Last night was unlike any other for the Vietnamese Liên Quân Mobile community. Amid the buzz leading up to the new season, an announcement from Saigon Phantom’s (SGP) official fanpage stopped the entire national eSports scene in its tracks: Lai Bâng (Thóng Lai Bâng) officially declared his retirement from professional play.

This decision is more than just a farewell from one player, it marks the end of the most glorious and dominant era in Saigon Phantom’s history. For millions of fans, this news leaves a huge void that may never be filled.

Saigon Phantom’s Legendary Captain Steps Away

In the official statement, the team’s representative shared:

“THANKS & FAREWELL, LAI BÂNG

When you think of Saigon Phantom, you remember championships, records, historic moments, and a golden generation that helped make SGP one of Vietnam’s top Liên Quân Mobile teams. At the heart of that journey has always been Lai Bâng, a symbol of the team’s most glorious years.

From a young player hungry for the top, Lai Bâng grew into the captain, leader, and icon of Saigon Phantom for many years. Alongside his teammates, he was part of the team’s peak moments, winning numerous domestic titles, making his mark internationally, and creating legendary matches. His success wasn’t just about trophies, but also his relentless fighting spirit, dedication, and courage to lead from the front whenever the team needed him.

It’s hard to fully capture everything Lai Bâng has given to Saigon Phantom and the Liên Quân Mobile scene. He wasn’t just a great player but an inspiration for younger generations, a cherished memory for countless fans, and an inseparable part of the team’s history. The victories, tears, and moments overcoming pressure together will forever be unforgettable chapters in SGP’s story.

This decision to end his pro career comes from Lai Bâng’s personal plans for the future. Saigon Phantom fully respects his choice and supports the new goals he will pursue ahead.

Though he won’t appear as a player on the roster, Lai Bâng will always be part of the Saigon Phantom family. He will continue to watch over, support, and help the team whenever needed. With the legacy he leaves behind, we believe the flame will be carried on and grow stronger with the younger generation.

Some people come and go, but others become part of history. Thank you, Lai Bâng, for all the years of talent, passion, and heart you gave. Thank you for writing the brightest chapters in Saigon Phantom’s legacy.

A journey ends. A legend lives on.

Thank you, Lai Bâng!”

The player also shared his own message:

“Thank you, Saigon Phantom, for being part of my youth and the most beautiful journey of my life. Thank you to my teammates and coaches for all the love and support over the years.

Though my pro career ends here, the memories, matches, and love for SGP will always remain. I’m grateful to everyone and hope you’ll keep supporting Saigon Phantom in the future.

Once SGP, always SGP.

Thank you all so much.”

Saigon Phantom Fans Devastated by Lai Bâng’s Retirement

Right after the retirement news broke, social media forums and Liên Quân Mobile fan groups exploded. The hashtags “Lai Bâng retirement” and “SGP Lai Bâng” quickly trended. Timelines everywhere filled with tributes, videos, and shocked reactions.

The fans’ heartbreak is totally understandable. For years, tuning in every weekend to watch Lai Bâng play, see how he controlled the jungle, and led team fights became a beloved routine. Not having “SGP Lai Bâng” in the next season is a huge emotional blow. Saigon Phantom will keep competing, but the experience of following them won’t feel the same.

The End of an Era for Millions of Phantom Fans

For the Vietnamese Liên Quân Mobile generation, especially the younger fans, Lai Bâng’s career has been a shining part of their youth. Many first discovered him as students, sharing laughter and tears through seasons with their idol. They endured the bitter lows of finishing second behind the dominant Team Flash, faced public doubts and criticism alongside him, and then erupted in joy when he finally lifted the championship trophy, cementing Vietnam’s top eSports status.

For fans, their youth was sleepless nights watching SGP’s comebacks, hoarse voices cheering in arenas, and treasured T-shirts bearing Lai Bâng’s name hanging proudly in their rooms. His retirement means a chapter of passionate memories and youthful excitement for millions has officially closed.

Closing One Chapter to Open Another

Lai Bâng steps away from the pro scene while still at his peak, leaving behind a massive legacy that future players will look up to. It’s a brave choice by a mature player who knows when to step back and make room for the next generation.

There will be a new jungler, a new captain rising, but Lai Bâng’s shadow is huge.

Thank you, Thóng Lai Bâng, for the incredible journey, the unforgettable highs, and the tears you brought to Vietnamese eSports. The era of Lai Bâng and Saigon Phantom may have ended, but the legend of this captain will be remembered forever in Vietnam’s Liên Quân Mobile history.