5 Shocking Facts About 'Always Plan Ahea LOL' And The Pro Player Who Owns The Name

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of professional esports, a player's in-game name (IGN) is their brand, their identity, and sometimes, a piece of unintentional comedy. As of the December 2025 update, the phrase "always plan ahea lol" is more than just a slightly misspelled motto; it is the legendary solo queue origin of one of the North American League of Legends Championship Series (LCS)'s most polarizing and exciting mid laners: Eain "APA" Stearns. This article dives deep into the story behind the name, the player who made it famous, and the impact he has had on the competitive *League of Legends* scene. The curiosity surrounding "always plan ahea" stems from its simple, yet glaring, omission of the letter 'd' in "ahead." This typo-turned-moniker, often followed by "lol," has become an inside joke and a testament to the player's seemingly casual approach to a game that demands meticulous strategy. Yet, beneath the surface of this humorous tag lies a story of a player who rapidly ascended from collegiate esports to the pinnacle of North American competitive play, embodying the very spirit of the phrase—even if he misspelled it.

Eain "APA" Stearns: The Mid Laner Biography

Eain Stearns, known professionally as APA, is a North American *League of Legends* player who has quickly become a prominent figure in the LCS. His career trajectory is a unique blend of collegiate success and a sudden, high-profile entry into the major league.

• Full Name: Eain Stearns
• Player ID (Current): APA
• Player ID (Origin/Solo Queue): always plan ahea
• Role: Mid Laner
• Region: North America (NA)
• Current Team (As of 2024/2025): Team Liquid (TL)
• Competitive Debut: Began his competitive journey around 2019.
• Collegiate Career: Formerly played for Maryville University, a powerhouse in the collegiate *League of Legends* scene.
• LCS Debut: Made his debut in the LCS, eventually solidifying his position as the mid laner for Team Liquid.
• Signature Champions: Known for his proficiency on unique and often non-traditional mid lane picks, including Aurelion Sol, Ziggs, and Sylas.
• Playstyle: Recognized for his aggressive and high-damage output playstyle, often favoring scaling mages and control mages.

The Typo That Became a Brand: 'Always Plan Ahea' Origin Story

The journey of always plan ahea lol from a simple solo queue name to a recognized esports entity is a fascinating case study in internet culture and personal branding. The phrase is the direct inspiration for the player's current, simplified professional tag, APA.

The Unintentional Genius of a Misspelled Motto

The core of the phrase is a universally sound piece of advice: "always plan ahead." In a game like *League of Legends*, which is heavily reliant on macro strategy, vision control, and future objective planning, the mantra is particularly apt. The slight misspelling—always plan ahea—is what cemented its status as a memorable and slightly meme-worthy ID. It suggests a player who is either so focused on the game that they didn't notice the typo, or one who intentionally left it in for a touch of lightheartedness. This ID was Stearns’ handle during his time climbing the highly competitive North American Solo Queue ladder, where he first gained notoriety. The sheer volume of games played and the high rank achieved under this name meant that it became a familiar sight to other top-tier players and community members. When he transitioned to professional play, the acronym APA was the natural, cleaner, and more professional evolution of his Solo Queue identity.

From Solo Queue Stardom to LCS Spotlight

The transition from a Solo Queue legend to a professional LCS mid laner is a difficult path, but APA navigated it successfully. His performances in the LCS, particularly with Team Liquid, have been a subject of intense discussion. He is often praised for his unique champion pool, which includes picks like Aurelion Sol and Ziggs, champions that are not typically prioritized in the professional meta. This willingness to play off-meta champions adds an element of unpredictability to Team Liquid's strategy, directly connecting back to the idea of planning ahead for unusual compositions. His skill on these champions has led to significant victories, proving that "always plan ahea" is more than just a name—it's a mindset.

APA's Impact: How 'Always Plan Ahea' Changed the LCS Meta

Eain Stearns' presence in the LCS has been a catalyst for discussions around champion diversity and the role of the mid lane. His success with unconventional picks has forced other professional teams to always plan ahea for the possibility of facing an Ashe mid or a high-scaling Aurelion Sol.

1. The Aurelion Sol and Ziggs Phenomenon

APA is arguably the most famous proponent of Aurelion Sol in the professional scene. The Star Forger is a champion designed to scale infinitely, requiring a specific, patient playstyle. His ability to execute this champion at the highest level shows a deep understanding of macro strategy and a clear commitment to "planning ahea" for the late game. Similarly, his use of Ziggs, a champion known for his siege potential and tower damage, highlights his focus on objective control and map pressure. These champion choices are a direct reflection of a player who values strategic foresight over raw mechanical dueling power in the mid lane.

2. The 'EU is Trash' Controversy and Community Reaction

The player has also been involved in notable community moments that further amplified his name. A comment where he confidently stated, "Yeah, EU is Trash, don't worry," during an interview before a match against a European team, generated significant discussion and meme potential within the *League of Legends* community. While a bold, potentially controversial statement, it solidified his reputation as a confident, outspoken player who isn't afraid to stir the pot. This kind of competitive trash talk is part of the fun and drama of esports, and it only added to the legend of the player known as APA.

3. The Grind and Esports Storytelling

The professional journey of Eain Stearns was even featured in an episode of *The Grind*, a *League of Legends* Esports show dedicated to telling the stories of pro players. Being highlighted in such a series confirms his status as a key figure in the North American scene, demonstrating that his narrative—from a slightly misspelled Solo Queue ID to a major team's starting mid laner—is compelling and worthy of deep-dive coverage. The show's focus on his story further underscores the weight the name always plan ahea now carries in the esports world. Ultimately, the story of "always plan ahea lol" is a perfect encapsulation of the modern esports narrative: a blend of high-level talent, internet humor, and the unpredictable nature of competitive gaming. Eain "APA" Stearns has taken a simple, slightly flawed name and transformed it into a symbol of unique strategy and competitive success in the LCS.

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