Tao

Playing under the alias Tao, Hong Tao Alessandro Xu is an Italian top laner on the Karmine Corp Blue roster in the LEC. Italians rarely reach the top flight of European League of Legends, so Tao’s place on a high-profile squad highlights how talent from a wider range of countries is now entering the region’s premier tier. Karmine Corp commands some of the most devoted fan support in European esports, which means every player on its lineup steps out in front of a large and emotionally invested crowd.

The Solitary Top Lane

Many people call the top lane the island of the map, since its occupant often spends long stretches locked in one-on-one contests, cut off from the rest of the team. Top laners need to control wave states, time their trades and understand their matchup, all while keeping an eye on where the jungler might appear. Depending on what the squad requires, the role might mean being a durable frontliner who soaks up damage and starts engagements, or a self-reliant carry who can split push and pressure the side lanes.

Competing in the LEC

The LEC serves as Europe’s top-level competitive circuit for League of Legends, gathering the strongest organisations on the continent to fight for regional dominance and the prized chance to qualify for international events. For Tao, manning the top lane with Karmine Corp Blue means delivering under close watch, adjusting to a champion meta that never stops shifting, and playing for a team whose fans expect it to contend near the top of the standings.

Carving out a name for yourself as a top laner in this setting takes toughness, sharp individual play and a firm grasp of how to fit into a wider game plan, whether that involves setting up teammates or taking over the game when the draft allows it.

As his career moves forward, Tao will be judged on how consistently he holds the top lane and how well he lives up to the standard his organisation and its loyal supporters have set. Being one of the few Italians competing at this level gives him a distinctive profile in the European scene, and he remains a player to keep an eye on within Karmine Corp Blue.