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Bunny FuFuu to take a break from competitive play
This was suppose to be the split that Michael “Bunny FuFuu” Kurylo finally took over the shot calling and support duties for Cloud9. Hai “Hai” Du Lam was finally out of the picture, focused on the Cloud9’s Challenger expedition. It hasn’t exactly worked out that way, however.
During the offseason, Cloud9 also brought in Andy “Smoothie” Ta as a sub for Bunny FuFuu. While boot-camping in Korea during the offseason, the team decided on a two support rotation system for the Summer Split.
Needless to say, it wasn’t the ideal situation that Bunny FuFuu was expecting. It all reached a climax during Week 7. With Cloud9 facing off against Apex, the team decided to finally start a support player for each game — Smoothie.
Bunny FuFuu released a statement shortly after the Apex series:
“People always question whether me joining Cloud 9 was the right decision or not, but if I was presented with the same opportunity again, I would still make the exact same choice. But moving forward I will be taking more a of back seat role in the team now and focusing on streaming full time. As I am very close with everyone on the team, I will still be living in the C9 house, sharing my time with everyone and occasionally helping here and there.
Feel free to pop by my stream and ask me questions. Thank you all so much for all the support you have given me, and I hope you will all continue to support me in the future.”
I expect we’ll see Bunny FuFuu on a new team next split. He has a great personality, a ton of patience (thanks to Cloud9!), and is a very skilled player.
G2 trades Kikis to Fnatic
As we reported last month in our League of Legends Top Stories, Kikis was unhappy with the G2 environment and had stepped down as top laner. G2 issued a statement that they would actively look to trade Kikis. That day has finally come:
It seems Fnatic has finally decided it’s time to split up with Noh “Gamsu” Yeong-Jin.
“It comes with a heavy heart that we must part ways with Gamsu. However, it has become clear to us that our organisational goals and ideals are not aligned. At Fnatic, our priority is performing at the highest level whilst simultaneously securing the best possible future for our organisation. Following an evaluation with the whole team, Fnatic and Gamsu have mutually decided to part ways. Our management team will work hard to support Gamsu, making sure he can continue his career as a professional gamer, wherever he decides to go.”
The ironic part of this is that Fnatic immediately added Jorge “Werlyb” Casanovas as a substitute top laner, potentially creating the same situation that made Kikis leave G2 (splitting time with another player).
Kikis publicly stated that he is fine with working with Werlyb:
“I will work with Werlyb onwards to see how much this situation can benefit the team and both of us. I have changed my approach to the sub situation because the conditions at Fnatic can’t be compared to those at G2.”
This is a risky time for Fnatic to make a move like this, but the team feels this will elevate their chances to attend Worlds and to succeed there. Only time will tell if this plays out the way Fnatic has envisioned.
Origen has a new ADC
It’s been a rough summer so far for Origen. After losing two key players during the offseason, the split didn’t start out any better.
Konstantinos “FORG1VEN” Tzortziou quit on Origen after the first week of the Summer Split due to not having enough motivation to play. That caused the team to do something out of desperation, forcing mid laner Enrique “xPeke” Cedeno to start at ADC.
While xPeke is a great, and a future hall of fame player, changing positions with no time to prepare is nearly impossible. In 20 games played this split, xPeke had a 2.0 KDA and a 62.4 percent KP, placing him in last place among ADC’s in that category.
His 27.3 DMG% was also bottom three among ADCs.
Well, good news Origen fans, you now have a new ADC!
Origen has also released an official statement regarding the change:
“Toaster will play ADC position. He inspires us enough confidence to play this role officially and we know he will work hard to fit in the team as quick as possible and get the victories we need. xPeke will be sub for ADC and mid so we will maybe watch him playing some games.”
Toaster is essentially a rookie, having just started playing professionally last year. He’s played for two Challenger teams (Team Infused and FM eSports) before joining Origen.
Through six games this split, Toaster is 3-3 with a 3.19 KDA and a stat line of 20-16-31. Those are slight statistical upgrades over xPeke.
Origen is currently mired in a season they want to soon forget. In 9th place with a 2W-8T-6L record, they’re already out of the playoff picture. Avoiding relegations at this point is their biggest obstacle.
Former KT Rolster support joins Phoenix1
It was a rough start to Phoenix1’s inaugural split, but the team has been on the upswing since then. After purchasing an LCS spot literally a week before the Summer Split started, P1 management was forced to put together a ragtag crew of players.
They’ve just made a big upgrade in the support position now.
Former KT Rolster starter, Jae-woo “Fixer” Jung, has signed with P1.
Fixer previously played under the name “Ondal” when he started his professional career with Incredible Miracle 2. After splitting time with Jong-beom “Piccaboo” Lee during last year’s Summer Split, Fixer was benched during Worlds in favor of Piccaboo. After Worlds, both players left KT Rolster and have since taken a break from competitive play.
Fixer will now officially get a chance for a career boost, and in North America no less. Due to visa issues, we likely won’t see Fixer in the NA LCS until next split.
