Immortals CEO Ari Segal discusses imminent return to the LCS

The esports landscape shifted dramatically when Immortals Gaming Club revealed its strategic acquisition of Infinite Esports, the parent organization controlling both OpTic Gaming and Houston Outlaws. This move immediately sparked intense speculation among League of Legends enthusiasts regarding Immortals’ potential comeback to the premier competitive circuit.

According to detailed statements from Immortals CEO Ari Segal, the OpTic Gaming identity will maintain its current branding throughout the remainder of the 2019 LCS competitive season. The comprehensive rebranding initiative is scheduled for 2020, representing Immortals’ inaugural return to the League Championship Series since their controversial departure in 2017.

Segal elaborated that advancing their business objectives necessitated securing a viable pathway back into the prestigious LCS ecosystem. The executive framed this acquisition as a corrective maneuver for previous strategic missteps.

“This acquisition fundamentally addresses our failure to secure LCS franchising approval two years earlier,” Segal disclosed to Esports Observer during their exclusive interview.

Despite commanding one of the most substantial fan followings in the 2017 League of Legends competitive scene, Immortals’ organization received definitive rejection for participation in the subsequent LCS season. Riot Games officially cited concerns regarding the organization’s financial stability and long-term viability as primary justification. However, widespread community sentiment suggested alternative motivations, with many supporters believing Riot penalized Immortals for their simultaneous investment in the Overwatch League through establishment of the Los Angeles Valiant franchise. The organization subsequently dissolved their League of Legends competitive roster entirely.

Common Misconception: Many fans incorrectly assumed the LCS rejection resulted from performance issues rather than the documented financial sustainability concerns that actually drove the decision.

Although Immortals has concrete plans to implement comprehensive rebranding of OpTic in 2020, Segal acknowledges immediate appreciation for the established brand’s core identity and community resonance.

“OpTic represents the ideal esports brand archetype,” Segal emphasized. “It embodies authentic community-driven values that genuinely resonate with audiences and maintain substantive meaning. Our approach involves supporting this established brand trajectory from the periphery rather than attempting unnecessary reinvention. There’s no value in self-congratulation for maintaining what already functions optimally.”

Strategic Insight: Successful esports acquisitions often prioritize preserving established community connections rather than imposing entirely new identities, as demonstrated by Immortals’ cautious approach to the OpTic transition. For comprehensive guidance on strategic approaches in competitive gaming environments, consult our Complete Guide to foundational strategies.

However, the acquisition triggers substantial organizational realignment beyond mere branding considerations for Immortals.

Since Activision Blizzard’s league regulations explicitly prohibit single entities from controlling multiple Overwatch League franchises, Immortals must divest their ownership stake in the Houston Outlaws organization. Segal confirmed they haven’t yet contemplated rebranding OpTic within the Overwatch League competitive framework.

Immortals has additionally terminated their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive competitive roster, followed by dissolution of their Gears of War professional team.

“We pursued this acquisition aggressively because we identified OpTic as both a brand and community representing the premier asset across the entire esports ecosystem,” Segal stated definitively. “When evaluating our expanded organizational portfolio, positioning this crown jewel of esports at the strategic center became an operational imperative.”

Compliance Consideration: Esports organizations must navigate complex ownership regulations across multiple leagues, often requiring strategic divestment to maintain compliance. For advanced strategic approaches similar to weapon selection in competitive titles, explore our Weapons Unlock methodology guide.

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