The current free agency period in competitive League of Legends has been a busy time. Many teams are making big moves in the newly franchised LEC, signing top talent from other regions. However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of when signing imports. They can be expensive and limit a team’s flexibility due to Riot’s interregional movement policy. Each team is only allowed two imports on the starting roster.
But despite the challenges, teams continue to look to import players because of the impact they can have. If you’re considering making an offer to a foreign pro, here are some things to keep in mind.
Know Yourself
The first step is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each region. Before looking outside, teams should make the most of their domestic players. Each region has its own trends in player development. For example, Korea is known for its deep talent pool of laners, while Europe is famous for its strong mid laners. North America may not have as many standout players, but it has produced some good domestic supports. China, on the other hand, is usually a buyer in the international market, but there may be hidden talent waiting to be discovered.
It’s also important to consider weaknesses. For example, North America struggles to find top-tier mid laners, so the competition for free agents in that position is fierce. Investing in a young import who can eventually become a resident player might make sense in this case. Fit is especially important when importing players who speak a foreign language. Looking at successful duos like Rookie and TheShy, or Expect and Trick, who have performed well together can provide valuable insight.
Fit Matters
When considering bringing in an import, the work doesn’t stop at signing the player. It’s important to ensure that the new addition fits well with the rest of the team. The days of simply importing a Korean player and expecting immediate improvement are gone. Deals like OpTic’s recent acquisitions may not have been well thought out. The right fit can make a big difference, especially when it comes to language and cultural background. Having two imports who can communicate well both in and out of the game can lead to success.
Recent deals by Liquid and 100 Thieves have gone against what has traditionally worked before. They’ve signed Korean players who may not have a history of success with domestic supports. It’s important to learn from past experiences and make informed decisions.
Getting the right fit can lead to a strong team with a mix of domestic and imported talent, like Invictus Gaming’s world championship-winning roster. However, making the wrong choices can be costly and hinder a team’s development.
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