GAM Esports jungler Đỗ “Levi” Duy Khánh retired from professional League of Legends on November 18, 2025, his 28th birthday. The Vietnamese legend ends a remarkable 10-year career with 10 VCS championships, cementing his legacy as Vietnam’s most decorated player.
Levi GAM Esports retirement marks the end of an era for the VCS region and GAM’s dominance. His departure reshapes the VCS competitive landscape while opening his next chapter as a full-time content creator. Health concerns and family priorities drove the decision, though Levi emphasized his primary motivation is spending time with loved ones.
A Decade of VCS Dominance
Levi joined Gigabyte Marines (later GAM Esports) in December 2016 and immediately transformed the team. His first split produced an undefeated 2017 VCS Spring championship and GPL Spring title, earning GAM their first MSI appearance. Over the next decade, Levi GAM Esports retirement closes the book on 10 total VCS titles—an unprecedented achievement in Vietnam’s competitive history.
Known for aggressive Lee Sin play and exceptional shotcalling, Levi represented Vietnam at four MSI tournaments and five World Championships. He briefly competed internationally with 100 Thieves Academy and JD Gaming’s LPL roster in 2019 before returning home to continue GAM’s dominance. The 2022 SEA Games gold medal added another accolade to his trophy case.
Despite domestic success, Levi expressed regret about not achieving deeper international runs. “There’s one thing I really wanted to do, and that is to help VCS go further in international tournaments,” he stated, hoping to see a VCS team reach Worlds top 8. GAM failed to qualify for Worlds 2025 after losing to PSG Talon in the LCP Season Finals.
Iconic International Moments
Levi’s 2017 MSI performance remains his most celebrated international showing. At Worlds 2017, GAM deployed an innovative double jungle strategy against Fnatic, funneling resources into Levi’s Nocturne. The level 1 lane swap allowed two junglers to power-level Levi to six by the fifth minute—while Fnatic’s top laner had zero CS.
The unorthodox funnel comp caught Fnatic completely off-guard. Levi’s early ultimate ganks overwhelmed opponents, showcasing his creative approach and mechanical skill. Though GAM didn’t advance from groups, this match cemented Levi’s reputation as the VCS’s most innovative jungler.
Throughout his career, Levi GAM Esports retirement ends a streak of consistent MSI and Worlds appearances that kept Vietnam relevant on the global stage. His 2017 performances earned worldwide recognition and proved the VCS could compete creatively against major regions.
Health and Family Considerations
Levi revealed health issues influenced his decision, including stomach problems and right-hand pain. However, he clarified these weren’t primary factors. “I’m not that old, but I’m also not very young anymore. I want to spend more time on myself, with my parents, and my family,” Levi explained in his retirement video.
The 28-year-old expressed interest in settling down and starting a family—commitments incompatible with professional competition’s demanding schedule. After nearly 10 years of sacrifices required for pro play, Levi prioritized personal life over continued competition. His decision reflects growing awareness among esports athletes about long-term health and work-life balance.
Levi GAM Esports retirement demonstrates the physical and mental toll of sustained professional gaming. His transparency about these challenges sets an important example for younger players navigating career decisions.
Streaming and Content Creation Plans
Levi announced plans to transition into full-time streaming and content creation. “I love streaming. Even while I was competing, I spent a lot of my free time streaming and interacting with everyone. I love making people laugh,” he shared. He streams primarily on YouTube, where fans can continue following his journey.
The retired jungler plans to continue playing League of Legends casually, watch official matches, and potentially co-stream VCS events. He also expressed interest in exploring Teamfight Tactics competitively, suggesting tournament participation in Riot’s auto-battler. This transition follows a growing trend of elite League pros shifting to content creation after retirement.
“I’m closing a major chapter of my life, and a new door is opening. I hope that, in the future, I’ll be happier, smile more, and continue to be with you all,” Levi told his audience. GAM Esports faces major roster challenges heading into 2026, with only three contracted players remaining and critical jungle and support positions to fill.
