EDward Gaming owner confirms Clearlove7 will "definitely play this month"

EDward Gaming’s Weibo has confirmed Ming “Clearlove7” Kai has returned to the main team practice room to train. Meanwhile, EDward Gaming owner, Edward Zhu, told fans on EDG’s app that Clearlove7 will “definitely play [in LPL] this month.”

A lot of discussion regarding junglers Clearlove7 and Zhao “Fireloli” Zhiming has cropped up on social media in the past five week of the Chinese League of Legends Pro League. Clearlove7, long-regarded as a top jungler in the league, has not returned to the main stage since he was heavily criticized for his performance at the 2016 World Championship. He has instead spent his time resting and streaming.

Meanwhile, Fireloli, previously regarded as an incredibly weak jungler, has found success starting for EDG. The team sits at the top of their group in the LPL. Last year, when Fireloli played the first week, EDG struggled significantly, losing most of their matches, until Clearlove7 returned in Week 2 for decisive 2-0 over Vici Gaming.

Since then, rumors have arisen that Clearlove7 has played in scrims, but has not shown strong results. The small debate regarding Fireloli or Clearlove7 in part revolves around wether or not Clearlove7’s style previously became too selfish. Many fans still ardently hope for his return, as Clearlove7’s legacy extends into the first season of League of Legends, and he has been a member of two of China’s most successful teams, Team WE and EDward Gaming.

You can follow Kelsey Moser on Twitter @karonmoser.