What if I told you that the future of competitive gaming is barely old enough to order a drink? Recent research reveals that the average League of Legends player is just 21.2 years old, a number that not only highlights the youthfulness of esports but also raises intriguing questions about what it means to be a player in this vibrant and dynamic industry. As professional athletes in this arena often retire just as they hit their mid-twenties, the rapid turnover paints a picture of a landscape where youth reigns supreme, and experience is measured in the short, exhilarating games of one of the world’s most popular online titles.
The Average Age of League of Legends Players
Recent findings from a report by ESPN reveal a striking trend: the average age of players in esports is considerably younger than those in traditional sports. Specifically, League of Legends players fall at the lower end of this spectrum, with an average age of just 21.2 years. This youthful demographic is notable, especially when many professional players in the League of Legends scene often retire before they even reach 25 years of age.
Interestingly, the few players who remain active in competitions often exceed this typical age bracket, with the vast majority being 25 and older. The only exception among prominent players is one who has transitioned into coaching after retiring at the age of 27. As of now, there have been no announcements regarding imminent retirements from any of the active players, and some athletes might opt to continue their professional journeys in League of Legends into their 30s.
Current Active Players and Their Ages
7. Solo
Date of Birth: May 26, 1993 Current Age: 24 (turning 25 in May) Real Name: Colin Earnest Country of Origin: USA Current Team/Role: Clutch Gaming/Top
Colin “Solo” Earnest, who previously played under the moniker TheSoloKing, has made a swift ascent in the professional League of Legends landscape, approaching the anticipated retirement age for gamers. He kickstarted his professional journey in 2014 with Zenith eSports. Following a shift in team dynamics, he joined Cloud9 Tempest, a sister team of Cloud9. Although his initial season in 2015 saw the team disqualified over rule violations, Solo continued to uphold his presence in the League, playing for various teams, including Ember, Echo Fox, Team Liquid Academy, Gold Coin United, and Clutch Gaming.
6. Hai
Date of Birth: September 20, 1992 Current Age: 25 (turning 26 in September) Real Name: Hai Du Lam Country of Origin: USA Current Team/Role: Golden Guardians/Mid
Hai Du Lam’s gaming journey began in the high school realms of Counter Strike and Warcraft III, eventually leading him to become a notable figure in the League of Legends community during his college years. He climbed to a commendable No. 5 ranking on the Solo Queue ladder, which facilitated the formation of his own team, nFear Gaming, and its subsequent acquisition by Orbit Gaming. Hai has donned various roles, primarily as mid-laner, while also gaining notoriety for his play as a support and jungler. After a brief retirement due to wrist injuries, he rejoined Cloud9, solidifying his place in the competitive scene.
5. Aphromoo
Date of Birth: September 8, 1992 Current Age: 25 (turning 26 in September) Real Name: Zaqueri Black Country of Origin: USA Current Team/Role: 100 Thieves/Support
Zaqueri “Aphromoo” Black has emerged as another seasoned player on the brink of becoming “old” in the competitive gaming environment. Entering the world of League of Legends in 2011, he quickly demonstrated his skills, achieving the top rank on the North American server shortly thereafter. Gaining initial fame through his time at v8 eSports, Aphromoo has become influential in popularizing the support role, particularly noted for his prowess as Leona. His career has spanned several teams, culminating in his recent association with 100 Thieves.
4. Flame
Date of Birth: August 13, 1992 Current Age: 25 (turning 26 in August) Real Name: Lee Ho-jong Country of Origin: South Korea Current Team/Role: FlyQuest/Top
Lee “Flame” Ho-jong is among the players who closely match the average retirement age yet shows no inclination to step away from the game. His League of Legends journey commenced in 2012, leading to early professional engagements after impressing scouts in Seoul. With remarkable top-lane skills, he has earned the nickname “Pilot,” illustrating his ability to lead his team to victories. Notably, the term “Flame Horizon” originated from his gameplay, signifying a substantial CS advantage over opponents.
3. Xmithie
Date of Birth: May 10, 1991 Current Age: 26 (turning 27 in May) Real Name: Jake Puchero Country of Origin: Born in the Philippines, residing in USA Current Team/Role: Team Liquid/Jungler
Jake “Xmithie” Puchero, another veteran player in the League of Legends arena, began his career after moving to the USA at 16. Venturing into League of Legends in 2011, he swiftly catapulted to the upper tiers of competitive play, catching the eyes of major teams by 2012. Over the years, Puchero has experienced a range of team dynamics, finding stability with Team Liquid since November 2017, although his career also included moments of controversy, such as a temporary ELO boosting ban in 2013.
2. Heart
Date of Birth: December 13, 1988 Current Age: 29 (turning 30 in December, retired at 27) Real Name: Lee Gwan-hyung Country of Origin: South Korea Current Team/Role: Royal Never Give Up/Coach (former Support and Jungler)
Lee “Heart” Gwan-hyung retired from professional play at 27, making him one of the more seasoned figures in League of Legends history. His journey, beginning as ‘Nyang’ in 2012, involved considerable success across multiple teams, eventually leading to a coaching role for Royal Never Give Up after a brief hiatus. His career featured stints on teams that made significant strides in competitions, proving that skill and experience can shape a lasting legacy in esports.
1. LemonNation
Date of Birth: June 15, 1989 Current Age: 28 (turning 29 in June) Real Name: Daerek Hart Country of Origin: USA Current Team/Role: OpTic Gaming/Support
Daerek “LemonNation” Hart stands as the oldest active League of Legends player with verified credentials. Known predominantly for his role as a support player with Cloud9, Hart’s professional gaming career initiated in 2012 and included a series of notable team formations. After a hiatus from active play, he returned in 2017 and has maintained his position with OpTic Gaming since early 2018, illustrating that age can coexist with top-level competitive play in the esports arena.
