Frokat
The famous esports persona and the father of many-a unorthodox strategies performed at the highest stages of competitive League of Legends, Nick “LS” De Cesare is known by all the fans of League’s esports scene throughout all the regions. No wonder – LS is the “mister worldwide” of League, as his coaching career brought him at the helm of North American, European, and Korean teams alike.
As the head coach shaped Cloud9 as his passion project, surrounding himself with only the players he personally trusted (and vice versa), the team went on to make a powerful statement in the opening stages of the North American LCS league. The hand-picked international squad would then go on to make it to the top places of the Lock-in Group stage, and while they did drop the ball in the semi-finals against Evil Geniuses, they found their stride again in the regular LCS season by going 3-1 in the first two weeks, earning a joint first spot with 2 other competitors.
With all that in mind, it’s not surprising that the news about LS being released from the organization shocked the community. And not just the fans, too – it doesn’t seem like a coincidence that the first game Cloud9 played after the news broke out was a complete and utter disaster from the team. The players seemed lost and frustrated as they were annihilated by CLG, who were previously 0-4 in the season.
A sudden low blow to the team’s seeming success story has spawned numerous rumors about the real cause for this decision. As r/leagueoflegends subreddit tries to recover from the shock, the wild speculations run amok. Surely, the organization wouldn’t just randomly shoot themselves in the foot by releasing a talented coach who built the team from scratch with trusted players, right? There must be some sinister cause for this decision, right?
Or, at least, that seems to be the common sentiment from the fans.
In addition to raising a riot among the fans and the players, this decision has apparently shocked LS himself. In his response to C9’s original tweet, he seems just as confused as to why did that happen as the rest of us.
I was informed four hours ago of my release. So for now I'll figure out whats next shortly. https://t.co/hib6odA6DH
— LS (@LSXYZ9) February 20, 2022
The rest of the organization have also spoken out.
Disaster
— C9 Blaber (@blaber) February 20, 2022
One word describes this situation better than a thousand.
For obvious reasons I can’t say why he’s gone? But it’s like why should I care I’m only someone’s fucking girlfriend right? Why the fuck can’t people show human decency in this industry. Everything is so backwards and disgusting and weird and not okay. You don’t know anyone.
— C9 Caiyla (@macaiyla) February 20, 2022
A popular streamer for Cloud9 organization and the girlfriend of the infamous – and beloved – LoL persona, Tyler1, also shared some kind words about LS in her tweet.
Apparently, the magnitude of this Charlie Foxtrot reached the corners you wouldn’t expect. Apparently, a Portuguese congressman was so moved by the event that reached out to drop some of the hard facts about LS’ coaching career. I’m not sure if it’s an L + Ratio or not. You decide.
In case everyone is missing the facts.
In his 11 jobs as a coach/analyst, @LSXYZ9 lasted an average of 77 days on duty [(50+30+157+28+20+103
+187+1+173+24+78)/11].He served as HeadCoach for @Cloud9 for 78 days.
That's 24 hours above average. Congratz.
— André Pinotes Batista (@aapbatista) February 20, 2022
Either way, the real cause for this decision is currently unknown. While engaging in wild speculations and drama may be kind of fun, please remember to show decency to your fellow humans and keep it simple and friendly. Showing support is always best!
