The League of Legends offseason is one of the most exciting times of the year. Sure, no matches are played, but it’s the one time each year where huge roster moves happen, and any changes could shape the entire year of competitive action.
Each year there are a ton of rumors and exciting moves and this year’s offseason just might have been the biggest yet. Some absolutely massive transfers took place all around the world and some teams even come into 2021 with entirely different squads.
Let’s take a look at how the offseason works, some of the biggest moves of the offseason, and what it means for wagering.
How Does The League of Legends Offseason Work?
The League of Legends offseason is fairly similar to most traditional sports’ transfer windows. It runs when there is no active competition (usually from November to January) and allows teams to transfer players.
There are quite a few rules involved, but they aren’t too important to the average fan. The main thing you need to know is the residency requirements. This means that at least three members of any team’s starting five must be residents of the region they play in.
Teams can usually only have two players from other regions, although a player can gain residency if they play in the same region for three seasons. For example, Evil Geniuses’ roster currently features just one American player. However, since Svenskeren and Impact (from Denmark and South Korea, respectively) have both played in the LCS for at least three seasons, EG is able to sign two more players from other regions, who are also known as imports.
Other than that, there aren’t many rules that restrict a player’s movement, and we even sometimes see some of the best of the best making huge moves and shaking up entire regions. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at some of the biggest moves of the offseason so far and how they play into betting on League of Legends in 2021.
Sportsbook
G2 Should Dominate LEC With Rekkles Signing
G2 definitely made the biggest headlines of the offseason, removing LEC legend Perkz and signing Rekkles. After signing Caps in 2018, the team had essentially played with two mid laners, each taking turns switching lanes.
While their performances were still incredibly strong, it was clear something was missing once it came to the international stage. Now, G2 has removed Perkz, who initially played mid for the team, and signed a proper, experienced bot laner in Rekkles.
This should not only improve their performances, as Rekkles is a world-class player and standout bot laner in Europe, but it also weakens their main rival Fnatic, who lost their biggest star.
Honestly, when the news of this transfer came in, the LEC was practically decided, and we should see G2 sweep through Europe with ease in 2021.
Cloud9 Gets Huge Mid-Lane Boost With Perkz
Perkz leaving G2 and the LEC is a huge loss for Europe, however, it’s also a massive gain for the LCS and especially Cloud9, who managed to secure the signing of the League superstar.
The Croatian is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and one of the biggest signings in LCS history. He’s won multiple LEC titles and even the Mid-Season Invitational, and has battled it out with the best of the best at Worlds.
He should have no problem fitting in at Cloud9 and likely possesses a higher skill level than any other mid laner in the region. With Perkz’ signing, the already strong Cloud9 squad became a whole lot better and is looking primed to control the LCS.
If you’re looking to bet on the upcoming LCS Lock In or the Spring Season, look no further than Cloud9 and Perkz.
Can OCE Star Raes Perform in Immortals?
Despite falling short to LGD in the knockout stage of Worlds 2020 Play-Ins, Legacy Esports still raised a few eyebrows with its performances at the event. Touted to finish dead last, the team actually tied for first with Liquid in their group, and only a tiebreaker saw them fall to the knockouts.
Every player on the team clearly played their hearts out, but there was one shining brighter than the rest. Bot laner Raes absolutely dominated in Legacy’s games, destroying the LEC’s MAD Lions and stunning Turkey’s SuperMassive Esports with over 15 kills. Even in key losses to Liquid and LGD, he seemed to be the only one who could put up a fight.
His heroics earned him a place in the LCS as he joined Immortals early in the offseason. While he is unproven in America, he clearly had what it takes at Worlds and may prove to be one of the best signings of 2020.
As such, Immortals are one of the teams I’d back to do better than expected and if Raes does manage to settle in, then he could single-handedly help Immortals pull off some huge upsets.
World Champion Nuguri Joins FunPlus Phoenix
One huge roster move that has gone somewhat overlooked happened between the LPL and the LCK.
FunPlus Phoenix managed to pull off what can only be described as a heist as they lured Nuguri away from Worlds winner DAMWON. Nuguri is arguably one of the best top laners in the world and was a huge part of the Koreans’ dominant campaign in 2020. By signing him, FPX has managed to improve an already strong team and currently houses two of the best players in the world in Nuguri and Doinb.
Their roster is looking better than ever and despite a rough 2020 and tough competition facing them in the form of Top Esports and Suning, FunPlus Phoenix is really set up for success in 2021.
Considering that they are still seen as a bit of an underdog in the LPL, you may find some very juicy odds for them, and they should be well worth backing.
