MAD Lions, one of the most beloved teams in the European League of Legends scene, is potentially undergoing a major transformation this offseason. Following their early exit from the 2023 World Championship, the team’s senior director of team operations, Till Werdermann, has announced that the entire division has been given permission to explore other options for next year. While they may still decide to stick together, the organization is open to exploring new opportunities.
The majority of the players on the roster are currently signed through this year, with the exception of jungler Elyoya, whose contract expires at the end of November. Nisqy and Hylissang have contracts expiring next year, while Chasy and Carzzy are signed until 2025.
Despite their strong lineup, many fans believe that this iteration of MAD Lions has reached its limit, especially after disappointing performances at the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational and Worlds. Although they won the LEC championship in the spring with an impressive comeback, their performance throughout the year has been inconsistent.
Expectations were high for MAD Lions, but they struggled to maintain their form beyond the 2023 Winter Split. They finished in seventh place during both the regular season and playoffs in the summer, ultimately being eliminated by Fnatic in the Season Finals. At Worlds, they underperformed compared to other major region teams, managing only one win in the Swiss stage against Team BDS. They were outclassed by teams like Cloud9, NRG Esports, and Weibo Gaming.
With their disappointing results, MAD Lions may be looking to rebuild their division entirely. Plans are being made for the team, players, and staff, and more updates are expected in the coming months.
Source: DOTESPORTS
