League Rundown - A League of Legends Esports Podcast · Trinity Force Network

League Rundown - Episode 554: Cowards beware, Fearless continued

March 29, 2025·59 min·5 clips

T1 benched Smash for Gumayusi, sparking fan outrage and sponsor pressure.

This episode previews the 2025 LTA and LEC Split 2 formats and covers LEC Week 1 matchups. Host Genghis is joined by co-hosts Badger, Bickle, and RMC, who are experienced analysts of the League of Legends esports scene. They begin by clarifying that the recent tournament was called First Stand, not First Strike, and question why the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) retains its name when the competitive year now has three splits. The hosts discuss the news that the historic organization Na'Vi is in negotiations to buy the LEC spot currently held by Rogue. They cover the complex off-season movement of player Isma, who was traded from SK to Karmine Corp and then picked up by GIANTX after Closer stepped down. SK Gaming benched their standout player, Rahel, reportedly due to communication issues, replacing him with EMEA Masters player Kedwi. A significant segment is dedicated to the controversy surrounding T1 in the LCK, where owner Joe Marsh reportedly overruled coaching staff to keep star AD carry Gumayusi in the starting lineup over the reportedly better-performing rookie Smash. The hosts speculate this was a business decision driven by Gumayusi's star power and sponsor commitments. They then humorously debate which North American team might try to acquire Smash. The LTA North format for Split 2 is detailed as having a three-week "positioning phase" of best-of-one matches to seed teams. Teams then enter a three-week group stage of best-of-three matches using the "Fearless" draft format, followed by a cross-group play week and a six-team, double-elimination playoff. The LEC format is already set for a full best-of-three Fearless regular season and includes two roadshow events in Madrid and France. One surprising claim is that T1's management prioritized brand and sponsors over competitive performance in the Smash/Gumayusi situation. A memorable moment is the hosts' collective attempt to recall Na'Vi's ancient League of Legends roster from 2012. The insight that SK benched their only statistically good player, Rahel, is highlighted as a perplexing competitive decision. The hosts express excitement about the LEC's roadshow in France, predicting an insanely hostile and energetic crowd for the matches, especially if KC plays. They speculate that the chaotic T1 situation could make Smash a valuable free agent for other regions. The tone is conversational and humorous, filled with insider jokes and friendly banter between the co-hosts. This episode is ideal for fans who want a thorough, behind-the-scenes look at major roster moves and format changes ahead of the new splits. Listeners who prefer focused game analysis or are not interested in organizational drama and format logistics might find parts of the discussion less engaging.

As heard by us

A format-heavy preview that lays out the 2025 LTA and LEC Split 2 changes clearly.

League Rundown turns a routine format update into a clear preview. It covers episode 554, the 2025 LTA and LEC Split 2 format previews, and the LEC Week 1 preview, with Genghis, Badger, Bickle, and RMC carrying the discussion.

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Why you'd press play

Want the LTA and LEC Split 2 format chaos unpacked before the split starts?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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