Apdo Returns to LoL, Reaches Challenger

Apdo Returns to League of Legends: From Military to Challenger

Jeong “Apdo” Sang-gil, better known as Dopa, has officially returned to the League of Legends scene— and in true Apdo fashion, he’s already climbing faster than anyone expected. After completing 18 months of mandatory service in the ROK Armed Forces, he reappeared on YouTube and CHZZK, bringing his sharp gameplay back to the spotlight. In just a few short weeks, despite over a year and a half away from Summoner’s Rift, Apdo is already within striking distance of Challenger rank on the ultra-competitive Korean server.

Fans tuning in to his streams will recognize familiar champions: his signature Twisted Fate and Orianna are once again on display. For long-time LoL enthusiasts, it feels less like a comeback and more like a continuation of an unfinished story.

Who Is Apdo, Also Known as Dopa? For newer players, it’s worth revisiting why Apdo is considered such a legendary figure in LoL history. Unlike most esports stars who built their reputation through official tournaments, Dopa rose to fame almost exclusively through solo queue. His dominance in the mid lane was unmatched, but what made him unique was his ability to reach Challenger with virtually any role. At one point, he managed to boost dozens—possibly hundreds—of accounts into the highest ranks, a feat that set him apart from the rest.

For context, a LoL boosting service is where high-level players push accounts into higher divisions, sometimes all the way to Challenger. What most people could only dream of achieving once, Apdo turned into a daily routine. That consistency and raw skill made him both admired and controversial.

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Dopa’s story took a dramatic turn in 2014 when he attempted to join the professional scene. His past involvement with boosting was uncovered, and Riot issued a lifetime ban from official competition. While this crushed his chances of standing on a Worlds stage, it didn’t stop him from dominating online ladders.

Instead, the controversy only made him more famous. Banned from official play but still free to stream, Apdo doubled down on what he did best: reaching the very top of solo queue. He climbed to rank 1 in both Korean and Chinese servers, sometimes in less than a month. These stunts became legendary, and he even pocketed 500,000 Yuan after one of his Chinese rank 1 runs.

His punishment also came with one of the most infamous bans in LoL history: 999 years from the Korean server. Rather than hurting his image, the ban actually gave his persona more mystique. Every new smurf account he created became an event, and viewers flocked to watch his climb.

From Booster to Streaming Icon As his reputation grew, Chinese streaming giant Huya offered him a contract complete with housing, assistants, and a translator. This move secured his financial future and he moved past the boosting business. With sponsorships and investments stacking up, Dopa no longer needed to grind accounts for profit. Unlike many professional League of Legends players who retire with uncertain futures, Apdo always seemed to keep one foot outside the game.

Having studied at Hongik University before his rise to fame, he now has the option to return to higher education if he chooses. It’s a rare position for someone whose career was built entirely on LoL.

Why His Return Matters

Apdo’s reappearance is more than just another streamer coming back. His ability to maintain top-level skill after such a long break is a reminder of why he’s often called the greatest solo queue player of all time. Where most players struggle after months away, he’s already proving that he can still boost his way to the top of the ladder.

For the community, his return injects a wave of nostalgia. Many players remember watching him crush games years ago, and now a new generation gets to see what made him so influential. Whether or not he chooses to pursue something beyond streaming, his story continues to be one of the most fascinating in League of Legends history.

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The return of Apdo is a moment that blends history, controversy, and pure skill. His past in LoL boosting, his legendary rank 1 climbs, and his ability to reinvent himself as a streaming figure make him one of the most unique personalities the game has ever seen. Now, with military service behind him, fans can once again watch him dominate the Rift, pushing toward Challenger as if he never left.

One thing is clear: no matter how many years pass, when Apdo logs in, the entire League of Legends community pays attention.

 

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