Former Cloud9 star Zeyzal joins 4 ex-LCS on new amateur team

Florida-based organization SolaFide Esports has made waves by assembling what many are calling a ‘super team’ at the amateur level. Their roster composition represents a strategic approach to the newly established North American amateur competitive circuit.

The team features five experienced former LCS competitors: top laner Niship “Dhokla” Doshi, jungler Winston “Winston” Herold, mid laner Jean-Sébastien “Tuesday” Thery, ADC Apollo “Apollo” Price, and support Tristan “Zeyzal” Stidam. This lineup brings extensive professional experience to the Risen Champions League, a tier-two tournament designed specifically for amateur organizations and collegiate programs. The squad has already demonstrated their competitive edge by advancing to the semifinal stage where they’ll compete against Barrage Esports.

What makes this tournament particularly intriguing is the presence of multiple development squads from established LCS franchises. Alongside SolaFide, the competition includes 100 Thieves Next, Cloud9 Amateur, and Evil Geniuses Prodigies, creating a bridge between professional organizations and the amateur ecosystem.

The Risen Champions League represents just the initial phase of North America’s revitalized amateur competitive structure. For the 2021 season, the LCS implemented significant format changes to the Academy system, specifically creating space for amateur teams to participate. Organizations now compete in a structured series of tier-two events where they accumulate points based on performance. The highest-performing teams ultimately qualify for LCS Proving Grounds, a culminating tournament where Academy and amateur squads face off.

The moment you’ve all been waiting for.

Announcing SolaFide’s entry into League of Legends. Please welcome our ???????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????? roster.#SFLOL

????@dhoklalol
????@winstonleague
????@Tuesday_lol
????@ApolloPrice
????@Zeyzal
????@xSojin
????@LoLJido
????@Influx_LOLpic.twitter.com/0DGnLPqHzh

— SolaFide Esports® (@SolaFideGG)January 14, 2021

SolaFide’s roster may represent the initial wave of LCS veterans transitioning to the amateur scene, but they certainly won’t be the last. The establishment of this new competitive pathway encourages greater organizational investment in developing talent. While compensation may not reach LCS salary levels, maintaining competitive activity provides superior development opportunities compared to sitting out entire seasons waiting for another professional chance.

The 2021 season appears poised to become a landmark year for North American amateur competition, offering exactly the structured environment the region requires to cultivate homegrown talent effectively. SolaFide continues their Risen Championship League campaign in the semifinals scheduled for January 23.

Who is competing in the LCS?

The League of Legends Championship Series features ten professional organizations competing at the highest level of North American play. Each team operates under a franchise slot system, maintaining direct partnership with Riot Games, the game’s developer. This franchise model ensures permanent participation rights, eliminating the traditional relegation system found in many esports leagues. The current franchise teams include:

• 100 Thieves
• Cloud9
• Counter Logic Gaming
• Dignitas
• Evil Geniuses
• FlyQuest
• Golden Guardians
• Immortals
• Team SoloMid
• Team Liquid

The franchise system provides stability for long-term planning and player development. Organizations can invest confidently in infrastructure, knowing their league position remains secure regardless of seasonal performance. This stability has encouraged significant investment in training facilities, coaching staff, and player development programs, creating a more professional environment overall.

When does the 2021 LCS start?

The 2021 LCS Spring Split commences on Friday, February 5, with matches beginning at 3 p.m. Pacific Time (6 p.m. Eastern Time). The regular season typically spans eight weeks, followed by playoffs to determine the Spring Split champion.

For optimal viewing experience, consider these scheduling insights: Matches primarily air on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the split. The Spring Champion earns qualification for the Mid-Season Invitational, representing North America against top international teams. Understanding the Complete Guide to competitive structures can help appreciate the LCS format’s strategic design.

How many imports can LCS teams have?

LCS organizations face specific regulations regarding international player acquisitions. Each team may field a maximum of two import players simultaneously during competitive matches. While teams can sign additional import players to their overall roster, only two may participate in any given match. A significant rule change implemented for 2021 excludes players from Oceania from counting against import slots, reflecting the region’s integration into North American competitive structures.

Strategic considerations for import usage include: balancing experienced international talent with domestic player development, managing communication across language barriers, and optimizing practice schedules across time zones. Similar to understanding Weapons Unlock systems in other games, mastering import rules requires understanding both immediate competitive advantages and long-term roster development goals. The exemption for Oceanic players creates new strategic possibilities for teams seeking to bolster their rosters without consuming valuable import slots.

When building competitive teams, whether in LCS or exploring different game strategies like those covered in our Class Guide, the balance between immediate performance and sustainable development remains crucial.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Former Cloud9 star Zeyzal joins 4 ex-LCS on new amateur team Complete guide to LCS 2021 teams, schedule, import rules and the rising amateur scene