The Exciting Offseason for League of Legends
The offseason for League of Legends is a thrilling time for teams and fans alike. Some organizations are looking to rebuild, while others are searching for the missing puzzle piece that will lead them to victory.
This year, fans of the North American League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) are eager for the 2021 offseason to bring new faces and new hope to the region. After yet another disappointing Worlds performance, the LCS needs to make changes to inspire confidence in its fans.
The Biggest Needs for Each LCS Team
The success of the LCS in 2021 depends on the decisions made during the offseason. Here are some of the biggest needs for each LCS team heading into next year.
Immortals (4-14)
Immortals had a rough year in 2020, finishing eighth in the spring split and last in the summer split. The team lacked firepower and struggled to compete with the rest of the league. To turn things around, Immortals could consider acquiring the full five-man roster of Legacy Esports, the back-to-back champions of the OPL.
Possible moves: Acquire Legacy Esports’ full five-man roster.
CLG (5-13), Dignitas (5-13)
Both CLG and Dignitas have had disappointing performances in recent years. CLG should focus on finding a replacement for their struggling top laner Ruin, while Dignitas should consider picking up a talented top laner from the OPL, like Topoon or Thien.
Possible moves: Either team can acquire FakeGod, Topoon, or Thien.
100 Thieves (7-11)
With the right moves, 100 Thieves has the potential to become a top-five team next year. They have a strong top laner in Ssumday, but they need to find more firepower to support him. 100 Thieves should focus on promoting young talent from their Academy team, like Prismal, Soligo, and Kenvi.
Possible moves: Promote Prismal, Soligo, and/or Kenvi to the main roster.
Evil Geniuses (8-10)
With the addition of Peter Dun as head coach, Evil Geniuses has the opportunity to improve its roster. They should consider signing Licorice, a well-rounded top laner, and look for young talent to replace their struggling ADC, Bang.
Possible moves: Sign Licorice, look to replace Bang with up-and-coming talent.
Golden Guardians (9-9)
Golden Guardians surprised many with their performance in the 2020 Summer Split. They have a strong bot lane with FBI and Huhi, but their top side needs improvement. Golden Guardians should look for replacements for their top and mid laners and consider scouting international players.
Possible moves: Move to pick up replacements for the top and mid lane, scout international players to use the open import slot.
TSM (12-6)
With Bjergsen moving to a coaching position, TSM needs to find a new mid laner. One possibility is picking up a big-name free agent like Perkz or Caps. TSM also has a promising talent in Sword, but he needs more experience before becoming a starter.
Possible moves: Pick up a star mid laner (like Perkz or Caps) and move Sword to the Academy team.
FlyQuest (12-6)
FlyQuest has proven that they can challenge the best in the region, but they still need one more piece to solidify their position as a top-three team. FlyQuest should focus on acquiring Licorice to strengthen their top lane and re-signing PowerOfEvil and Santorin, two key players on the roster.
Possible moves: Sign Licorice, re-sign PowerOfEvil and Santorin.
Cloud9 (13-5)
Cloud9 made a bold decision to switch out Licorice for Fudge, but the rest of their roster remains strong. With good leadership and a good read on the meta, Cloud9 has the potential to be at the top of the league once again.
Team Liquid (15-3)
Team Liquid has found success with Tactical and CoreJJ, but there are rumors of adding Alphari to the roster. This means that Broxah will likely be leaving the team. Team Liquid should focus on finding a consistent and aggressive replacement for Broxah, such as FlyQuest’s Santorin.
Possible moves: Sign Alphari and Santorin.
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League of Legends, esports, offseason, LCS, North America, Immortals, CLG, Dignitas, 100 Thieves, Evil Geniuses, Golden Guardians, TSM, FlyQuest, Cloud9, Team Liquid