TL;DR
- Dardoch released from Dignitas following undisclosed incident after Golden Guardians loss
- Matthew ‘Akaadian’ Higginbotham permanently replaces him as starting jungler
- The 23-year-old veteran now faces uncertain free agency prospects in crowded LCS jungle market
- Dardoch has played for eight different organizations since his 2015 LCS debut with Team Liquid
- Dignitas maintains playoff hopes despite 3-6 record, faces 100 Thieves next
Joshua “Dardoch” Hartnett’s tenure with Dignitas has concluded after approximately one year with the organization, marking another chapter in his volatile professional career.
In their latest competitive roster adjustment, Dignitas confirmed Dardoch’s removal from their League Championship Series lineup. The experienced jungler initially found himself sidelined during week three of the LCS Summer Split. Since that benching, the organization has relied on their academy jungler Matthew “Akaadian” Higginbotham, who now secures the permanent starting position moving forward.
Our statement regarding the
#LCS
roster.
pic.twitter.com/qyRidgrRbg— Dignitas (@dignitas)
June 25, 2021
While Dignitas opted not to reveal specific details surrounding Dardoch’s exit, they hinted at internal developments occurring outside public view. James Baker, Dignitas’ director of esports, indicated that a significant event transpired last Friday following the team’s defeat against Golden Guardians. This situation, which directly involved Dardoch, became the decisive factor prompting his separation from the squad.
This development places Dardoch back on the free agent market with unclear professional prospects. Although theoretically available to any team, industry analysts suggest the 23-year-old jungler likely won’t reappear in the LCS immediately. With the current split underway and numerous skilled junglers competing in the league, finding an appropriate roster spot appears challenging for the talented but controversial player.
Since making his LCS debut in 2015 with Team Liquid, Dardoch has represented eight distinct organizations within the league. His career has alternated between LCS and Academy positions for several years, with consistent challenges establishing long-term stability with any single team. Despite these organizational transitions, Dardoch maintains his reputation as a mechanically gifted competitor, sparking ongoing discussion about potential team fits for his unique skill set.
Looking ahead for Dignitas, the organization seeks to recover competitive momentum in the LCS following several difficult weeks. The squad currently shares fifth position with a 3-6 record this split. Thanks to their strong spring split performance, Dignitas remains in playoff consideration but must secure additional victories promptly to maintain their position. Class Guide principles of role specialization become particularly relevant in evaluating roster changes like this. Dignitas’ next competitive match occurs on Friday, June 25, against 100 Thieves, who currently demonstrate formidable form.
Action Checklist
- Monitor Dignitas’ performance with Akaadian as starting jungler
- Track Dardoch’s free agency status and potential team negotiations
- Analyze LCS jungle position market for potential roster openings
- Evaluate how behind-the-scenes conduct affects player value in esports
- Assess Dignitas’ playoff chances given their current standings
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Dardoch cut by Dignitas after incident, returns to free agency Dardoch departs Dignitas after behind-the-scenes incident, veteran jungler returns to free agency