Recently, the League Championship Series (LCS) has been a hotbed for speculations. Chief among these are whispers that some of the brightest players from North America might be eyeing the League European Championship (LEC). The grapevine grew thicker with news of IgNar, the formidable player, allegedly leaving NRG squad to return to the European circuit.
The performances of NRG in 2023 has been a topic of awe and admiration. Despite being halted by Weibo at the Worlds 2023 Quarterfinals, NRG achieved a unique distinction. They were the only team from the West that qualified for this advanced stage of the competition.
Weibo’s eventual qualification for the Grand Finals against T1 somewhat overshadows NRG’s feat. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that NRG had one of the most impressive lineups in recent LCS memory. This so-called 'lightning in a bottle' team was built on brilliance but disposed of due to unsustainability.
In the post-season, NRG seems to be dealing with internal turbulence and has started to disintegrate. Retrenchments have been made within the coaching and management staff. The most surprising development, however, has been that IgNar is making a beeline for Europe where reports suggest his next destination is EXCEL.
PECULATIONS LINGER OVER IGnar’s Move in 2024
Among all the players that contributed to the success of NRG in 2023, IgNar seems to be one of the undervalued ones. After their shift from CLG earlier that year, NRG’s top half was strong, and the addition of FBI and IgNar played a key role in their victorious run.
Fans were hopeful that NRG would retain this combination and aim for improvements in LCS 2024. However, it appears that IgNar fancies his chances with Excel. This move could be a setback for NRG as they would need to plug this hole effectively to maintain their competitive edge.
IgNar’s decision to join EXCEL in 2024 is not his first European stint. His time with Misfits, now-defunct, from 2016-2017 was one of the highlights of his professional career. He then moved on to play for Schalke-04 LEC team, now disbanded, assuring him of a pretty extensive LEC experience, despite having competed in North America for the past few years.
IGnar’s Move: A Trend or Return to Roots?
At this point, one might wonder whether IgNar’s departure points to a new trend of LCS stars heading to Europe or if it's merely his return to the European circuit. Such rumblings often create a sense of uncertainty and alter the dynamics within the team and the entire league.
While individual ambitions and prospects often take precedence over regional loyalties, these transitions also indirectly influence the performance, strategies, and fan-following of the teams. Perhaps, only time will put these speculations to rest and provide a clear picture of the LCS's and IgNar's future.