TL;DR
- Veteran jungler Svenskeren faces first LCS split absence since 2015 due to competitive offseason
- Evil Geniuses replaced him with European import Inspired after two seasons of mid-table results
- Despite proven six-year LCS track record, teams preferred importing talent over domestic veterans
- Svenskeren remains committed to NA career and is exploring all options while in Denmark
- The situation highlights broader trends in LCS roster building and veteran player challenges
The current League of Legends offseason has demonstrated unprecedented competitiveness, creating a challenging environment where established professionals may find themselves without starting positions. Among those affected is Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen, formerly of Evil Geniuses, who now confronts an unexpected career crossroads.
This experienced jungler recently disclosed his inability to secure a team placement during this recruitment period. Having contributed to EG’s roster throughout the previous two competitive years, the organization has now committed to fielding Kacper “Inspired” Słoma, previously with European squad Rogue, for the upcoming season.
This organizational shift has positioned Svenskeren in the unfamiliar role of seeking new employment. What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is his demonstrated reliability across six consecutive LCS seasons, yet every franchise has pursued alternative directions, frequently selecting imported talent over domestic veterans.
Future – 2022
Read: https://t.co/hYBcBcDjGu
— Svenskeren (@Svenskeren1) November 27, 2021
In his detailed Twitlonger statement, Svenskeren emphasized his active pursuit of LCS opportunities while acknowledging he won’t occupy a starting position. This development likely marks his first missed competitive split since relocating to North America as a professional competitor in 2015.
What happened to Svenskeren?
Svenskeren currently holds free agent status after failing to receive contractual offers from LCS organizations for the 2022 competitive season.
“My search for a team during this offseason has proven unsuccessful,” Svenskeren confirmed. “I’ve maintained continuous LCS participation since season three without split absence, making this my inaugural experience without starting responsibilities.”
Presently, the jungler has returned to his native Denmark during the offseason break but continues exploring regional possibilities. He maintains his “strong dedication” to competitive play and believes he retains sufficient skill for professional competition.
“My preference remains competing in North America, as I genuinely appreciate both residing and playing there,” Svenskeren elaborated. “While currently situated in Denmark, I’m considering all NA alternatives to facilitate ongoing growth within the region I consider home.”
Throughout the 2021 competitive year, Svenskeren divided playing time on Evil Geniuses with fellow jungler Juan “Contractz” Carcia. This rotational approach yielded limited success, with the squad concluding both seasonal splits in fifth position within the standings.
The underwhelming performances eliminated EG from contention for the 2021 World Championship, despite assembling a roster with significant seasonal aspirations. These results prompted multiple roster adjustments for the approaching season, including acquisition of former Cloud9 support Philippe “Vulcan” Laflamme, who departed following his team’s top-eight international finish.
Although Svenskeren may observe the forthcoming split from sidelines, potential remains for supporters to witness his return with another LCS organization subsequently.
Professional Insight: Veteran players facing similar situations should maintain competitive readiness through solo queue grinding, streaming to maintain visibility, and networking with team management. Many successful comebacks have occurred when players stay prepared during unexpected breaks from competition.
The Svenskeren situation reflects broader LCS trends where teams increasingly prioritize promising imports over established domestic veterans. This creates challenging career transitions for players who have dedicated years to the region.
Strategic Consideration: Organizations weighing import decisions should balance potential upside against the stability and regional identity that veteran players provide. While new talent brings excitement, experienced competitors offer invaluable leadership and consistency during high-pressure matches.
For players navigating similar career challenges, understanding contract negotiation timing becomes crucial. The primary LCS recruitment window typically closes weeks before seasons begin, but mid-split opportunities often emerge due to performance issues or roster conflicts.
Those interested in comprehensive competitive gaming strategies should consult our Complete Guide for detailed approaches to professional gameplay improvement.
Action Checklist
- Maintain competitive mechanics through daily solo queue practice (4-6 hours recommended)
- Build visibility through streaming and content creation to demonstrate ongoing skills
- Network with team managers and coaches during offseason events and through professional connections
- Review our Weapons Unlock guide for optimizing in-game performance across different roles
- Consider academy team opportunities to maintain competitive environment while awaiting LCS chances
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Svenskeren didn’t receive LCS offer for 2022 season Exploring Svenskeren's unexpected LCS free agency and what it means for veteran esports careers