Riot Games has announced that the EU LCS will be rebranded as the League of Legends European Championship (LEC) and will feature 10 franchised teams starting from January. These teams, like the NA LCS franchised teams, will serve as long-term partners and will not face relegation or replacement immediately.
One of the 10 teams participating in the LEC is Origen, a team originally founded by former pro player Enrique “xPeke” Cedeño Martínez in 2014. This time, Origen will be entering the league with Astralis, a well-known organization in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive industry.
Origen has had a tumultuous journey in the European League scene. After xPeke left Fnatic to form the team, they achieved great success in 2015, placing second in the summer playoffs, winning the regional gauntlet, and making it to the semifinals at Worlds. They even won IEM San Jose that year. However, things took a turn for the worse in 2016.
Despite a runner-up finish in the Spring Split, Origen performed poorly in the Summer Split, finishing in ninth place and having to fight to keep their LCS spot in the relegation tournament. They managed to win and hold onto their spot, but the following year they placed last in their group during the Spring Split and were relegated from the league.
After a lackluster performance in the Challenger league, Origen disbanded in 2017 and remained inactive until they competed in the semi-pro EU Masters tournament this year.
For Origen, returning to the LEC is an opportunity for redemption. To win back their old fans, the team will need to show that, even under new ownership by Astralis, they will make the most of this second chance.
Riot Games, EU LCS, League of Legends European Championship, LEC, Origen, Astralis, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, xPeke, redemption, franchised teams.