LPL: A History of Doinb and his Dark Technologies

Diana

There were short-lived murmurings of the “next” Doinb dark technology in the works during the beginning of Season 10. It involved a specific type of build for the recently-reworked Diana where Doinb would rush Ardent Censer, an item which has traditionally been used by enchanter supports. Following the Censer rush, Doinb would follow up with Nashor’s Tooth to take advantage of the attack speed boost offered by Ardent Censer.

However, this build was quickly nerfed after it started to gain popularity. Doinb did get to play Diana once in his first series of 2020 against Invictus Gaming but he didn’t make use of his solo queue build and instead built the champion traditionally.

Ryze

Not necessarily a “dark technology” but a famous pick of Doinb’s all the same, Ryze is one of his favorite champions. It is his second most-played champion of all-time professionally, with him recording 57 games on the pick with a 66.7% win rate. This is one less game than he has on Viktor, his most-played champion.

Doinb has played Ryze throughout his entire career and has many famous plays on the pick, most of which are due to his stellar teamfighting ability on the champion. Though, not widely considered to be a “dark technology,” Doinb does have a unique way of building Ryze that not many other players have favored.

The so-called “Doinb” Ryze build begins normally with a Seraph’s Embrace, but is followed up with the unorthodox Righteous Glory and Rylai’s Crystal Scepter items. This build gives the Ryze player more agency as they can use the Righteous Glory active and the Rylai’s slow to engage teamfights by themselves.

The defensive stats these items offer also allow Ryze to absorb the initial return damage from their opponents as a result of their engage. This build perfectly facilitates Doinb’s aggressive tendencies and allows him to make solo plays on a champion that is usually used more reactively. Chances are, Doinb will continue to use his Ryze for years to come.

Conclusion

At the time of writing, FunPlux Phoenix is currently in third place with a series record of 9-3. They have four series’ remaining before playoffs, against Edward Gaming, LGD Gaming, the Rogue Warriors and TOP Esports. Doinb is tied (with Son “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok”) for the most “Man of the Match” awards at 11.

Following FPX’s World Championship victory, Doinb is still clearly integral to his team’s success. In many ways, he has stepped up his game from his heroic performances last year. So far during Spring Split, he has played his Nautilus, Kled, Ryze and Diana. With playoffs approaching, perhaps we’ll see Doinb debut a new dark technology? Maybe we’ll see a return of his beloved Katarina? Unlikely, but you never know with Doinb.