Wow, can you believe it? 😭 The 2026 competitive season is just getting started, and we've already received some heartbreaking news that's hitting the NA League of Legends community hard. After more than a decade of absolutely dominating the bot lane, the one and only Zaqueri "Aphromoo" Black has officially hung up his mouse and keyboard. 🎮 This isn't just another roster change, folks—this is the end of an entire chapter in LCS history. I still remember watching his plays back in the day, and to think he won't be on stage anymore... it feels surreal. The off-season was already wild with major moves, but this announcement truly marks the closing of a legendary career that shaped North American League from its early days.
The Official Farewell & What's Next 🎥
So, how did the man himself break the news? On a Wednesday evening, Aphromoo dropped a heartfelt video on his YouTube channel that had all of us feeling all the emotions. 😢 In it, he confirmed he won't be competing professionally for the 2026 season and is stepping away from the pro scene entirely. But don't worry, he's not disappearing! The streaming king is shifting his focus full-time to content creation. He gave a massive shoutout to every single fan who supported him through this incredible journey—seriously, the gratitude was palpable. He's super hyped about this new phase, planning to stream a variety of games like Valorant and Apex Legends. And for us League die-hards? He promised he'll still be playing and streaming our favorite MOBA, just not on the competitive stage. Phew! 🙏
A Career Timeline: From Humble Beginnings to Icon Status 📜
Let's take a walk down memory lane, shall we? Aphromoo's pro story began way back in 2011—that's ancient history in esports years! His early days were spent grinding with amateur squads like Team Rez and v8 eSports. What's fascinating is he didn't start as the support god we know today. Nope! He originally carved his path as an AD Carry, bouncing between several teams before making one of the most legendary decisions in LoL history.
Key Career Stops:
-
Counter Logic Gaming (CLG): This is where the magic happened and where he became a household name. He spent a whopping five years with the org, from 2012 to 2017.
-
Post-CLG Era: The latter part of his career saw him bring his leadership and skill to other major NA orgs:
-
💯 100 Thieves
-
⚔️ Dignitas
-
✈️ FlyQuest (his final team before retirement)
His final season with FlyQuest in 2025 was tough, with the team struggling to crack the top of the standings, but even then, his presence was always felt.
The Legacy of a Legend: Championships & The Infamous Role Swap 🏆
Talking about Aphromoo's impact isn't complete without mentioning his monumental role swap. Imagine being a successful AD Carry and then deciding, "You know what? Support is so easy." 😂 That iconic phrase from his legendary YouTube video became a meme and a battle cry before he officially transitioned to the support role. This wasn't just a change; it became one of the most successful role swaps in the entire history of League of Legends. He didn't just adapt; he redefined what a playmaking support could be in North America.
His trophy case speaks for itself:
-
LCS Champion (2015 Summer Playoffs) with CLG 🥇
-
LCS Champion (2016 Spring Playoffs) with CLG 🥇
But his legacy is so much more than silverware. He's remembered for his:
-
Unmatched Game IQ 🧠
-
Charismatic Leadership in-game and out 🔊
-
Pioneering Playmaking on engage supports 🛡️⚔️
He steps away not just as a champion, but as one of North America's most beloved and respected pro players ever.
The Void in the LCS & Looking Ahead 👀
So, what does the LCS look like without Aphromoo? It feels different, emptier. He was the last active player from that early 2010s era, a true bridge from the past to the present. As the 2026 season kicks off with new metas, new stars, and fresh rivalries, there's now a veteran-shaped hole in the support role that will be incredibly hard to fill. His retirement signals a true changing of the guard.
While we won't see him making game-winning engages on the LCS broadcast anymore, his influence will live on. Newer support players have literally grown up watching his VODs and trying to emulate his style. And for us fans? We get to enjoy a more relaxed, streaming-focused Aphromoo, which is a pretty sweet consolation prize. The game, and its community, will forever be marked by his contributions. Here's to the legend, Aphromoo! 🥂