With the 2025 LEC season just around the corner, fans and analysts are preparing for a season full of surprises and unknowns. As the start of the campaign is only several weeks away, this year’s campaign is set to respond to some of the most topical narratives in the league. From the massive roster shake-up at G2 to the acquisition of the first NA import, the next season will redefine the map of European League of Legends.
1. Who Will Master the Fearless Draft?
The most significant change that has been implemented in the Winter Split is the Fearless Draft system. Intended to make teams rise to the occasion by insisting on different champions, this rule brings a strategic element to the early part of the season while encouraging the teams to think outside the box.
This new meta is going to be a good fit for players with large champion pools and high levels of positional versatility, while those who have mastered a single champion and nothing else are going to be in trouble. As the Winter Split also has a compact schedule, it is high time for outsiders to take the spotlight.
G2 Esports, coached by Dylan Falco, is still considered the favorite to win the tournament. Falco has said that he trusts Fearless Draft as a system that fits G2 and at the same time he admitted that the change of the format means that the teams have to rely on different skills and thus the underdogs might emerge.
2. Can Rogue Find Love Again?
Rogue does not look like the team that was once a contender for championships. Since the dissolution of the 2022 Summer champions, the team has been struggling at the very bottom of the standings, with the disappointing 2024 season that saw the team finishing at the very bottom of the league twice.
But, the actions that Rogue has made during the off-season indicate that there might be a revival in the team. The team seems to have improved in every aspect with a rumored lineup of Adam, Malrang, Larssen, Patrik, and Execute. The flamboyant styles of their new players could help revive a team that has been accused of playing dull football. As for expectations, they should be kept in check, but with a fresh lineup in place, Rogue might just do the unexpected – and in the very least, provide some fun.
3. Will G2’s Roster Overhaul Backfire?
G2 Esports comes into the new LEC season after having won four titles in a row in 2024 and with ambitious and risky changes that should help them regain their international success. The signing of rookie jungler SkewMond and the unexpected change of iconic support Mikyx with Labrov show the organization’s desire to climb higher.
That is why G2’s actions can increase their potential, but at the same time, there is a possibility of a decline. Mikyx is considered one of the best supports in Europe, and his departure creates a leadership and stability problem. The burden now lies on Labrov to step up and for SkewMond to get used to the LEC as soon as possible.
While teams like Fnatic and GIANTX build their own talented teams, the pressure has never been greater. The first test for G2 will be in the Red Bull League of Its Own where their new roster will compete against T1 – an appetizer of what is to come.
4. How will the first NA import adapt to the LEC?
In a first for the LEC, Canadian mid laner Jojopyun has signed for Movistar KOI, making him the first North American player in the league. Jojopyun was once considered a generational talent but his career was derailed in 2024 after a disastrous year with Cloud9, which was marred by alleged punctuality problems and poor form.
The last two objectives will therefore be critical in ensuring that Jojopyun fits into the LEC’s culture. European teams are more direct in their communication, which may suit his personality as he is quite vocal. However, the coaching staff and players of KOI will have to deal with professionalism issues to get the best out of him.
Jojopyun is undoubtedly talented, but the 2025 season will show if he can adapt to a new team and contribute to KOI’s success after a successful 2024 season.
5. Can Vitality’s Rebuild Finally Deliver Results?
Even though Team Vitality has been investing a lot of money in the team for years, the team has not been able to translate its goals into a significant LEC performance. The 2024 season of the team, which was trained by the development-oriented Mac and Pad, failed to achieve any top-three rankings and ranked ninth in Summer.
Vitality now fully commits to the youth approach with the rumored academy prospects Naak Nako and Czajek being promoted to the main squad. Although the decision is a clear sign of confidence in their strategic outlook, the expectations are rising. Another poor season might prove too much for the fans and the management to take.
Mac and Pad’s approach is long-term, but the LEC is a ruthless league where one misstep can cost a team a game. The two will have to find the right balance between developing young talents and winning if Vitality is to come out of the slump it is currently in.
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