During the recent offseason, the North American League of Legends scene welcomed a significant number of international players. The League Championship Series (LCS) has seen the arrival of 12 new imports, as well as several big-name players finding new teams. This influx of talent is set to make 2022 one of the most exciting years in the region’s history.
The LCS is no stranger to star players joining from around the world, but the level of talent brought in for 2022 is truly impressive. From European superstars to promising young talents from Korea and China, the LCS has opened its doors to a diverse group of new players who have the potential to make a lasting impact.
However, there will be a select few players who will be under the spotlight more than others. With so many imports joining the league, the resident players in North America—both veteran superstars and up-and-coming talents—will need to step up their game in order to avoid fading into the background. The race is on for these players to prove themselves when the Lock In tournament kicks off on January 14th.
Team Liquid’s Bjergsen
The greatest player in North American history, Bjergsen, has returned to the LCS, but this time he’s not wearing the TSM jersey he’s become synonymous with. Bjergsen will be playing for Team Liquid, and although he has a star-studded cast of teammates and a red carpet welcome, the pressure to succeed will still weigh heavily on his mind. After a year away, Bjergsen faces a hyper-competitive league with multiple contenders for the LCS championship.
Furthermore, Bjergsen will need to understand that he is no longer the unshakeable face of the franchise as he was on TSM. Many of his teammates on Team Liquid are used to being at the head of the table and will need to adjust to playing with others who have the same experience. This is a whole new roster and team, and they all have something to prove. Bjergsen is the only one returning from retirement, which adds an extra layer of scrutiny.
The 25-year-old must not only demonstrate his mechanical skill in the mid lane but also figure out what role he will play for this new lineup. If his vision aligns with that of the rest of the players and coaches, Team Liquid could become a formidable force in North America and beyond.
Evil Geniuses’ Jojopyun
Evil Geniuses’ new mid laner, Jojopyun, might not be well-known yet, but at just 17 years old, he is considered one of the brightest prospects in the LCS. He started his professional career towards the end of 2020 and has already shown a propensity for aggressive playstyle. However, he also had a high number of deaths in the 2021 Summer Split.
Jojopyun’s coaches will have an easier job teaching him restraint rather than trying to instill more aggression in him. With experienced teammates like Impact, Inspired, Danny, and Vulcan, Jojopyun has a support system that can guide his development.
Despite being a rookie, Jojopyun faces intense pressure to perform. Evil Geniuses’ roster has the potential to contend for a championship, but a significant portion of their success will depend on how quickly Jojopyun can adapt alongside his skilled teammates. If he struggles early on, he may face criticism from the community, which could impact his focus and confidence. Having a strong support system will be crucial.
100 Thieves’ Tenacity
Tenacity, the sixth-man on the 100 Thieves roster, is in a unique position. The team did not make any roster changes heading into 2022 after winning the LCS Summer Split in 2021. However, this means that Tenacity must work harder to prove himself and earn a spot on the main roster consistently.
As one of the top prospects in the league, Tenacity has the opportunity to learn and compete against one of the best top laners in North America, Ssumday. Both players must continue improving at a rapid pace to keep up with their peers.
Tenacity has a lot to gain and little to lose in this situation. If he performs well, he could secure a starting spot on a championship-winning team. If he doesn’t excel in his debut, he can still return to the Academy scene and continue his development.
The first few weeks of Tenacity’s tenure on the LCS will be crucial for his image and reception within the League community and his chances of becoming a regular member of the main roster.
TSM Spica
With the departure of Bjergsen, TSM’s superstar jungler Spica finds himself at the forefront of the organization’s rebuild as the face of the franchise. As the longest-serving member of the roster, he must take on the role of a leader for a team where several members are still finding their footing.
Despite not being the oldest player on the team, Spica’s personality, in-game communication skills, and mechanical prowess make him the ideal person for the job. He is willing to play a variety of champions and is highly active in the early game. His performance speaks for itself, with impressive stats from the 2021 Summer Split.
However, handling the pressure that comes with representing TSM is a different challenge altogether. Spica must navigate the burden of failure as the leader, rather than following the lead of others.
In conclusion, the arrival of international talent and the reshuffling of rosters in the North American League of Legends scene has set the stage for an exciting 2022 season. Players like Bjergsen, Jojopyun, Tenacity, and Spica will be under scrutiny as they aim to make their mark in the LCS. The pressure is on for these players to step up and prove themselves in a highly competitive environment.
North American League of Legends, League Championship Series, imports, Team Liquid, Bjergsen, TSM, Evil Geniuses, Jojopyun, 100 Thieves, Tenacity, TSM Spica