Uzi Cup 2026: Legendary ADC Uzi Self-Funds 1 Million RMB Prize Pool in His Own Star-Studded League of Legends Tournament – Everything You Need to Know
- Saswata Mondal
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The Mad Dog is back — but this time, he’s not just playing… he’s paying the bills.
On March 9, 2026, Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, one of the most iconic names in League of Legends history, dropped a bombshell: he is personally funding the entire Uzi Cup — a brand-new, veteran-focused League of Legends tournament with a jaw-dropping 1 million RMB prize pool (approximately $145,000 USD / €125,000).
This isn’t another corporate event. This is Uzi’s own creation — self-funded, self-organized, and possibly even featuring Uzi himself on the Rift. For veteran players who still have the hunger but no longer fit the ultra-young LPL meta, the Uzi Cup is a dream come true.
Here is your complete, up-to-date guide to the Uzi Cup 2026 — every single detail on prizes, format, schedule, eligibility, registration, and whether the legend will actually step onto the stage he built.

Why the Uzi Cup Is Already One of the Most Exciting Events of 2026
After retiring from professional play in 2023 and being inducted into the Hall of Legends in 2025, Uzi made it clear: a full pro comeback was “too much pressure.” Instead, he chose to create something better — a high-stakes tournament built for experienced players who still want to compete at the highest level.
The Uzi Cup is designed specifically for veterans: teams must have an average age of 24 or older (verified by ID). It’s the perfect home for seasoned AD carries, mid laners, and veterans who want one more shot at glory without the brutal youth requirements of the LPL.
And yes — Uzi has openly left the door open to play in his own tournament. “Everyone is welcome to sign up. If I can win the prize myself, that would be great,” he said with a smile. Imagine facing the legend while he’s paying your potential winnings out of his own pocket.
Uzi Cup Prize Pool Breakdown – Who Takes Home the Biggest Share?
The entire 1,000,000 RMB prize pool is 100% funded by Uzi himself — no sponsors, no cuts, no drama.
Here’s the exact distribution:
Placement | Prize (RMB) | Approx. USD | Approx. EUR |
Champion | 660,000 | $95,395 | €82,523 |
Runner-up | 100,000 | $14,458 | €12,504 |
3rd Place | 80,000 | $11,566 | €10,003 |
4th–6th Place (each) | 20,000 | $2,892 | €2,501 |
Best Rookie | 50,000 | $7,229 | €6,252 |
Open Qualifier Champion | 50,000 | $7,229 | €6,252 |
Total Prize Pool | 1,000,000 | $145,000 | €125,000 |
The champion walks away with two-thirds of the entire pool — one of the most top-heavy prize structures you’ll see in any community or veteran tournament.
Uzi Cup Eligibility & Registration – Who Can Actually Join?
This is a veteran-only event with strict but fair rules:
Team average age must be 24 years or older (verified by government ID)
Teams are judged on current in-game rank, past competitive experience, and personal influence
At least one team member must post a registration video/image on Douyin with the hashtag #Uzi杯报名 and submit proof via the official form
Registration is open RIGHT NOW until March 13, 2026.
Teams apply through the official Huya channel tied to Uzi’s stream. Spots are limited and evaluated carefully — this is not a free-for-all.
Full Uzi Cup Format & Schedule – Anonymous Draft, Fearless Draft & More
The Uzi Cup runs in three exciting stages:
1. Open Qualifiers (March 14 – 19, 2026)
Anonymous draft mode (identities hidden — pure skill only)
Top 4 teams advance to the draft night
Qualifier winner gets a direct spot into the main event (bypassing the draft)
2. Draft Night (March 20, 2026)
Captain-led player draft to form 5 invited-style teams from the qualifier pool + selected veterans
3. Main Event (March 23 – April 3, 2026)
6 teams total (5 drafted + 1 qualifier winner)
Fearless Draft format (same as LPL)
Early stage: Best-of-1
Quarterfinals & Semifinals: Best-of-3
Grand Final: Best-of-5 on April 3, 2026
All matches will be broadcast live on Uzi’s official Huya stream — expect insane production, guest appearances, and Uzi’s own commentary.

Watch live here: Uzi’s Huya Stream
Will Uzi Actually Play in the Uzi Cup?
Uzi has been teasing it heavily. He said he’s “worried that very strong teams might register,” but the possibility is very real. If he does join, he’ll likely play as a captain or on one of the drafted teams — turning the entire event into an absolute spectacle.
Even if he doesn’t play, having the Hall of Legends legend as the organizer and host makes this one of the most personal and meaningful events in Chinese LoL history.
Don’t Miss the Uzi Cup 2026 – The Veteran Renaissance Starts Now
This isn’t just another online tournament. The Uzi Cup is Uzi giving back to the community that made him a legend — creating a real stage for experienced players who still have the fire but no longer fit the age-obsessed pro scene.
With a massive self-funded prize pool, veteran-only rules, and the chance to compete (or even face) one of the greatest AD carries of all time, the Uzi Cup 2026 is unmissable.3
Registration closes March 13. Qualifiers start March 14. Grand Final is April 3.
Mark your calendars, follow Uzi on Huya, and get ready for one of the most heartfelt and hype events of the year.
The Mad Dog built his own stage. Now it’s time for the veterans to shine.



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