L9, short for Low Nine, was a legendary – and notoriously toxic – group of high-elo League of Legends players famed for their mechanical prowess and infamous for their attitude. At their peak, they were among the most talked-about player groups worldwide. Let’s dive into the story behind L9 and how they rose to such controversial fame.
What Exactly Was L9?
Over the years, the lineup of L9 shifted, but four core players stood out as the founding members. It all began when two League players, 0bsess and RatIRL, teamed up with the goal of building a social media presence – primarily on Twitter – while showcasing their skills.
Soon, two more top-tier Solo Queue talents, Selfmademan and Ap0calypse, joined the squad. None of them anticipated just how fast L9’s notoriety would explode. According to the members, much of their negative reputation was shaped by outside forces who painted the group as toxic villains.
L9 played a pivotal role in defining what toxicity in League looked like. Their behavior often ranged from outright toxicity in-game to trolling as early as champion select. But it didn’t stop at the game – feuds on Twitter and even real-world threats were common, fueling their dark legend.
Though their mechanical skill drew a huge fanbase, their toxic image eventually eclipsed their accomplishments. Oddly enough, many fans adored them for their audacity, even paying handsomely – up to $50 – for the privilege of joining L9 and using its iconic tag.
The Legacy Today
Nowadays, L9 is largely a relic of the past. The community fondly (and sometimes mockingly) remembers them, but the group itself has dissolved, with members pursuing more serious ventures. Some went pro, others took to streaming full-time. Let’s take a look at the original members and where they stand now.
The Original L9 Members
0bsess
Arguably the least toxic of the bunch, 0bsess turned his life around and went professional in 2017. Known for his jungling mastery, he made waves in the EUW Challenger tier and landed a spot with Movistar Riders. Although he never broke into the LEC spotlight, he remains a key figure in Germany’s League scene, playing for teams like Schalke Evolution and VfB eSports.
RatIRL
RatIRL’s start was rocky, plagued by scripting allegations, but he carved out a name as one of the best Twitch streamers and elo boosters. Partnering often with Ap0calypse, he became synonymous with chaotic, entertaining streams during LoL’s peak streaming era. Today, Rat focuses on Twitch and boasts over 830,000 followers as of mid-2024. He’s shed his toxic past, maintaining a strict no-facecam policy and banning anyone who asks for a face reveal.
Selfmademan (Now Selfmade)
Dropping “man” from his name, Selfmade has become a powerhouse on the European professional scene. Rising to prominence around 2016, he starred as the jungler for MAD Lions before joining SK Gaming and then Fnatic, reaching the Worlds 2020 quarterfinals. Between 2021 and 2024, he cemented his reputation with Team Vitality, proving himself as one of Europe’s top junglers.
Ap0calypse
Ap0calypse was the group’s most infamous figure, known for extreme toxicity and countless Riot bans forcing him to grind new accounts repeatedly. Despite this, he was a top mechanical talent, topping EU West Challenger multiple times, most recently in Season 10. Today, Ap0calypse keeps a low profile; his personal life is largely unknown, with occasional troubling streams hinting at past struggles. His current status remains a mystery.
What’s Left of L9 in 2025?
L9, as a group, no longer exists. The members have gone their separate ways, focusing on individual careers with little contact between them. Yet, the L9 legacy lingers. If you queue up on EU West, you might still spot players flaunting the L9 tag – proof that the myth hasn’t quite faded away.
If you’re curious about the colorful mix of skill, controversy, and chaos that defined L9, their story is a striking example of how gaming communities can be shaped by both talent and turmoil.
