Although we are nearing the end of the offseason, surprises are still coming to light. Case in point: 2022 Mid-Season Invitational winners Royal Never Give Up.
On May 1, 2022, Royal Never Give Up announced on Twitter that they have acquired top laner Chen "Breathe" Chen, meaning that Chen "Bin" Ze-Bin would be traded in the opposite direction.
It was only one split, but in our time together we managed to win LPL and MSI with you. Farewell Bin and good luck with @BilibiliGaming! pic.twitter.com/uLPenSbvFd
— Royal Never Give Up (@RNG) June 1, 2022
The move shocked the community as it happened three days after RNG beat fierce rivals T1 to win MSI. Bin was a key player during RNG’s run, and no one expected his trade to occur. However, we now know now why he wasn't looking happy when they won against T1.
Bin’s surprising departure follows success
Bin after winning MSI
— Erik Wessén (@Treatz) May 29, 2022
Gigachad energy pic.twitter.com/5FKk8ikquH
Bin joined Royal Never Give Up before the start of the LPL 2022 Spring split, and he won every tournament that he played. RNG outsmarted everyone in China and won the title after a tough 3-2 series against TES.
The triumph secured them a spot for the 2022 Mid-Season Invitational, and Bin's second international tournament attendance after the 2021 World Championship finals. The player impressed throughout the competition, and his Gwen was a nightmare for his opponents.
Source: Royal Never Give Up
Speculations: why did this trade happen?
RNG had an identical 2021 where they won the LPL spring split and MSI, but they failed to impress at Worlds. This change provides them a fresh start before the summer split, allowing the team to explore a different playstyle and prevent past mistakes from recurring.
In truth, rumor has it that BiliBili Gaming bought Bin in early 2022 but traded him to RNG for a split to secure Uzi's arrival. However, after seeing Bin's level at MSI, they allegedly used all available resources to reclaim him, and to contend for a Worlds spot.
For those who don't know:
— wnteh0077 (@wnteh0077) June 1, 2022
Bin's contract at the beginning of this year was with BLG, and RNG used Uzi's commercial contract to make a deal with BLG, and now BLG wants Bin back
