Look Sports Media – Natus Vincere (NAVI), the powerhouse behind numerous Counter-Strike and Dota 2 victories, has sent shockwaves through the League of Legends scene by acquiring Rogue’s LEC slot. The announcement, initially teased on social media, confirms NAVI’s entry into the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) for the 2025 Summer Split. This unexpected move follows rumors circulating on looksports.media and other outlets regarding Rogue’s departure from the league.
The acquisition isn’t just about NAVI’s ambition; it also brings Napster, the music service owned by Rogue’s parent company, on board as a sponsor. NAVI’s CEO, Yevhen Zolotarov, outlined their ambitious goals: "Our first step is to ensure the NAVI tag is represented at key international events, such as MSI, with the goal to earn a consistent presence at Worlds from the EMEA region in the future." This long-term vision targets a 2026 Worlds appearance, acknowledging the missed MSI qualification window.
However, the road ahead is challenging. NAVI inherits a Rogue team that hasn’t reached the LEC Playoffs since its return last year. While the roster remains largely unconfirmed, with the exception of potentially retaining mid-laner Emil "Larssen" Larsson, Zolotarov acknowledges the need for significant changes, stating, "it obviously requires changes. We understand that most of the transfer options will only become available in the off-season, however some roster moves may happen right away."
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Riot Games EMEA issued a statement seemingly distancing itself from the decision, while simultaneously expressing support for NAVI’s entry and thanking Rogue for its contributions. Riot clarified its role in reviewing potential buyers but emphasized that the final decision and financial aspects rested solely with Rogue. This mid-season acquisition, while disruptive, highlights the strength of NAVI’s brand within the broader esports landscape.
The sale marks a significant milestone: half of the original LEC franchise teams from 2019 have now departed. While this raises concerns about the league’s long-term stability, the LEC continues to attract major sponsors like Santander, Warner Music, and Red Bull, suggesting a vibrant future despite the organizational shifts. The addition of NAVI, a globally recognized brand, could inject new energy and viewership into the LEC, making this a pivotal moment for the league’s evolution.
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