Despite KOI (formerly Rogue) being the only Western team to get out of group stage at Worlds 2022, the team is parting way with its toplaner Odoamne after 2 years with the Romanian.
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It has been a successful season for Rogue and Odoamne
Rogue placed 2nd in LEC Spring Split playoffs and managed to sweep G2 3-0 to claim the Summer Split and Europe’s 1st seed at Worlds 2022. Rogue went on to go 4-2 in the group stage to get themselves into Worlds knockout stage, where they ended up placing 5-8th after being demolished by an unstoppable JD Gaming.
Regardless, Rogue should have been satisfied with their performance. Western teams historically do not do well at Worlds when faced with the titans of LoL in the East, so being the only Western team getting out of groups should have counted as a success for the European squad.
Rogue seemed to have no intention of continuing with Odoamne despite success
Odoamne himself has been disclosing that the team never mentioned renewing his contracts throughout Rogue’s successful summer run. So, the rumor came naturally, especially with the upcoming Rogue/KOI merger.
A good question is, is the kick warranted? Many would consider Jungler Malrang to be the weaker spot in Rogue. Odoamne, on the other hand, has carried a lot of RGE’s games on his back throughout this season.
So why did RGE refuse to re-sign him? It could be compatibility issue, attitude problem, or maybe RGE just wanting to have a fresher game. The biggest clue would be his supposed replacement Szygenda. The Danish toplaner is currently playing for Vitality.Bee, Vitality’s academy roster.
Szygenda is young upcomer, only 21 years old and needs a chance to prove himself, while Odo is already 27. Maybe signing a cheap younger player to replace an old guard who would definitely be asking for a raise after a great season is the play here for RGE/KOI.
Regardless, Odoamne will be leaving RGE with a LEC title, and top 8 finish at Worlds, and certainly won’t have trouble exploring other options in the LEC. Szygenda will get a shot at the big stage, and KOI saved a sizeable amount maintaining the roster. Everyone wins!