for a chance to enter the LTA.
Doublelift and his team bring experience, star power, and entertainment value to the NACL qualifiers.
Fans can tune in to watch the action beginning March 1 and follow the team’s journey through live scrims starting February 13.
