Chen “Breathe” Chen is a Chinese professional League of Legends player known for his role as a top-laner in the LPL (League of Legends Pro League). Breathe has built a reputation for his consistency, mechanical skill, and ability to play a wide variety of champions at a high level, making him one of the standout top-laners in the Chinese league.
Career and Rise:
Breathe began his career under the in-game name Curse and later rebranded to Breathe. He gained prominence during his time with Suning Gaming (now Weibo Gaming), where he showcased his mechanical prowess and versatility in the top lane. His performances soon attracted attention from top LPL organizations, leading to his recruitment by Royal Never Give Up (RNG) in 2022.
Notable Achievements:
2022 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI): After joining RNG in 2022, Breathe helped the team win the 2022 MSI. While he didn’t participate in that MSI tournament directly, RNG’s top-lane strength, combined with his addition later that year, strengthened the roster significantly for future competitions.
LPL Playoffs and International Appearances: Breathe consistently played a crucial role in RNG’s domestic and international performances, especially in the LPL playoffs, where he became known for his reliable top-lane presence. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different matchups made him a key component of the team’s success.
Playstyle:
Breathe is known for his versatility in the top lane, often switching between tanky, engage-focused champions like Ornn and Gragas and more aggressive, carry-oriented champions like Camille and Fiora. This adaptability allows his team to draft around a variety of compositions, making Breathe a highly flexible player in any lineup.
Strengths:
Versatile Champion Pool: Breathe’s deep champion pool includes both meta picks and off-meta choices, giving his team flexibility in drafting.
Lane Dominance: Breathe is known for his strong laning phase, often winning 1v1s against his opponents and creating advantages for his team through his individual skill.
Teamfighting and Split-Pushing: Whether it’s engaging in late-game teamfights or creating map pressure through split-pushing, Breathe excels in both roles, depending on the team’s strategy.
Future Outlook:
As of 2024, Breathe remains one of the most reliable and respected top-laners in the LPL. His consistent performances and mechanical skill ensure that he will continue to be a key player in Chinese and international League of Legends competitions. With his adaptability and experience, he is expected to maintain his position among the top-tier players in the LPL for years to come.
China
