As the battle for the 2023 World Championship rages on in South Korea, we’re briefly interrupting to bring EMEA LoL Esports fans some news from a little closer to home. We’re happy to announce that 2023 EMEA Masters Summer Champions Karmine Corp will be taking over the LEC spot of Astralis. The team will make its LEC debut in the 2024 LEC Winter Split, and we’re so excited to see what they’ll bring to the Berlin stage.
If you know anything about League of Legends in EMEA, then chances are that you’ve already heard of French powerhouse and fan favourite Karmine Corp. Qualifying to the La Ligue Française (LFL) First Division in 2021, Karmine Corp went onto win two LFL titles and four EMEA Masters trophies, making the team one of the most decorated organisations in the EMEA Masters ecosystem.
The French community has consistently been one of the loudest and most passionate in the EMEA region. At our recent 2023 LEC Season Finals in Montpellier, in the Occitanie region, we were blown away by the support our teams received from the French crowd – and we can’t wait to welcome Karmine Corp’s loyal fanbase to the LEC.
But as one door opens, another closes – and in welcoming Karmine Corp to the LEC, we must also say goodbye to Astralis. They’ve had an unforgettable three years in the LEC, and we wish the team and its players all the best moving forward.
“Astralis has been a valued partner to us throughout its time in the LEC, and we wish the organisation the very best with its future endeavours,” said Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director of League of Legends Esports EMEA at Riot Games. “But we know its spot will be in capable hands with Karmine Corp. LEC fans have wanted to see the team in the league for some time now, which is in part, due to the incredible strength of the organisation's brand and its loyal and passionate fan base, something that has been showcased since its entry into the EMEA Masters ecosystem. We also know how locally resonant the organisation is in France - a country that is a major force in EMEA LoL Esports – and 2024 will be the season we find out whether that ERL dominance translates to the LEC stage.”
It’ll be a few months yet until Karmine Corp makes its debut – but make sure to follow us on socials and keep an eye on [lolesports.com][1] to stay up to date with all our offseason news.
**FAQ**
**What happens with Astralis’ LEC players?**
All Astralis players will become free agents from the start of the upcoming offseason.
**What will happen to Karmine Corp’s LFL team?**
Karmine Corp will continue to compete in the LFL alongside the LEC, with its LFL roster used as an academy team that will focus on developing emerging talents.
**Why were Karmine Corp chosen as Astralis’s successors?**
The selling team has the final say on which team their spot is sold to, as long as the purchasing team fits Riot’s criteria for a partnered organisation. The LEC works closely with both the selling team and applicants throughout the selling process, and reserves the right to veto applicants on evaluation of various aspects of their application. But, the final decision is made by the selling and purchasing organisations.
**What does the review process look like for teams wanting to enter the league?**
The LEC conducts a detailed review into any prospective partnered teams’ ownership group, brand and fandom, business history and objectives, as well as their approach to player development and performance. Based on this criteria, teams are either vetoed, or can progress to finalise negotiations with the selling team.
**Did the LEC get a cut from the sale?**
Astralis is entitled to all proceeds from the sale of its spot in the league.
[1]: http://lolesports.com
