Fans Concerned for the Future After 100 Thieves’ Disappointing LoL Announcement

Concerns Rise Among 100 Thieves’ League of Legends Fans

The ongoing saga at 100 Thieves has sent ripples through the League of Legends community. The organization’s VP of Esports, Maelk, made a surprising statement, suggesting that devoted fans consider supporting other teams like Cloud9 and Team Liquid. This comment, indeed, sparked outrage among longtime supporters of the team, triggering what some deem a public relations disaster.

100 Thieves General Sniper — Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Despite 100 Thieves remaining in the League of Legends ecosystem, their future involvement remains murky. According to Riot Games’ official press release, the organization will participate for another year with their spot set to expire in 2025. Additionally, their status hinges on a “provisional guest slot,” limiting their options for re-entry.

Uncertain Future and Financial Struggles

While the organization has yet to confirm plans to exit the League Championship Series (now referred to as the LTA North), they expressed ambitions to continue beyond 2025. However, the details surrounding their potential departure—or how they plan to navigate the evolving landscape—remain unclear.

In a bid to address the concerns from fans, Maelk took to the team’s official subreddit to clarify their position. Unfortunately, his comments only deepened anxieties among the fanbase rather than alleviating them.

Maelk’s Controversial Statement

Maelk stated, “If you’re focused on LoL and your priority is to support a team with the highest probability of lifetime involvement, I would recommend putting your trust in C9 and Team Liquid.” This comment did not sit well with fans, further adding to the existing tension.

He went on to describe 100 Thieves as a multi-faceted brand, highlighting that limiting themselves to a single game would cause fans to miss out on broader opportunities. Still, the team’s financial constraints became apparent as they considered selling their franchise spot back to Riot for operational funds.

Notably, CEO Nadeshot even took a pay cut to secure a Call of Duty roster amid financial challenges—indicating a significant strain within the organization.

A Missed Opportunity for Understanding

In a follow-up, Maelk attempted to frame his original statement, asserting that his response was meant to address fans’ concerns about the uncertainty of 100 Thieves’ future in League of Legends. He elaborated, “I come from a background of loyalty in sports culture and would never encourage fans to switch allegiances. We are focused on winning, not making friends.”

Reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing betrayal and indignation. One fan lamented, “Damage is done. Your PR BS doesn’t help. The honest response was appreciated.” Others voiced fears over the long-term viability and commitment of 100 Thieves within the League.

What Lies Ahead for 100 Thieves?

In spite of the controversy, some fans like David Szajnuk, a prominent supporter within the League community, indicated a desire to remain loyal to 100 Thieves, even while voicing discontent with how the situation has unfolded. However, as uncertainty looms regarding the organization’s future within the League, the sentiment among dedicated fans remains one of apprehension.

As 100 Thieves navigates these tumultuous waters, it’s evident that rebuilding trust with the fanbase will be a challenging endeavor. The organization must clarify its intentions and outline a viable strategy for continued participation in the League of Legends scene beyond 2025.

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