Rogue drops Kikis, Excel finds a new coach prior to LEC summer split

The LEC offseason has begun with significant roster moves as organizations react to disappointing spring performances. Rogue and jungler Mateusz “Kikis” Szkudlarek have mutually agreed to separate following one of the most challenging splits in the team’s competitive history.

Rogue’s management has signaled major changes are imminent after the team’s catastrophic tenth-place finish. With only two victories against sixteen defeats, the organization faces pressure to completely overhaul its struggling lineup before the summer competition begins. This level of underperformance typically triggers comprehensive roster evaluations and strategic realignments.

Polish jungler Kikis becomes the first casualty of Rogue’s rebuilding efforts. His departure marks a significant shift from his peak performance in 2018, when he served as the cornerstone player for Team Vitality during their impressive run to qualify for the 2018 World Championship. Vitality’s decision to release their star performer surprised the competitive community at the time, leading to his subsequent signing with the newly established LEC franchise Rogue.

“We want to thank Kikis for all the dedication and hard work he put into the team,” stated Rogue general manager Tomislav Mihailov. “We wish him the best in the future as he pursues other opportunities.”

Through social media channels, Kikis has already indicated his openness to joining either LEC or LCS organizations, whether in a starting jungler position or as a strategic substitute. His experience in international competitions makes him an attractive option for teams seeking veteran leadership.

Another LEC organization making early offseason adjustments is British esports outfit Excel Esports. The team has officially announced the acquisition of David “DLim” Lim as their new head coach, signaling a commitment to structural improvements beyond just player changes.

DLim brings a diverse coaching background that began with Team Liquid as an analytical specialist. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he guided Clutch Gaming to an unexpected fourth-place finish during their inaugural competitive split, demonstrating his ability to develop emerging talent.

The Canadian coach separated from Clutch Gaming midway through the summer split when the team’s performance declined substantially compared to their earlier results. Months later, he joined FC Schalke 04 as assistant coach, further expanding his European esports experience before assuming the primary coaching position at Excel.

DLim now takes command of Excel’s coaching staff as the organization looks to rebound from their ninth-place spring finish. Effective coaching transitions often require 2-3 splits to demonstrate full impact, making this a long-term strategic investment for the British organization.

These early offseason moves highlight the competitive pressure within the LEC ecosystem. Organizations cannot afford prolonged slumps in a region known for its rapid development and intense competition. The timing of these announcements suggests both teams want to maximize their preparation period for the summer competition.

For teams looking to improve their strategic approach, our Complete Guide offers valuable insights into team composition strategies that can be adapted to esports roster building. Similarly, understanding how to optimize individual player performance through proper Class Guide principles can inform player development programs.

Successful roster transitions typically follow specific patterns: clear role definitions, complementary skill sets, and strategic flexibility. Teams that master these elements often see the most significant turnarounds between splits, much like mastering different Weapons Unlock strategies requires understanding core mechanics and adaptation.

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