TL;DR
- Rekkles’ move to KCorp represents the most surprising roster change in recent European LoL history
- The two-year LFL contract carries significant career risks for the veteran AD carry
- KCorp’s investment could position them perfectly for potential LEC expansion slots
- French League of Legends stands to gain massive viewership and prestige from this acquisition
- This decision will either elevate both parties to new heights or result in substantial losses

The recent League of Legends offseason has delivered unprecedented drama and unexpected roster moves that have left the community reeling. Martin “Rekkles” Larsson’s decision to leave elite-level competition entirely and join French organization Karmine Corp in the LFL stands as the most jaw-dropping development, challenging conventional wisdom about career progression in professional gaming.
For longtime followers of the European scene, this transition defies all expectations given Rekkles’ established legacy as a cornerstone of top-tier League play for nearly a decade. The community remains divided between those who see this as a strategic positioning move for potential LEC expansion and others who attribute it to the increasingly complex contract negotiations and buyout clauses that have characterized recent transfer periods.
THE KING IN THE NORTH.
Bienvenue chez toi, KC @RekklesLoL #KCORP 🟦
*pending Riot approval pic.twitter.com/1i8ZvAjZcE
— Karmine Corp (@KarmineCorp) November 16, 2021
As one of Europe’s most enduring professional competitors, Rekkles was widely anticipated to continue his LEC journey with another established organization following his departure from G2 Esports. Transitioning to a regional competition effectively eliminates his chances of competing for a World Championship title during the contract’s two-year duration, representing a significant competitive sacrifice.
Meanwhile, the LEC continues its regular season without the veteran marksman, where emerging AD carry talent had already begun surpassing his performance metrics in recent splits. Extended exposure to lower-level competition could diminish his competitive edge and reduce his readiness for returning to the international stage when opportunities arise.
Should performance or integration issues emerge, KCorp faces potential financial exposure exceeding one million euros without viable transfer options to major leagues. Unless the organization can leverage this signing to substantially elevate their brand recognition and commercial value, the benefits may prove temporary at best.
Strategic Implications: KCorp’s Long-Game Play
Many within the community are simultaneously anticipating potential expansion of the LEC franchise system. While no official announcements have been made, the departure of such an iconic player has intensified calls for additional slots within Europe’s premier competitive circuit. Should expansion materialize in the foreseeable future, KCorp would present an exceptionally compelling application bolstered by their domestic league success and now featuring a globally recognized franchise player.
This acquisition timing suggests KCorp may possess insider knowledge about forthcoming league developments that remain unknown to the general public. The strategic alignment of acquiring a star player precisely when franchise value could appreciate significantly indicates sophisticated long-term strategic planning.
The reality remains that this partnership faces binary outcomes with minimal middle ground. Both Rekkles and KCorp have positioned themselves for either remarkable success or substantial setbacks. Supporters can only anticipate that his inclusion will catalyze French League of Legends to become the definitive regional competition worldwide, potentially reshaping the entire European competitive landscape.
For organizations considering similar bold moves, understanding the risk-reward calculus behind this decision provides invaluable insights into modern esports team building strategies. The move represents a calculated deviation from traditional career paths that could establish new precedents for how veteran players transition between competitive tiers.
Action Checklist
- Evaluate player brand value versus competitive performance metrics when considering acquisitions
- Assess franchise positioning opportunities in relation to potential league expansion timelines
- Analyze contract duration against player career arc and competitive windows
- Calculate financial exposure and develop contingency plans for underperformance scenarios
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Why Rekkles’ move to KCorp in the LFL is risky Analyzing Rekkles' shocking move to KCorp and what it means for LEC expansion and French esports
