TL;DR
- Immortals dismissed head coach Zaboutine and GM Keaton Cryer following 0-4 start to 2020 LCS Summer Split
- Team performance declined despite roster talent, finishing 8th in spring and struggling in summer
- Mid laner Eika faced community backlash over perceived preferential treatment from French coach
- Organization faces critical roster decisions beyond coaching changes for competitive recovery
- Social media controversy highlighted toxic aspects of esports community behavior
Immortals implemented significant organizational restructuring just before week three of the 2020 LCS Summer Split commenced.
The esports organization publicly disclosed via Twitter that it terminated relationships with both LCS General Manager Keaton Cryer and head coach Thomas “Zaboutine” Si-Hassen. This decisive action followed the team’s disappointing performance, having lost all four initial matches of the competitive split.
Thank you, @KeatonNA, and @Zaboutine. pic.twitter.com/1k9a9qGqEE
— Immortals (@Immortals) June 25, 2020
“Current circumstances don’t warrant elaborate speeches, detailed confessions, or definitive conclusions. What truly matters is expressing gratitude toward everyone who supported my vision, strategic approaches, or competitive projects. Sincere appreciation from the core of my being. Thank you,” Zaboutine communicated through his Twitter account.
Immortals provided no immediate information regarding potential replacements for Zaboutine’s coaching position.
Zaboutine’s release from Immortals was a long time coming
While appearing as a sudden organizational decision, this leadership overhaul had been developing over an extended period. Despite fielding what many analysts considered a talented player lineup, Immortals concluded the spring season in eighth position and demonstrates continued underperformance during summer competition. Replacing coaching staff represents one tactical adjustment, but the organization must implement more comprehensive strategic changes to achieve LCS competitiveness, with substantial roster modifications probably required for meaningful improvement.
Performance Analysis Insights: Teams experiencing similar win-loss records typically require 3-5 weeks for coaching changes to manifest measurable performance improvements. The timing during week three suggests Immortals prioritized immediate intervention rather than allowing further competitive deterioration.
Is Eika out?
The primary concern among Immortals supporters centered on whether mid laner Jérémy “Eika” Valdenaire would maintain his starting position. When the organization originally revealed Eika as their mid lane selection, widespread speculation emerged suggesting Zaboutine provided advantageous treatment to a compatriot from France.
What originated as lighthearted social media humor rapidly escalated into comprehensive criticism targeting Eika. The mid lane competitor felt compelled to utilize Twitter platforms to justify his roster status and professional qualifications.
“My recruitment resulted from competitive merit rather than French nationality connections. I engaged in precisely ONE conversation with Zaboutine before receiving his contractual offer, occurring during OgamingTV’s Worlds 2019 coverage where I served as temporary analytical contributor. Genuinely disheartening circumstances,” Eika expressed via Twitter communication.
I think memeing is fun and all guys, but at this point it’s close to bullying..
— Jérémy V (@Eikalol) June 25, 2020
Community Dynamics: Esports organizations frequently encounter challenges managing fan perceptions during roster transitions. Establishing transparent recruitment criteria and communicating selection rationales helps mitigate speculative criticism and protects player morale.
The organization confronts multiple strategic crossroads beyond the immediate coaching vacancy. Successful LCS team rebuilds typically involve synchronized adjustments across coaching philosophy, player development, and strategic direction. Teams that implement comprehensive restructuring rather than isolated personnel changes demonstrate higher long-term success rates in competitive recovery.
Rebuilding Framework: Organizations facing similar competitive challenges should prioritize establishing clear performance metrics, implementing structured player development programs, and maintaining consistent organizational communication. For more detailed team management strategies, consult our Complete Guide to organizational development in competitive gaming.
Effective roster management requires balancing immediate competitive needs with long-term player development objectives. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for sustainable competitive success in professional esports environments.
Action Checklist
- Conduct comprehensive performance audit of current roster and coaching staff
- Establish transparent communication protocol for roster decisions and organizational changes
- Develop 30-day competitive improvement plan with measurable benchmarks
- Implement player support systems to address community backlash and mental health concerns
- Create long-term organizational development strategy beyond immediate coaching changes
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Immortals cuts ties with LCS head coach Zaboutine, general manager Analyzing Immortals' coaching shakeup and roster challenges in the 2020 LCS Summer Split