Look Sports Media – A significant development has hit the League of Legends European Championship (LEC) as GIANTX’s head coach, André Guilhoto, will be absent for Week 3 of the LEC Versus split due to undisclosed personal reasons. This unexpected departure comes just ahead of a pivotal clash against Natus Vincere (NAVI), a match with considerable implications for the standings.
The League of Legends organization confirmed Guilhoto’s temporary leave in a statement, emphasizing their full support for the veteran coach during this period. Both GIANTX and NAVI are currently locked in a four-way tie for second place, each boasting an identical 4-2 record alongside formidable contenders Fnatic and Movistar KOI, making this upcoming fixture critical for playoff positioning.
GIANTX’s official communication highlighted their commitment to their members’ well-being: "At GIANTX, we want to express our full support and understanding to André during this time. The well-being of our members is a priority, and we fully respect his decision to take the time he needs." The statement also reassured fans that despite the change, the team’s rigorous training schedule remains uninterrupted, ensuring their preparedness for the impending showdown.
Related Post
Guilhoto’s illustrious career in professional League of Legends spans nearly a decade, having coached an LEC or LCS team every year since 2018, save for a two-year stint in Spain’s LVP. His impressive resume includes guiding Schalke to EU LCS promotion, leading Origen to a memorable second-place finish against the dominant G2 Esports in 2019, and securing an LCS Lock In trophy with Team Liquid. Now in his second year with GIANTX, Guilhoto’s faith in the current roster was evident, as the organization opted for continuity with no roster changes before the 2026 season.
Stepping into the interim head coach position will be Rúben ‘Rhuckz’ Barbosa, currently an assistant coach for GIANTX and a respected former Fnatic support player. Rhuckz is one of two former professional players on the coaching staff, alongside Nubar ‘Maxlore’ Sarafian, a former LEC jungler who joined GIANTX for 2026.
Rhuckz himself took to social media to reassure the fanbase, stating that Guilhoto’s absence would only fuel their determination. "Nothing changes, we just have one more reason to do better, for him. See you tomorrow vs NAVI," he tweeted, signaling the team’s resolve. The organization echoed this sentiment, expressing full confidence in Rhuckz’s capabilities: "We trust in his experience and commitment, which will be crucial to guide the team through this period."
While GIANTX currently boasts a commendable 4-2 record, placing them favorably for a spot in the LEC Versus Finals ‘Roadtrip,’ their journey hasn’t been without scrutiny. Early victories against Shifters and G2 Esports were often attributed to opponent misplays rather than dominant performances. However, their recent decisive win over Movistar KOI showcased a more polished and convincing display, hinting at growing synergy within the squad. A consistent bright spot for the team remains their formidable bot lane duo, Oh ‘Noah’ Hyeon-taek and Yoon ‘Jun’ Se-jun, whose individual prowess and collective synergy continue to pose a significant threat across the league. All eyes will be on GIANTX as they navigate this challenging week without their head coach.
Leave a Comment