FPX Milkyway emerged seemingly out of nowhere, propelling an ailing FPX back to LPL prominence, and he’s swiftly gaining recognition from League of Legends players worldwide for his jungle prowess. But where did he originate, and what makes him such a standout player?
Every so often, a young rookie enters the well-established League of Legends meta and completely alters its course. They don’t rely on personality or flashy playstyles to stand out; instead, they let their performance do the talking.
In 2013, Faker epitomized this rookie phenomenon. In 2017, it was Caps. And now, in 2024, Cai ‘Milkyway’ Zi-Jun is poised to follow suit, given his current level of performance.
In a meta where most junglers focus on enabling their team, securing objectives, and setting up their laners for success, Milkyway has distinguished himself by becoming the win condition, carrying an entire team on his shoulders.
But where did this emerging superstar come from, and what sets him apart?
MARKED FOR GREATNESS
Like all great League players before him, Milkyway first made his mark in solo queue. Even as he competes in the LPL, he maintains a ranking of 96th in Korean solo queue, known for his proficiency in playing hard carry junglers.
While currently excelling with Lee Sin, his previous main champion, Kindred, speaks volumes about his playstyle. Kindred’s kit demands strategic target selection and jungle invasions to position herself as the game’s carry—a playstyle that conditions a mentality essential for solo carrying matches.
With numerous changes to the jungle role over recent years, rewarding junglers less for counter-jungling, Milkyway’s focus on countering opponents sets him apart. Whether through aggressive counter-jungling, counter-ganking, or objective control, he consistently makes decisions that maximize his team’s chances of victory.
DRAGGING FPX BACK INTO RELEVANCE
FPX’s current roster lacks star power, with players like Xiaolaohu and Care, scouted and brought into the pro league by FunPlus Phoenix, yet not standing out as regional stars before joining the team.
Deokdam and Life, both LCK veterans, faced their own challenges before joining FPX, with Deokdam struggling to meet expectations following an impressive debut with Nongshim RedForce in 2021.
Despite these circumstances, Milkyway chose to become the reliable win condition for FPX during their struggles, a decision that has paid off handsomely.
FPX’s new star jungler Milkyway has already achieved 100 kills at a remarkable pace, alongside earning both MVPs today. How high will his ceiling go?” pic.twitter.com/m3Gse1UI6B
— LPL (@lplenglish) March 3, 2024
While proficient with frontline and engage-oriented champions, Milkyway and FPX truly shine when he plays carries. Despite not leading in every statistical category, he maintains remarkable performance across the board.
With the second-highest kill participation, third-highest damage per minute, nearly five kills per match on average, and a KDA over 5, Milkyway demonstrates exceptional strength in all facets of the game, all while maintaining a high CS per minute.
Milkyway’s versatility and dominance on the map, coupled with his ability to pressure opponents without sacrificing early game impact, set him apart as a formidable force. Even when all lanes are struggling, he can single-handedly turn the tide of a game.
Best rookie debut of all time in LPL.
It’s such an insanely mindblowing demon run.
Milkyway cannot lose
— Christian Rivera (@IWDominate) March 11, 2024
His performance has garnered praise from analysts and pro players alike, with many believing he can lead FPX to international success.
MILKYWAY IS AN ALL-TIME GREAT IN THE MAKING
Milkyway’s debut split has been hailed as one of the best rookie runs in League of Legends history, with his impact felt immediately upon joining FPX. His ability to excel across multiple playstyles, disregarding meta constraints, is a testament to his skill and adaptability.
Despite being a driving force behind FPX’s resurgence, Milkyway remains humble, consistently uplifting his teammates and fostering a positive team environment. While fans may view him as a one-man army, he refuses to undermine his team’s contributions.
Q: Do you know the “Protect the Milky Way Team” meme? What are your thoughts?
milkyway: I want to thank the fans first for their love, but I think our teamwork and synergy is a bit more precious than this meme
Xiaolaohu: Plus one
Care: Plus two
Deokdam: Plus three
Life: Plus four pic.twitter.com/UnYSA2O6hZ
— Linda Pro League 🦦 (@iCrystalization) March 15, 2024
Milkyway’s impact extends beyond individual performance; he has helped elevate his team’s confidence and performance level, enabling them to explore diverse strategies and playstyles with success.
In a manner reminiscent of T1’s dependency on Faker, FPX’s fortunes seem tied to Milkyway’s presence. His role as the team’s linchpin is undeniable, even if he and Faker occupy different positions.
With FPX dominating recent matches, the prospect of facing off against T1’s Faker at MSI 2024 looms large. Whether this matchup materializes remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Milkyway’s meteoric rise exemplifies the transformative potential of exceptional talent in League of Legends.