The LEC will see an influx of new and returning talent into the league ahead of the 2022 competitive season. With some veterans returning after short stints abroad and rookies looking to make their mark, the LEC has countless players to look out for. Though there are certainly plenty more players that could make this list, this is our pick for the five players you should watch in the LEC.
5. Elyoya
MAD Lions had a breakout year in 2021. Almost the very same team that had been knocked out at Worlds 2020 play-ins went on to win two domestic splits, qualify for MSI, and make Worlds quarter-finals run. One of the massive difference makers was Elyoya. The Spanish jungler helped turn around the team into the multi-split champions they are now.
Going into 2022, multiple vital components of this 2021 roster are departing, including Humanoid and Carzzy. MAD Lions are now largely relegated to a mid-tier team by the opinions of many fans and analysts. Elyoya will have to keep up, if not build upon, his previous performances in order to help MAD Lions stay relevant and in competition for the title.
4. Wunder
The Danish toplaner has made waves, moving from his longtime organization of G2 to their perennial rivals in Fnatic. Since 2018, G2 have regularly taken players from Fnatic, though this will be the first time the reverse has occurred. After a disappointing season individually, Wunder will need to show that this change is not a step down. Now a part of a supposed stacked roster in Fnatic, Wunder will need to recapture his old form in order to keep up with his toplane rivals.
3. Larssen
Rogue is undergoing some massive changes. After contracting Inspired for three-years, the Polish jungler suddenly moved to North America along with former ADC Hans sama. Though never being able to lift the LEC trophy themselves, Rogue were always in the contention with other top European teams.
Now, Rogue’s future is uncertain as the prospective replacements have either had varying results or will be making their starting debut. Larssen is now the longest standing member of this roster, and will need to take up the leadership and carry position more than ever. Often criticized for having a relatively small champion and restricted to the standing meta, Larssen may not be afforded the same shortcomings come the 2022 Spring Split.
2. Flakked
There is no rookie with more pressure on his shoulders that G2’s ADC, Flakked. The Spanish bottom laner is not only joining Europe’s most historically successful team, but is also filling the void of arguably the most successful western bottom laner. This will be Flakked’s first split as a starter in the LEC, coming off of some time on MAD Lions Madrid. The pressure to performance is immense, and the bottom lane’s role on this roster will be crucial if G2 is to succeed with this new iteration.
1. Perkz
Europe’s prodigal son is making his return from the LCS after being ousted by G2 Esports. As a part of Cloud9, Perkz showed that he had clearly not lost his step. Winning the Spring Split, qualifying for MSI, and escaping the group of death at Worlds 2021, Perkz certainly surpassed G2 in terms of accolades.
Now, he joins Vitality in a massive roster update. Adding Alphari and Carzzy, Vitality are in the midst of a constructing a super team. While an impressive roster on paper, super teams have largely struggled in the LEC, with G2, Misfits, and Fnatic all falling short in the past. To make this one work, Perkz will need to stand as the pillar of Vitality.
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