DL should not be on the Analyst Desk

Rhlax·Aug 26, 2014·6 votes·1,601 views

Doublelift is one of the most popular players in League, but he lacks the maturity to represent League of Legends players on the big stage. This may be an highly unpopular opinion, but I want share my reasons.

**History ** Doublelift is sort of a hero in that he rebelled against his parents and had success. His unique story captivated many people. From moving in with Travis to becoming a star in League, he is filled with intrigue and drama. He is not afraid to voice his opinions, and combined with his unique story makes an extremely popular personality.

But What ESports and Worlds means to me It is not about entertainment. Entertainment is the icing on the cake. ESport to me is about people of different countries coming together to spectate an event. World Cup Soccer is questionable in its entertainment values, but the way it unites people, has gained respect of many people of every culture. Part of our brain seeks this unity. Not only that, it is the competition. It is putting hard work and seeing it come to fruition. Watching Curse improve recently is really awesome. Their hard work has paid off and I feel happy for them.

**Doublelift lacks humility and professionalism ** Having watched numerous interview of Doublelift, including Chasing the Cup, I can say that without a doubt DL is entertaining. At the same time, I feel that DL lacks the maturity to be a good leader. The way he treats his own teammates, particularly in Chasing the Cup along with his personal slogan "everyone's trash" showcase the kind of immature sort of personality. Whilst entertaining at times, I cannot say such personality is a good fit for Worlds. Worlds is where League showcases the game to the world. Do we really want someone like DL to represent our game? As a someone who perhaps older than the average League audience, I'd much prefer someone like Deficio, Phreak, Kobe, Krepo as analysts. There are many choices. DOE, Monte, Zionspartan, and many other candidate can provide good analysis whilst maintaining a level of professionalism.

The Doublelift Show Taking DL out of the analyst desk would be a move that is highly controversial. For entertainment values, I think DL could have his own show in Worlds. He can be guffy and silly in his show that pre-recorded.

10 Comments

Old Man TeetoAug 26, 20147 votes

It is not about entertainment.

That is literally what everything related to League is to all but Riot Employee's and pro players.

You watch sports, for Entertainment. You watch League, for Entertainment.

Doublelift is a great analyst, but I hope Krepo is there as well.

RhlaxAug 27, 20141 votes

You watch League, for Entertainment.

Whilst entertainment is very important, I believe it is less so for Worlds. Worlds to me is like Olympics, and the gathering of different nations and the competitive spirit are more valuable than entertainment. Without a doubt, entertainment is important, as otherwise it would be a bedtime gathering?

Doublelift is a great analyst, but I hope Krepo is there as well.

I'm not saying DL isn't a great analyst. The fact is, there are other 'great analyst' in the League community, so why should DL continue get the spotlight? I strongly believe that other candidate outside of Doublelift and even Monte can create an entertaining analyst desk.

Lastly, I would like to point out the so called "BEST AD NA" has little success in competitive League, and the way he treats his teammates is not good. See for yourself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7UvgYccz0c

AzurrAug 26, 20143 votes

I am in 100% agreement with OP and I find arguments to the contrary to be entirely uncompelling.

There are a ton of people who could do a great job on the caster desk, given the opportunity. We already saw DL last year, what could he bring this year that's new?

I hope that Riot already knows the wisdom of this.

RhlaxAug 27, 20141 votes

There are a ton of people who could do a great job on the caster desk, given the opportunity.

This. I strongly believe that some people just need an opportunity to shine. DL was great, but lets give another person a chance to shine?

12talesAug 26, 20142 votes

Doublelift's been relatively upfront about the fact that he regrets his decision to market himself as he did. The decision to portray himself as immature and unprofessional was out of a desire to imitate the most popular personalities that he saw in the esports scene, not an attempt to convey his true character.

I see him as an iconic, relatively knowledgeable player with extensive experience in esports - more or less a perfect fit for providing commentary on the happenings of an international tournament. You have to remember that worlds is only going to last for a few weeks; a personality that everyone is already familiar with is easy to assimilate and utilize, while a less iconic player would require a period of introduction and testing that the short time frame might not allow.

MarijumanaAug 26, 20142 votes

Doublelift is actually a really humble guy as of late. I really do think he regrets his immature persona.

AbiwonKenabiAug 26, 20142 votes

While I definitely see where you're coming from, I think Doublelift has greatly matured in the short time he's been a pro League player. He still has some growing up to do, but already I see him insulting others less and giving respect where respect is due. He still "trash talks" yes, but its now obvious that its all in good fun, as opposed to before where he was kind of a jerk.

This opinion is coming from someone who used to greatly dislike him and everyone on CLG. Lately though, Doublelift gives some of the best--most informative but also entertaining--interviews. I would say I'm a fan of his now. Just look at his behavior at All-Stars: he was stoked to be playing with MadLife, one of the most respected players, and ended up befriending somebody who lives on the other side of the world. I'd say that's definitely an example of unifying League fans/players around the world when a well-known NA braggart still respects and befriends a modest, extremely skilled Korean support. MadLift4lyfe

EssilynAug 27, 20142 votes

I would like Krepo for analysis and pr0lly for commentating. It would be amazing.

KittensGCSAug 26, 20141 votes

I couldn't agree less with the OP.

I too am older than most of the player base (over 40).

Also, I am not a fan of CLG at all. That said, I have actually come to enjoy DL as an analyst. He is very knowledgeable, and is opinionated. Two qualities that tend to make entertaining analysts. I would actually like to see him move into an analyst job full-time. (CLG is trash anyways! :P )

Usernamehere1235Aug 31, 20141 votes

MonteCristo is just as bad a choice. You shouldn't have someone who participates and voices his negative opinions on teams in North America. We need bias.
To be honest, an analyst desk is just stupid. If it was important to Worlds, it wouldn't be as bad as it is. Maybe they'll improve on it for Season 4, but it's showing in Season 3 was nothing but a filler between games that gave no useful insight.