In a development that has sent ripples across the North American League of Legends esports scene, renowned organization 100 Thieves is set to conclude its tenure in the franchised League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) come 2026. The announcement, jointly made by the club and Riot Games, signals a significant shift for one of the league`s established brands and the competitive landscape as a whole.
A Strategic Pivot: From Permanent Slot to Guest Pass
The journey to this departure has been a curious one. It was initially revealed in 2024 that 100 Thieves had already divested its permanent slot in the league. However, for the current 2025 season, the organization secured a unique “guest slot” within the newly restructured LCS. This arrangement allowed 100 Thieves to continue competing amidst a period of considerable flux for the league. One might observe a subtle irony in a prominent, well-funded esports entity operating on what effectively amounted to a temporary pass, a testament to the dynamic, and at times unpredictable, nature of professional esports partnerships.
Following the conclusion of the recent competitive splits, Riot Games, the orchestrators of League of Legends esports, opted not to extend a fresh offer for 100 Thieves to re-acquire a permanent place within the league for 2026. This decision firmly seals the organization`s exit from the top-tier North American competitive stage.
A Legacy in the Rift
100 Thieves first entered the North American league in 2018, quickly establishing themselves as a formidable presence. Over the years, they have been a consistent fixture, contributing to the league`s narrative and competitive spirit. In the 2025 season, their efforts saw them reach the finals of the first split, demonstrating their continued competitive ambition. The second split concluded with a respectable 5th-6th place finish, underlining their consistent, if not always dominant, performance.
The departure raises immediate questions regarding the future of their League of Legends roster. With their exit from the LCS confirmed for the end of the season, the fate of the players and coaching staff remains an open question, undoubtedly subject to new opportunities and strategic re-evaluations within the organization.
What Lies Ahead?
As 100 Thieves prepares for its final year in the LCS, the league itself faces the prospect of a vacant slot. The identity of the team or organization that will step in to fill this position remains undisclosed. This departure, therefore, isn`t just about one team leaving; it`s also about the opportunity for new blood, new investment, and potentially new competitive narratives to emerge within North America`s premier League of Legends circuit.
The esports landscape is in a constant state of evolution, with franchise systems continuously adapting to economic realities and competitive demands. 100 Thieves` departure serves as a stark reminder that even established partnerships in the seemingly “permanent” world of franchised leagues are subject to re-evaluation and change. It`s a strategic move that reflects not only the organization`s priorities but also Riot Games` ongoing efforts to sculpt a sustainable and compelling future for the LCS.
For 100 Thieves, this marks the end of a significant chapter in their esports story, but undoubtedly the beginning of another. For the LCS, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity to redefine its competitive roster. The next steps for both parties will be observed closely as the North American League of Legends scene continues its fascinating, albeit often unpredictable, journey.
