Source: Leaguepedia
LECJanuary 1, 2026BRION Rebrands and Other Roster Changes Shake Up EMEA Scene
TL;DR
BRION Academy and BRION Challengers undergo a major rebranding, while several teams in the EMEA region see significant player shifts as 2023 begins.
The start of 2023 has seen notable changes in the esports landscape, particularly for the South Korean team BRION. Following a new partnership with HANJIN, the organization has rebranded all its divisions. BRION, now officially HANJIN BRION, has also announced that its academy team, BRION Academy, will be known as HANJIN BRION Academy, and BRION Challengers will become HANJIN BRION Challengers. This move suggests an emphasis on a unified branding strategy, which could help the organization strengthen its identity in the competitive landscape.
Meanwhile, HLE has made roster adjustments of its own. Streamer Vcha has joined the team, while Smeb, another streamer and a seasoned veteran, has had his contract extended. These additions may bring fresh dynamics to the lineup, potentially revitalizing HLE's strategy for the upcoming season.
In the EMEA region, GG is making significant shifts by adding top laner Krasito, jungler Thorden, mid laner V1dde, and coach Chris to its roster. The arrival of these players indicates GG's ambition to bolster its competitive edge as it looks to improve upon past performances. However, this change comes at the cost of V1dde's departure from GUP, highlighting a game of musical chairs among mid laners in the region.
Other notable exits include jungler Thorden leaving AaB and the complete dissolution of GSNS, which has led to the departure of multiple players, including jungler Nyx and supports Passzi and Ardo, along with head coach Yocks. The closure reflects the volatile nature of the esports scene in EMEA, where team operations can shift rapidly.
PTX has also made headlines, as support Kayron joins as a substitute, while jungler Foute Makelaar transitions to a backup role. The departures of mid laner puppynamer and bot laner Criptik mark a significant overhaul for the team.
Lastly, BAN has welcomed bot laner Tali as a substitute, aiming to strengthen its roster as the new competitive season approaches.
These roster changes highlight the ongoing evolution within the esports domain, as teams seek to find their winning combinations amidst an ever-changing competitive environment.
