Darshan and the LCS' Counter-Logic Gaming Part Ways

The competitive League of Legends top-laner formerly known as “ZionSpartan” seems to be hanging up his mouse after a storied career. 

Darshan “Darshan” Upadhyaya has been part of the Counter-Logic Gaming team since the fall of 2014, before more of today’s League of Legends pros were even old enough to play in the big leagues. Darshan hoped over to CLG after short stints with Team Coast, and Team Dignitas, and has been wearing the blue and white ever since. 

“From Day 1 I have been impressed with Darshan. Not only has he put in the tireless work to better himself in game, but he constantly seeks new perspectives to make himself a better man all around,” said Summer Scott, Head of Player Development for Counter-Logic Gaming. 

Though the prolific top-laner once helped bring two LCS Championships to the franchise, recent performances by CLG as a whole have been extremely lackluster. Because of this, there’s not a whole lot of surprise that CLG is moving forward without Darshan. 

The video announcing his departure is a sacred one. The classic and respectful farewell montage. It’s been a wild ride for Darshan in the North American professional League of Legends scene, and the franchise he has supported this whole time really did him right in his exit with this video. 

“Darshan pioneered his professional approach to Esports and helped forge the term Esport Athlete for all serious players. I can’t wait to see what he does next,” writes Weldon Green, Head Coach of Counter-Logic Gaming. 

On Twitter, Darshan expressed his thanks to the organization, and stated that he is open to opportunities in any region. He goes on to mention that he would be open to any role and position as well, including coaching. 

“That’s like, the strongest part of me, my desire to keep growing, keep learning and that’s why even though I’ve been a pro for so long I still won’t stop until I have that ultimate goal completed,” says Darshan at the top of the farewell video. 

There are a lot of teams out there that would greatly benefit from having an experienced player like Darshan in their line-up, or on their coaching team. Where will the two-time champ wind up? We’ll keep you posted as news develops.

 The 2019 LCS Summer Split is set to begin in the next few months once the international MSI 2019 tournament has concluded.