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Team Dignitas’ League of Legends is back from the dead after a big purchase by the Philadelphia 76ers back in September. One of the oldest organizations in North American LoL, Team Dignitas announced its new roster Tuesday through a press release.
Included in the roster are two players from Apex Gaming, the organization Dignitas will be replacing in the NA LCS. Former Apex mid laner Lae-Young "Keane" Jang and support Alex “Xpecial” Chu will be the two holdovers from the old roster. Keane will be eligible to play despite two other Koreans in the starting lineup because he is an NA resident by Riot rules.
Of the new signees, the one that will capture the most attention is surely top laner Chan-ho “Ssumday” Kim, previously one of KT Rolster’s star players in the LCK. One of the best top laners in the World, Ssumday joins a crowded North American top lane pool that includes fellow recent Korean imports Flame and Looper.
“I am excited to play overseas and help Team Dignitas continue to raise the standard for a North American team,” Ssumday said in the press release. “I believe the Dignitas’ NBA ownership structure will provide the best conditions for me to focus on gaming, training and development. I am confident that, together with my Team Dignitas teammates and coaches, we will grow to become competitive on the world stage.”
Also joining Ssumday will be fellow LCK import Sang-hyun “Chaser” Lee, previously the jungler for Jin Air and Longzhu Gaming.
“This was an incredible opportunity to play internationally, for an ambitious organization, that wants to win. I believe my aggressive jungling style will fit the 2017 meta well, and contribute to our success” Chaser said in the release. “I am excited to head to Los Angeles and make my mark in the NA LCS.”
The final new signing for Dignitas is AD Carry Benjamin “LOD” deMunck, who most recently played with Team Envy in the NA LCS and was one of the strongest rookie performers last split.
"I was attracted to Team Dignitas’ infrastructure, talented roster and incredible coaching staff,” LOD said in the release. "Combined with the Philadelphia 76ers involvement, I think this will be the ideal atmosphere for me to learn, improve and grow as a player. Moving into Season 7, I am extremely confident that this team can compete with and defeat the best in the world.”
Team Dignitas has been involved with competitive League of Legends since 2012, and has featured some of the most prominent names in the sport on its roster over the years. After being relegated from the NA LCS following the 2016 Spring Split, Dignitas declined to field a Challenger team for 2016 Summer, temporarily ending its involvement with the game. With the 76ers’ investment, Dignitas is back, and we’ll get to see this new roster in action next month.
- Top: Chan-ho “Ssumday” Kim
- Jungle: Sang-hyun “Chaser” Lee
- Mid: Lae-Young "Keane" Jang
- AD Carry: Benjamin “LOD” deMunck
- Support: Alex “Xpecial” Chu