The Evolution of the LCS: A Look Back at Gravity’s Rise and Fall
The LCS has come a long way since 2015. The premiere North American League of Legends circuit has grown immensely, surpassing its days of relative infancy. Back then, it felt like the LCS was reaching the peak of its modernization. However, the league has continued to expand and develop since then.
In 2015, the LCS boasted a promotion/relegation system that allowed aspiring teams to prove themselves and compete on the LCS stage. Gravity was one of those teams. They purchased their slot in the LCS after Curse Academy qualified for the league through the 2015 Expansion Tournament. Recently, former Gravity team owner Davis Vague shared insights about his time leading the team in an AMA thread on the official League subreddit.
The Brief Reign of Gravity
When the LCS expanded to ten teams before the 2015 season, Gravity became one of the new additions. However, the team’s stay in the league was short-lived, as their slot was sold to Echo Fox just eleven months after their formation.
In his AMA, Vague answered questions about the team’s chemistry during their time in the LCS, reflected on the mistakes he made as a young owner, and shared the story behind the team’s iconic leather jacket uniforms. He revealed that the jackets were a last-minute choice, purchased from a small shop in southern California.
Criticism and Reflection
During Gravity’s tenure in the league, Vague faced significant criticism. In the AMA, he acknowledged that much of the criticism was valid and admitted that he didn’t take his role as seriously as he should have. Although he has some regrets about selling the team’s slot, he ultimately believes it was the right decision.
Gravity was primarily funded by Vague’s own money. He empathizes with organizations that have withdrawn from the league due to financial constraints, recognizing the challenges of sustaining profitability.
The LS Controversy
Before becoming the head coach of Cloud9 in 2022, Nick “LS” De Cesare started his LCS journey with Gravity in 2015. When asked about his experience with LS, Vague simply stated that they had spent time together but didn’t see eye to eye on certain matters.
Vague also spoke fondly about his relationships with players and staffers on the team, mentioning top laner Hauntzer, coach David “Cop” Roberson, and mid laner Keane. He expressed gratitude towards Steve Arhancet, the owner of Team Liquid and former owner of Team Curse, for his graciousness after the sale of the Curse Academy slot to Gravity.
The Legacy of Gravity
Vague credits the players for most of Gravity’s success in terms of building their reputation. He emphasizes that the jackets and logo were spur-of-the-moment decisions but proved effective for branding. Today, Vague has no plans to acquire another LCS team and dedicates his time to streaming while keeping up with professional League of Legends.
LCS, Gravity, League of Legends, esports, North America, promotion, relegation, Echo Fox, controversy, ownership, branding