Diamondprox Reflects on Turbulent Pro Career, Embraces Streaming Life

Former League of Legends star opens up about the challenges of being a pro player and why he prefers the freedom of content creation.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the cracked and shattered surface of a computer monitor screen, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting that creates a sense of glamour and luxury from the jagged, fragmented textures.The glittering shards of a broken gaming monitor symbolize the personal sacrifices and emotional strain that can come with the pursuit of esports glory.Los Angeles Today

Danil 'Diamondprox' Reshetnikov, a legendary figure in the early days of European League of Legends esports, has opened up about his turbulent pro career and why he ultimately found more fulfillment in streaming. The former World Championship semifinalist discusses the difficulties of playing on teams with the 'wrong environment', the closure of the CIS region's LCL league, and how the stress of professional play took a toll on his health over the years.

Why it matters

Diamondprox's story sheds light on the realities of being a pro gamer, where the competitive drive can come at a significant personal cost. His transition to streaming highlights how top players are increasingly finding more sustainable careers outside of the grueling pro circuit, while also underscoring the challenges faced by Russian-speaking talent in the current esports landscape.

The details

Diamondprox, hailing from Saint Petersburg, Russia, was a pioneering jungler who helped define the early meta of competitive League of Legends. As part of the legendary Moscow Five and later Gambit Gaming rosters, he reached the semifinals of the 2012 World Championship. However, his career was disrupted by visa issues that prevented him from competing in the EU LCS. He later reinvented himself in the CIS region's LCL before that league was shuttered in 2022 following the Russo-Ukrainian war. Now focused on streaming, Diamondprox reflects on the difficulties of playing on teams with the 'wrong environment' and the toll the pro lifestyle took on his health, despite his competitive success.

  • In the middle of Spring 2016, Diamondprox was unable to play in the EU LCS due to a new rule requiring a work visa.
  • In 2022, the LCL league in the CIS region was closed down following the Russo-Ukrainian war.

The players

Danil 'Diamondprox' Reshetnikov

A pioneering jungler who was a key figure in the early days of European League of Legends esports, reaching the semifinals of the 2012 World Championship as part of the legendary Moscow Five and Gambit Gaming rosters.

Edward

A former teammate of Diamondprox's who recently reached out to him to play as a substitute, highlighting their long-standing relationship.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I was sitting, chilling, preparing to stream, and then Edward hit me up with, 'Hey, are you here? It's important—can you play? We have jungle troubles.'”

— Danil 'Diamondprox' Reshetnikov

“I miss some aspects. People often come to my stream and ask if I miss competitive play, and I usually say no—for the most part. What I really miss is playing on a good team. When you're on a good team and feel like you can achieve something together—something truly great—it's very enjoyable. You help each other, work together, discuss things, and spend a lot of time together.”

— Danil 'Diamondprox' Reshetnikov

“Sometimes I wish I could play with my old teammates again. Not necessarily League of Legends though. Some of the Moscow Five guys don't play it anymore—like Genja (Evgeny Andryushin), for example, you just can't convince him. And League isn't even my favorite game either.”

— Danil 'Diamondprox' Reshetnikov

The takeaway

Diamondprox's journey from pro player to successful streamer highlights the challenges and personal toll of the competitive esports lifestyle, as well as the evolving landscape for Russian-speaking talent. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, even at the highest levels of play, and the value of finding fulfillment beyond the competitive grind.