Following another disappointing split, Counter Logic Gaming is set to radically overhaul its roster. After finishing fifth-sixth in the playoffs thanks to a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Team Liquid, the team plans to use a seven-man squad in a bid to improve its fortunes, sources close to the organization tell the Daily Dot.
The first major change will be in the mid-lane. The team is set to bring in Eugene “Pobelter” Park from Winterfox, whose relegation came as a shock. He has been seen practicing with the team for some time now, and screenshots of these scrimmages have been shared with the Daily Dot. While Winterfox management declined to comment on the situation, other sources have said that Park has agreed terms with Counter Logic to become their new starting mid-laner.
Unfortunately, it seems there won’t even be a spot on the bench for current mid laner Austin “LiNk” Shin. Just prior to the registration deadline, the organization agreed to a deal for Choi “Huhi” Jae-hyun from Team Fusion, according to another source. Choi would serve as a back-up to Park should any changes be required. Choi also reportedly turned down an offer from recently-qualified Team Dragon Knights.
CLG spent a significant time pondering over the future of star AD Carry Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng. The organization held talks with Europe’s star player in this role, Konstantinos “FORG1VEN” Tzortziou, but the organization was unable to agree to the move. Tzortziou recently took an offer to join Gambit Gaming.
So Peng has retained his starting position, it seems. But CLG will promote AD Carry Trevor “Stixxay” Hayes from CLG Black to be part of the active roster.
Hayes had been at the centre of a very public discussion about his future after the Daily Dot reported he wanted to leave CLG Black to pursue other opportunities. It’s no secret Hayes has craved LCS experience. And after the organization and the player appear to have resolved any differences they might have had, it seems that experience could come for CLG’s first team.
How the squad rotation system will work is currently anyone’s guess. It’s likely it will draw comparisons to Korean giants SK Telecom T1, who have recently rotated team members in the support, jungle, and mid roles.
The remainder of the squad, Zaqueri “Aphromoo” Black, Darshan “ZionSpartan” Upadhyaha and Jake “Xmithie” Puchero are all set to remain in place for the next split with no changes.
As with all transfer deadline day deals in the LCS, the roster’s finalization is subject to the correct paperwork being filed prior to the deadline and Riot’s approval.
