Over a simple YouTube video, Enrique “xPeke” Cedeño Martinez announced the new roster for Origen’s League of Legends team, after a disappointing 2016 season that left the former international contenders vulnerable to relegation. Upon returning to the EU LCS, Origen’s new roster features a mishmash of Korean and European challenger players. The team for 2017 is as follows:
- Top: Max “Satorius” Günther
- Jungle: Kim “Wisdom” Tae-wan
- Mid: You “NaeHyun” Nae-hyun
- Marksman: Erik “Tabzz” Van Helvert
- Support: Aleksi “Hiiva” Kaikkonen
All of the players, excluding NaeHyun, have spent the past year or more dabbling in the European challenger scene, however, it is perhaps the new midlaner that raises the most questions for Origen fans. NaeHyun brings with him a 0-17 record from the LSPL, China’s challenger league, where he formerly played for Team KungFu. Arguably the worst player on the worst team in a pseudo-professional league, he will likely exceed any, albeit incredibly low, expectations.
Perhaps the most experienced player on the roster, Tabzz, will be finally returning to the LCS after his 2014 first-place-finishing Alliance squad faltered at the 2014 World Championships. He will be called upon to play more than just a consistent role on this relatively raw Origen squad.