League of Legends is rife with action, drawing more than 6.4 million viewers across thousands of tournaments since its inception. LoL player transfers are one of the hottest topics amongst spectators, with off-season roster shuffles dramatically influencing team dynamics and future outcomes.
This article will review the most notable LoL team transfers in 2023, exploring unexpected switches and high-profile signings. We’ll also analyze the impact of these maneuvers with insights into how they could reshape the 2024 LoL professional circuit.
With the LoL 2024 Season starting up, check out the latest LoL odds. Then arm yourself with the knowledge of the 2023 LoL team transfers to make the best of your picks. Then head over to our LoL betting guide for more info on how to place your League of Legends bets.
Please note: This article’s picks and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of all Thunderpick staff.
Knight To Bilibili Gaming
On Dec. 12, 2023, Zhuo “Knight” Ding joined Bilibili Gaming, immediately after taking an attempt at The Golden Road with JD Gaming. During his 1-year tenure, the Chinese mid laner achieved high honors, placing 1st at LPL Spring, LPL Summer 2023, and Mid-Season Invitational 2023.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Knight’s transfer to BLG is striking as the LPL 2023 MVP replaces LoL titan Yagao. He will play alongside the remaining BLG roster (Bin, XUN, Elk, ON and LvMao as a substitute support), albeit without head coach Tabe’s expertise in the LPL 2024 season.
BLG secured 3rd-4th at Worlds 2023, and the team is set to dominate again in 2024. This strategic move—lauded by fans—will no doubt end with Knight boosting the team’s shot at replicating his impeccable performance with JDG last year.
Yagao To JD Gaming
Zeng “Yagao” Qi made a comeback to JD Gaming as their mid laner on Dec. 8, 2023, taking over from Knight. As a result, Yagao joins forces with Flandre, Kanavi, Ruler, and MISSING, a lineup that strongly hints at JDG’s top 3 contention in the 2024 LPL.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Yagao’s return to JDG sparked mixed reactions. Despite his year-long tenure with a top-tier China team in 2023 and his incredible in-game prowess, some critics view his return to the red and navy team as a downgrade. On the other hand, some see his returned synergy with Kanavi as a potential game-changer in the Spring and Summer Splits.
GALA To LNG Esports
After replacing LP with Chen “GALA” We from Royal Never Give Up on May 24, 2023, LNG gained momentum against top contenders like Gen.G. In the 2024 LPL season, GALA is set to play alongside Mark, Hang, Weiwei, Scout, and Zika under the guidance of head coach Crescent.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Despite LNG’s 0-3 defeat by Korean juggernaut T1 at the Worlds 2023 Playoffs (Knockout Stage), GALA emerged as the determining factor in the team’s late-2023 upswing. The Chinese bot laner seamlessly integrated with his new team, synergizing particularly well with Hang.
GALA’s exceptional mechanics, strategic positioning, and performance (especially during the Kai’Sa meta) rank him among the elite hyper-carry style AD carries in League. Coupled with his proven track record with RNG, these qualities position GALA as a key player to watch in 2024.
Plus, the dynamic between GALA and Worlds 2021 winner Scout is anticipated to be pivotal for LNG. Many critics view their collaboration as a critical factor that could either propel the team to new heights or present new challenges in the upcoming season.
Also noteworthy: Tarzan was released from LNG Esports and is now a free agent following an unsatisfactory performance at the 13th season World Championship.
Peanut, Doran, And Delight To Hanwah Life Esports
From Nov. 22-24, 2023, stalwarts Peanut, Doran, and Delight moved from Gen.G Esports to Hanwah Life Esports, joining forces with Zeka and Viper for the 2024 season. This formidable lineup positions them as strong contenders in the Spring Split.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Peanut, Doran, and Delight are celebrated for their long list of impressive accolades, including victories at LCK Summer and Spring in 2023. Put simply, HLE’s new roster is stacked, with Gen.G facing the significant challenge of rebuilding after losing three star players.
Weiwei To LNG Esports
Wei “Weiwei” Bohan signed to LNG Esports on Dec. 12, 2023, switching from Weibo Gaming to a star-studded lineup including Hang, Mark, Zika, Scout, and GALA. This marks a major upgrade for LNG, setting the stage for the LPL 2024 Spring Split as a testing ground for this revamped powerhouse.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
While Weiwei’s time with WBG didn’t culminate in any victories, his consistent performance and mastery of champions like Wukong and Maokai make him underrated in the pro scene. His role in aiding WBG to a runner-up spot at Worlds 2023 also underscores his skill and potential to be the key to LNG’s ambitions.
Also noteworthy: Weibo’s top laner, Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok, ended his contract for personal reasons and is currently a free agent.
Lehends, Canyon, And Kiin To Gen.G Esports
On Nov. 29, 2023, Gen.G Esports welcomed Son “Lehends” Si-woo, Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, and Kim “Kiin” Gi-in. These players join Peyz and Chovy for the 2024 LoL season under the guidance of coaches Kim “KIM” Jeong-soo, Mata, and Helper, supporting prospects of a strong comeback.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Despite beating T1 at LCK Summer and Spring 2023, Gen.G disappointed fans at Worlds 2023 with a 5th-8th placement. The team is receiving universal praise for adding Kiin, who had a 17-game winning streak last season, as well as ex-Dplus jungler Canyon and ex-KTR support Lehends.
This team transfer brings renewed vigor and strategic depth to Gen.G. The team is poised for success in the future, fueled by a mix of veteran experience and unyielding determination for the 2024 season.
FBI To NRG
On May 27, 2023, League pro Victor “FBI” Huang transferred to NRG and took over the bot lane from Luger. This move followed NRG’s acquisition of CLG’s LCS slot, teams, and staff, leading to a victorious run in the LCS Summer 2023 where they bested Cloud9 with a 3-1 victory in the Final.
Representing North America as the first seed at Worlds 2023, FBI delivered an impressive performance before a 3-0 defeat by Weibo in the Knockout Stage. Building on a successful year, NRG has re-signed FBI, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a strong presence through 2024.
Other Big LoL Player Transfers of 2023
Here are some honorable mentions of League roster changes that also hook the scene:
2023 Mid-Season Transfers
- Kacper “Inspired” Słoma (Evil Geniuses to FlyQuest)
- Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau (Team Liquid to FlyQuest)
- Zdravets “Hylissang” Galabov (MAD Lions to Team Vitality)
- Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság (MAD Lions to Team Vitality)
- Yasin “Nisqy” Dinçer (MAD Lions to SK Gaming)
- Martin “Rekkles” Larsson (Fnatic to T1 Esports Academy)
- Lee “IgNar” Dong-geun (NRG to GIANTX)
- Oh “Noah” Hyeon-taek (Zero Tenacity to Fnatic)
Beyond this, Karmine Corp (KCorp) joined the League of Legends European Championship after securing a majority stake (66.7%) in Astralis’s LEC slot for ~$18 million. The French esports organization will put on a show with the following roster: Cabochard, Bo, Saken, Upset, and Targamas in 2024.
2023 Pre-Season Transfers
- Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk (Gen.G Esports to JD Gaming)
- Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan (Gen.G Challengers to Gen.G Esports)
- Luo “ON” Wen-Jun (Weibo Gaming to Bilibili Gaming)
- Zhao “Elk” Jia-Hao (Ultra Prime to Bilibili Gaming)
- Peng “XUN” Li-Xun (Invictus Gaming to Bilibili Gaming)
LoL In 2024
The 14th season of LoL esports is clearly geared for intense rivalry. In addition to these roster changes, MSI 2024 will take place in China and the winner will gain direct entry to the World Championship in Europe. Plus, Riot will induct the first-ever names into the Hall of Legends.
We can’t wait to watch what should be a thrilling and unmissable season. And while you watch, you can place your live League of Legends bets right here at Thunderpick. We’re your gateway to hyper-competitive odds, loads of betting markets, and cryptocurrency payment options!
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