TL;DR
- Damonte becomes free agent after Dignitas declines contract option, surprising LCS community
- Proven mid laner with World Championship qualification and NA resident status boosts market value
- Dignitas’ $2.3M Huni signing suggests potential role swap and major roster overhaul
- Team faces significant rebuilding challenge with multiple positions to fill before Spring split
- Free agency period starting November 18 will determine final roster configurations
Professional League of Legends competitor Tanner “Damonte” Damonte will officially enter the free agent market on November 18, creating one of the most intriguing offseason storylines.
Dignitas organization elected not to activate the team option for the second season of his agreement, a decision that caught many analysts off guard given his recent achievements.
The timing of this announcement generated significant discussion across esports communities, particularly considering Damonte’s instrumental role in Clutch Gaming’s successful 2019 campaign that exceeded expectations.
Damonte’s Competitive Profile and Market Value
During the 2019 LCS season, Damonte established himself as a transformative presence in the mid lane, particularly excelling on champions like Qiyana where he demonstrated regional dominance.
His exceptional performance on specific picks was crucial to Clutch Gaming securing their unexpected qualification for the 2019 League of Legends World Championship, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Beyond mechanical skill, Damonte cultivated a distinctive player identity through his “Tanner Time” persona that resonated strongly with fans and created memorable moments throughout the season.
His strategic approach has matured significantly over multiple splits, evolving into a versatile style that balances selfless team play with calculated aggressive positioning during laning phases.
Damonte maintains an extensive champion repertoire that allows for flexible draft adaptations, making him particularly valuable for teams needing mid lane stability.
Former teammate Cody Sun publicly acknowledged Damonte’s team-first mentality and consistent work ethic, highlighting his value beyond pure gameplay statistics.
Recent organizational moves by Dignitas have generated concern among their fanbase regarding the team’s competitive direction and long-term planning.
The franchise reportedly committed to a substantial $2.3 million guaranteed agreement with top lane specialist Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon, raising questions about resource allocation.
Damonte’s departure potentially signals Huni transitioning to the mid lane position for the 2020 competitive season, representing a significant role adjustment.
Additional roster modifications are anticipated in the coming weeks, with multiple sources indicating an impending trade involving support player Philippe “Vulcan” Laflamme.
If these changes materialize, only Huni and Cody Sun would remain from the previous starting lineup, necessitating comprehensive recruitment across three key positions.
Initiating their official LCS participation with an almost entirely new lineup presents substantial organizational challenges for Dignitas management.
The team appears to be pursuing high-profile free agent acquisitions, an approach that typically generates media attention but doesn’t always translate into competitive success.
Final roster configurations will be formally announced following November 18 when the free agency negotiation window officially commences.
Teams considering roster changes should evaluate both immediate performance needs and long-term developmental potential when assessing available talent.
Action Checklist
- Monitor free agency developments starting November 18 for final roster confirmations
- Analyze team composition balance when evaluating potential roster moves
- Evaluate player role flexibility and champion pool diversity in roster assessments
- Assess team chemistry factors beyond individual player statistics
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Damonte to become free agent as Dignitas declines contract extension Analyzing Damonte's free agency impact and Dignitas' controversial roster rebuilding strategy