
In the recent reshuffling of the LCS landscape, a cloak of mystery enveloped the departure of Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians from the top North American League of Legends competition. Before Riot Games even extended buyout propositions to the league’s teams, whispers circulated among the shadows of potential entrants.
According to esports sleuth Jacob Wolf, the clandestine dealings involved organizations with a penchant for the enigmatic—GameSquare Esports, the puppet masters behind FaZe and Complexity; Enthusiast Gaming, stewards of Luminosity Gaming and the CDL franchise Seattle Surge; and DarkZero Esports. These entities, shrouded in uncertainty, explored the prospect of infiltrating the LCS, engaging in secretive discussions with both the departing and steadfast teams.
Introducing Shopify Rebellion League of Legends:
— Shopify Rebellion (@ShopifyRebels) December 4, 2023
💚 @FakeGod @yeopbugi @insanitylol @Bvoylol @Zeyzal
💜 @WildTurtle @loltomio @FLAnalista
See you in #LCS in 2024 pic.twitter.com/hhyPmqebsW
The discussions, as if choreographed in a clandestine dance, revolved around the acquisition of either an LCS slot or an entire organization. This stratagem, reminiscent of a chess game played in the dimly lit corners of the esports realm, unfolded against the backdrop of recent league dynamics. NRG’s foray into the LCS involved acquiring the entirety of CLG, while Shopify Rebellion orchestrated a calculated move, purchasing an LCS slot from the exiting TSM for a staggering $10 million.
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What lent an air of intrigue to these negotiations was the focus on “stock compensation.” A proposal that would have entwined the fate of the sellers with the buyers, transforming them into shareholders in the acquiring team. However, like shadows dispersing before the dawn, the allure of Riot Games’ cash buyout offer proved irresistible.
This alluring offer cast its spell, prompting over half of the LCS teams to entertain discussions with Riot—100 Thieves, NRG, Dignitas, Immortals, Golden Guardians, and Evil Geniuses all reportedly answered the enigmatic call. The offer, a blend of $6 million in tangible currency, absolution of lingering debts, and a promised share of the league revenue pool, became the elixir of choice.
In this dance of uncertainty, both Golden Guardians and Evil Geniuses, seeking an exit from the league’s stage, succumbed to the irresistible allure of the enigmatic buyouts, leaving the LCS landscape forever altered.