Return of the Legend: How Dplus Aims to Reclaim Global Dominance in League of Legends

Dplus (formerly DAMWON Gaming) was once an unstoppable force on the global League of Legends stage, with their meteoric rise culminating in a World Championship win in 2020. However, staying on top has proven to be an equally, if not more challenging task. Despite being one of the premier names in professional LoL, Dplus has faced its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Now, with a rejuvenated roster and a new strategic approach, the team is on a mission to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of the global competitive scene.
Revamping the Roster: Strategic Changes to Recover Lost Glory
One of the most significant steps Dplus has taken in their quest to return to the top is a major overhaul of their roster. Throughout the years, rosters are the heartbeat of any League of Legends team. The dynamics, synergy, and talent within a roster often dictate a team’s success. Dplus recognized the need for change, particularly after disappointing performances in recent international tournaments. To this end, they decided to bring in fresh talent, while also leaning on the veteran experience of their core players.
The addition of Deft, a renowned AD Carry, represents a significant move for Dplus in this regard. Deft is a celebrated name in League of Legends, not just for his mechanical prowess, but also for his exceptional leadership abilities and adaptability across metas. Having secured a Worlds title with DRX in 2022, Deft brings invaluable experience to the team. His addition is not just about providing raw firepower, but also helping to stabilize a relatively young team and navigate the high-stress environment of international competition.
Another notable change is the return of Canyon, Dplus’ legendary jungler, whose performance in their championship-winning year was nothing short of incredible. His synergy with the other new addition, the rising mid-laner ShowMaker, creates a fearsome mid-jungle duo that aims to dictate the pace of every game they play. Canyon’s ability to control objectives and track opposing junglers is key to Dplus’ strategy; his intelligent decision-making often provides his team with game-winning advantages.
Moreover, the team has invested in new coaching staff and analysts, furthering their ambitions of a return to dominance. By placing an emphasis on mental resilience and strategic clarity, Dplus aims to create an environment where each player can shine. Their new head coach, who previously worked with other top-tier teams in the LCK, has been instrumental in transforming their practice routines, emphasizing both flexibility in drafting and on-the-fly adaptations. This focus on in-game adaptability could be exactly what Dplus needs to separate themselves from their rivals, as the modern meta increasingly rewards teams that can handle chaotic, unpredictable situations.
The bottom lane has also seen a shake-up. Deft, working alongside a younger support player, Kellin, has brought renewed vigor to the team’s bot lane. The combination of Deft’s veteran presence and Kellin’s eagerness to make his mark on the international scene has created a dynamic laning phase for Dplus. Kellin, who is known for his aggressive playmaking and roaming capabilities, complements Deft’s more calculated style, allowing the bot lane to be both a source of stability and a platform for explosive plays.
Top lane, too, has seen significant evolution. Dplus decided to retain their top laner Nuguri, whose return after a short hiatus adds an X-factor to their lineup. Nuguri is known for his high-risk, high-reward playstyle, which can put pressure on opponents by exploiting matchups and generating leads for his team. This fearless approach makes Nuguri an essential piece of Dplus’ renewed aggression strategy. The organization believes that when combined with Canyon’s supportive jungle pathing, Nuguri can once again become one of the most feared top laners in the world.
Strategic Shift: Blending Experience with Aggression for the Modern Meta
Dplus’ revamped roster is paired with a recalibrated strategic approach that reflects their ambitions for reclaiming global dominance. The contemporary League of Legends meta rewards teams that can not only execute mechanically but also outthink their opponents through better macro-play, drafting, and on-the-fly adaptability. Dplus is looking to become masters of these elements while keeping their iconic aggressive style intact.
The addition of Deft provides a bridge between the old and the new. His experience and deep understanding of the game are helping to shape Dplus’ strategy into one that balances methodical, calculated play with moments of high-risk aggression. In the current meta, where dragons and other neutral objectives are of paramount importance, Deft’s expertise in positioning and teamfighting has allowed Dplus to be much more efficient at securing these objectives, while simultaneously forcing opponents to overcommit.
In terms of drafting, the presence of Deft and ShowMaker provides a significant edge for Dplus. ShowMaker, known for his wide champion pool and ability to perform on both control mages and assassins, gives Dplus immense flexibility in the draft phase. This flexibility means that Dplus can craft compositions that can either play aggressively in the early game or scale comfortably into the late game, depending on the opponents they face.
Dplus is also making a conscious effort to be more proactive in the early game. With Canyon’s aggressive jungle style and Nuguri’s pressure in the top lane, Dplus is looking to control the pace of games right from the outset. Canyon’s understanding of the jungle, coupled with his synergy with ShowMaker, has made the mid-jungle duo the centerpiece of their early-game strategy. By unlocking ShowMaker’s roaming potential, Dplus can secure side lanes or contest early dragons with an overwhelming numbers advantage.
The support player Kellin is also a critical component of Dplus’ early aggression. His penchant for roaming and setting up vision allows Dplus to exert pressure across the map. This aggressive approach to vision control has been a hallmark of the most successful teams in League of Legends history, and Dplus is looking to emulate and improve upon this approach. By effectively denying information to the enemy while providing their own team with superior knowledge, Dplus can take calculated risks and control the tempo of the game.
As the team moves into the mid to late game, their focus shifts towards enabling ShowMaker and Deft as key damage dealers. With Nuguri acting as a potential split-pushing threat and Canyon protecting Deft and ShowMaker during skirmishes, Dplus’ late-game teamfighting is structured around ensuring their carries have the space to deal massive damage. This combination of early aggression, mid-game flexibility, and late-game teamfight prowess is what makes Dplus a formidable contender, capable of adapting to any opponent they face.
Another point of emphasis has been reducing the errors that cost them critical matches in the past. Despite their talent, Dplus has often faltered in situations where overaggression led to disastrous teamfights. The coaching staff has placed emphasis on calculated risk-taking—ensuring that while players are willing to make aggressive plays, they do so with an understanding of their win conditions. This measured approach aims to reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes while still capitalizing on the natural playmaking abilities of players like Nuguri and Kellin.
The improved synergy among the players is also beginning to bear fruit. ShowMaker and Canyon’s partnership looks as strong as ever, which is essential for the team’s macro play and objective control. Nuguri has settled into his role, alternating between weak-side duties and carrying games depending on the composition and matchup. Deft and Kellin, on the other hand, have managed to transform Dplus’ bottom lane from a perceived weakness into a consistent point of strength. This balance between veteran experience and youthful aggression is a critical element of their strategy to contend with top-tier international teams.
Dplus is not only focused on individual player strength but also on understanding the global meta better than anyone else. Their analysts are paying close attention to evolving strategies from all over the world, especially those emerging from the LPL, where the emphasis on chaotic, teamfight-oriented play often sets the tone for Worlds. By incorporating these lessons while sticking to their disciplined approach, Dplus aims to maintain a hybrid style that can succeed regardless of the opponent or the patch.
With the team continually refining their synergy and strategic approach, Dplus appears well-equipped to challenge the best in the world once again. While their past success weighs heavily on their shoulders, the current roster has both thetalent and the leadership necessary to overcome the pressure and rise to the occasion.
The Road to Redemption: What Lies Ahead
The return to global prominence is never an easy path, but Dplus’ efforts to overhaul their roster, refine their strategy, and focus on both calculated aggression and macro excellence provide hope that they are on the right trajectory. They know that the stakes are higher than ever, with other regional giants like T1, JD Gaming, and Gen.G consistently pushing the envelope. However, by blending the experience of a World Champion like Deft, the raw talent of players like Nuguri and Kellin, and the outstanding synergy of Canyon and ShowMaker, Dplus is positioning itself as a team capable of taking on—and beating—the very best.
For Dplus, the key will be consistency. The new players have already demonstrated their individual skill, but it is their ability to operate as a cohesive unit that will determine how far they go. A successful campaign requires not just individual highlights, but the ability to stay calm under pressure, execute well-thought-out strategies, and adapt as the meta evolves. Their revamped strategy, which emphasizes both controlled aggression and deep macro understanding, is tailored for success in this ever-changing landscape of competitive League of Legends.
As they look towards the rest of the competitive year, Dplus hopes to qualify for Worlds and make a deep run that reminds fans why they were once feared across Summoner’s Rift. While the road is undoubtedly challenging, Dplus’ clear vision and dedication to evolving as a team make them a dangerous opponent for anyone standing in their way.
Only time will tell if Dplus can once again lift the Summoner’s Cup. But one thing is certain: they are not content with just participating—they aim to dominate, and they are putting all the pieces in place to make that dream a reality. The League of Legends world better be ready because Dplus is coming, and they’re hungry to reclaim their throne.