First of All, I must say I am only watching this drama in May 2021 - 2 years after it was actually aired.
However, when I went through each episode (Mind you - I watched every bit of the drama - missing nothing)
I never felt as If I was watching a drama already aired and reviewed by many.
In fact I never went through any of the reviews before watching the drama and was neither prepared nor ready for the wonderful experience of watching the drama. In a way - I am glad I didn't read any review before watching it - as I was neither prejudiced or influenced by comments of others.

As I wanted to relax after tiring work, I was trying to find a romantic Chinese drama to watch - to help relax, as I am a fan of chinese drama , even though I live way away from China and never been to the lovely land.
I accidentally came across this drama. - and watched it whilst being awed at the passion displayed for the country and for the love of e-sport.

I am never a one to write reviews online. But I felt compelled to write this - because not writing anything for the drama that gave me so much will be an injustice.

Starting from the OST to the storyline - it was a surprisingly amazing drama.

In fact, it is not only the story of the two main leads - its a story of many characters - who never failed to amaze me.
It shows the growth and maturing of players from the failure of one world championship - till the ultimate Win the next year.
Mi Ya, Qui Ying, Xiang Kong, Yi Yi, Pei xi, Lin Yu xuan , Qui Yue, Luo Tian and all the others including the Blazers, Legends, VNG are inspiring in the way their roles are played throughout the drama. Love, yearning, brotherhood, failure are experienced whilst showing how they support each other and time and time again get back up from where they have fallen.

The drama managed to keep the excitement and the thrill of win and failure from the beginning till the very end.

Every character however small - showed an insight and depth that was praiseworthy. Every look and gesture had meaning.
In fact, even the characters of Legends & VNG supports had their own story to tell - from the ones who got dominated and bossed around to the indifferent one - who was encouraged by Xiang Kong to come play burying the old wounds/hesitations. Even Luo Tian's character is portrayed that of a person who shows to the world an indifferent soul - whereas it's actually a shield put up by himself to protect himself and to be strong - as it is said at the beginning of the story that Luo Tian had been the weakest out of the lot of the old team of players and had worked hard to be where he was.

It shows how relationships sadly break due to interference by others - years lost with life taking whole new directions.
How lives and careers of some are destroyed or taken away so willfully to pave the way for others to rise.
How new people walk into your life taking over your heart and how you knowingly or unknowingly mature with them.
How seniors sacrifice for their juniors and friendships thrive over trials and tribulations in life.

Most of all, it is a drama that inspires you to chase your dreams - no matter what obstacles that you will face in your life.
It so profoundly portrays the many hardships that professionals go through and the hardships they face having to bear criticism from outsiders who are actually ignorant of the truth that lies behind a situation that arises.
It teaches you the strength of friendship & perseverance and most of all - it shows how you rise back from ashes like phoenix.
I love it because it really inspires me and all others out there to not give up - but to aspire to achieve our dreams.

If you really take note of the drama ; It's a journey from BLAZERS to LEGENDS - and ultimately the rise of PHOENIX ...