After the offseason transfer period at the end of the 2021 season, all 4 Major regions in the League of Legends scene captured attention with their remarkable deals. Notably, four figures drew the attention of both fans and the media. They are: Faker (LCK), Uzi (LPL), Bjergsen (LCS), and Rekkles (LEC). Not only are they icons in their respective regions, but these 4 “Elder Warriors” also took different directions during the offseason transfer period at the end of 2021. As a result, their fates now vary significantly.
Bjergsen (LCS) – Returning to join Team Liquid after a stint as a coach
The first name is Bjergsen – an icon of North American League of Legends and Team SoloMid. After a less than successful stint as a coach, Bjergsen decided to make a comeback as a professional player. Surprisingly, he did not join the familiar colors of TSM but instead transferred to their arch-rival – Team Liquid. This transfer caught the North American League of Legends community off guard. However, considering TSM’s current situation, it’s clear that Bjergsen made a wise decision.
And Bjergsen made the right decision, so his path is also quite comfortable. TL in Spring 2022 remains a top force in North American League of Legends. Although Bjergsen no longer has the divine highlight plays from his earlier days, it doesn’t matter. Surrounding him are young, talented teammates, especially the AD Carry Hans sama who is playing exceptionally well. While Bjergsen hasn’t achieved MVP status, his solid performances in the mid lane are more than enough to help TL soar high after the LCS Spring 2022 group stage.
Rekkles (LEC) – Joining Karmine Corp in the French League of Legends (equivalent to the second division)
If Bjergsen’s return to the colors of his arch-rival was surprising, then Rekkles’s career choice is no less shocking. The Super AD Carry of the LEC, Rekkles chose to join Karmine Corp – a team in the French League of Legends for the Spring 2022 season. It’s important to note that Rekkles is now 26 years old and he is on the downside of his career. Choosing KC may prevent Rekkles from competing for any major titles again. In fact, Rekkles’s transfer even led commentator Laure to owe fans a promise of “running naked around the Élysée Palace” due to its incredibility.
It’s hard to say that Rekkles has succeeded with his choice as KC has put themselves in a difficult position after a defeat to LDLC OL. However, with the tournament operating under a double-elimination format, Rekkles and his teammates still have a chance in the match against Team BDS Academy. Moreover, KC is also one of the strongest teams in France. Therefore, in the future, if they perform well, Rekkles could potentially lead KC back to the LEC – the tournament where he shone throughout the glorious years of his career.
Uzi (LPL) – Joining Bilibili Gaming after a long hiatus
Another comeback by an “Elder Warrior,” but Uzi’s situation is quite different from Bjergsen’s. While Bjergsen remains committed to professional League of Legends, Uzi has focused on healing and climbing ranks. In fact, even his rank climbing hasn’t been effective, raising doubts about Uzi’s comeback. The “Super AD Carry” of the LPL has joined Bilibili Gaming – a team that also signed the young AD Carry Doggo, further leading fans to believe that BLG recruited Uzi merely for brand promotion purposes.
And currently, those doubts may have been completely justified. Uzi has played a number of matches that can be counted on one hand and spent most of his time on the bench. Recently, BLG announced that Uzi would be resting for the remainder of Spring 2022. It’s unclear if this is the final chapter for the once “Super AD Carry,” but it’s evident that, despite being the youngest in the list, Uzi is having the most disastrous fate.
Faker (LCK) – Extending contract with T1
The only name on the list that did not change teams and also the most successful among the four most famous “Elder Warriors” is none other than Faker. Having gone through countless doubts under coaches Kim and Daeny, it was thought that Faker would never touch any titles again, but now, he is the “Elder Warrior” with the most impressive undefeated record in League of Legends history: 18 wins – 0 losses. At 26, he possesses everything that legendary “Elder Warriors” of League of Legends like Bjergsen, SwordArt, Rekkles… have yet to achieve.
Notably, Faker is also the only player so far whose contract extension alone has been enough to send the League of Legends community into a frenzy. News about Faker’s contract has yet to be confirmed by anyone, but it’s almost certain that it is a record-breaking deal. Furthermore, CEO Joe Marsh has also confirmed that he had discussed T1’s future with Faker before the “Demon King” agreed to extend his contract.
Currently, Faker is preparing with T1 for the battle against Kwangdong Freecs as a strong contender for the LCK Spring 2022 championship. From a name that was questioned as he reached the downside of his career, Faker is having a shining season and becoming the spearhead of a team known as the “unstoppable force” of League of Legends globally on their journey to break the most impressive records in the history of Riot’s “national game.”
