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League of Legends

Perkz signs with Cloud9: A new hope for NA fans

League of Legends will see its most important transatlantic trade in recent memory as Luka “Perkz” Perković officially signs with Cloud9. The announcement of Perkz deal with Cloud9 came just hours after his former team, G2 Esports, revealed the signing of Martin “Rekkles” Larsson. The signing, revealed across social media on November 20, fills in some of the final pieces of the LoL free agency period.

We’ve known since early November that Perkz would likely make the move from the LEC to the LCS. However, only now has the move been confirmed. With a reported five million dollar buy-out clause and a multi-million dollar contract on the line, exactly where the star mid and bot laner would land was up for debate. Taking over the mid role in C9 was one of the most likely destinations.

Three days ago, G2 Esports bid farewell to Perkz in an emotional series of posts on their website. Since debuting on the team as a rookie, the player developed alongside G2 Esports to become one of the very best in the world. His move to NA could fundamentally shift the balance between the regions.

And that’s just what Perkz wants to do. In a reply to the announcement of his signing, the freshly minted NA import proudly stated that this would be the “first year that NA is better than EU.”

Still, despite the confidence shown by C9’s newest player, questions remain as to whether the Croatian player will be able to adapt to the NA lifestyle. North America’s solo-queue comes under frequent criticism for its bad attitude, and numerous cases exist of players moving regions to NA, only to flounder in their new region. Notable examples include the legendary Henrik “Froggen”  Hansen, Alexey “Alex Ich” Ichetovkin, and Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen.

However, if Perkz can avoid the fall off in ability and motivation which has struck almost every import to NA, C9 seem poised to dominate the region. Their 2021 roster is one of their strongest of recent years, and with the signing of Perkz to Cloud 9, they’re ready to make a push to more international competition – something they missed out on in 2020.

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League of Legends

Rekkles leaves Fnatic, likely to head to G2 Esports

The free agency period is always time for the unexpected, but few would have guessed that one of Fnatic’s most iconic players would be set to leave the team. However, yesterday evening(October 18), news broke across social media that Martin “Rekkles” Larsson was set to depart the organisation. 

What’s more, Rekkles most likely destination is none other than G2 Esports, Fnatic’s long-time LEC rival. The organization was in the market for a top-tier bot laner following the departure of Luka “Perkz” Perković. It had been previously rumoured that a Rekkles move to G2 was likely, but with his departure from Fnatic, the move is all but set in stone.

Rekkles has been a staple of Fnatic teams for years, playing for the squad in three stints between 2012 and 2020. His first run with the team was all the way back in Season 2, with the youthful carry playing as part of Fnatic and Fnatic.Beta. In 2013 the player would rejoin Fnatic for a short stint, only to leave again in November of the next year. 

His most prominent run, however, would start in 2015. Since then Rekkles has helped the team make four Worlds appearances, including a deep run in 2018 that saw the team reach the finals. Despite a loss against Invictus Gaming during Worlds 2018, Rekkles is still seen as a world-class bot laner and a worthy replacement for fellow semi-finalist Perkz.

The move also rejoins Rekkles with former Fnatic teammate Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther. The pair were part of the aforementioned semi-finalist lineup of 2018, and between them are two of the most decorated players in the LEC. It was a tall order to find a suitable replacement for Perkz, who Caps had developed a significant rapport with, but G2 has done just that in reuniting Rekkles and Caps. 

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League of Legends

Perkz to NA? Reported 5 Million Dollar Move For G2’s Golden Boy

LEC fans brace for the worst as G2’s Luka “Perkz” Perković is reportedly preparing for a move across the Atlantic to North America. The alleged transfer of Perkz to NA was revealed by journalist Jacob Wolf in a tweet posted late evening, November 9.

North American League of Legends is well-known for hooving up the top European talent in a desperate attempt to improve its international performances. But this latest move dwarves all of them. With a reported $5 million buyout, and “record-setting” salary, the potential switch would make the 22-year old the single most valuable player in all of esports.

Perkz has been a core component in G2’s lineup since late 2015. Originally a mid laner, the Croatian star swapped to bot lane, to facilitate the signing of Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther. Together, the duo became the two best carries in the LEC, taking G2 to three world championships, twice making it to the semi-finals. In 2019, Perkz was part of the G2 roster which came within a hair’s-length of winning Worlds, only falling to FunPlus Phoenix in the finals. 

A Perkz move to NA would be a huge blow to G2 and the LEC as a whole, giving up a generational talent as they move towards the prospect of a huge payday. North America has historically struggled at international competition, especially at Worlds. Many believe a move to NA would by default eliminate any chance that Perkz sees another Worlds final in his career. 

While all this remains speculation until an official announcement, some teams are more likely destinations than others. A move to Cloud9 would reunite Perkz with old EU LCS teammates. Meanwhile, 100 Thieves just announced the departure of Liyu “Cody Sun” Sun, giving them a spot that needs filling. It’s also not certain whether Perkz will continue to play bot lane, instead returning to Mid, where he’s played for many seasons. 

Wherever Perkz finally lands will gain the benefit of one of the most internationally experienced players in League of Legends. Having been to three MSI tournaments, and had four consecutive Worlds appearances with G2, there’s few with a similar resume in the game. Perkz is an upgrade over almost every player in his role in the North American region.

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