The 2019 competitive season for League of Legends is approaching quickly. Just like the NA LCS, the EU LCS will also be transitioning to a new format known as the League European Championship (LEC) for the upcoming season. This means that the league will now have a franchising system similar to North America, where teams have long-term commitments and are not at risk of relegation.
Here are the 10 teams that will be joining the LEC for its debut year, as confirmed by Riot Games:
1) Origen
Origen, owned by former pro player Enrique “xPeke” Cedeño Martínez, is making a comeback in the European League scene. After partnering with renowned esports organization Astralis, xPeke’s squad of former Worlds semifinalists and IEM champions is ready to compete on the big stage once again.
2) Fnatic
Fnatic is one of the most successful organizations in the western esports world. With two EU LCS championships, a finals appearance at Worlds, and representing Europe at MSI in 2018, it’s no surprise that Fnatic is part of the LEC’s inaugural year.
3) FC Schalke 04
German football club FC Schalke 04 may not have a long history in the League scene, but they have already proven their worth. After being relegated from the EU LCS in 2016, Schalke has shown significant improvement and competitiveness. Though they missed out on Worlds this year, they were still one of the top teams in Europe.
4) G2 Esports
G2 Esports is one of the most recognizable and successful European League teams. With four consecutive EU LCS split titles and a semifinals finish at Worlds this year, it’s no surprise that they made it into the franchised league.
5) Misfits
Misfits Gaming may not have the same success as Fnatic or G2, but they have won the hearts of many European fans as the league’s underdogs. Their most memorable tournament was Worlds 2017, where they made a miracle run through the group stage and nearly took down the defending champions.
6) Vitality
Team Vitality has carved out a unique identity in the European League scene. Led by veteran coach YamatoCannon, they have a more aggressive and exciting playstyle than most of their competitors. At Worlds this year, they surprised fans with their performance, almost making it to the knockout stage.
7) Splyce
Splyce has been part of the EU LCS since 2016, but they haven’t seen the same level of success as Fnatic or G2. However, they have been competing in other esports leagues and tournaments, such as Call of Duty and CS:GO, and they hope to establish themselves in the LEC.
8) Rogue
Rogue, a notable CS:GO organization, is joining the LEC as well. With the backing of music icons Steve Aoki and Imagine Dragons, Rogue aims to make a name for themselves through player and professional development.
9) SK Gaming
SK Gaming has a long history in esports, with a dedicated fanbase and a successful CS:GO team. They are returning to the League scene after being part of the EU LCS from 2010 to 2015. SK Gaming has housed many noteworthy players throughout the years and is a highly respected organization.
10) exceL
ExceL is a relatively smaller esports organization compared to the others on this list. However, they have proven themselves capable of nurturing and growing the European League esports scene, which is why they have been selected to be part of the LEC.
These 10 teams will be competing in the LEC starting from the 2019 season, which promises to be an exciting and highly competitive year for European League of Legends.
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League of Legends, esports, competitive season, EU LCS, LEC, franchising, teams, Origen, Fnatic, FC Schalke 04, G2 Esports, Misfits, Vitality, Splyce, Rogue, SK Gaming, exceL