FC Schalke 04 Esports: The Rise and Fall of a League of Legends Powerhouse
In 2016, the traditional sports world and the digital arena collided when FC Schalke 04, the renowned German football club, established its esports department. By acquiring the EU LCS (European League of Legends Championship Series) spot from Elements, Schalke became the fourth football club to enter the professional League of Legends scene, following in the footsteps of Beşiktaş, Santos, and Remo. To lead this venture, the club appointed Tim Reichert, a former midfielder and co-founder of SK Gaming, as the Head of eSport.
The journey was not without its hurdles. The team's debut in the 2016 Summer EU LCS ended in an eighth-place finish, leading to relegation to the European League of Legends Challenger Series after a loss to Misfits Gaming. This early instability was mirrored by roster changes, as players like Steve and sprattel departed for PSG eSports in late 2016.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
The Road to Recovery and LEC Franchising
The year 2017 was a period of intense transition. After announcing a new roster in January featuring players such as SmittyJ and Upset, the team underwent further shifts in May with the addition of Memento, Caedrel, and Norskeren. These changes paid off on August 25, 2017, when Schalke secured its return to the EU LCS by defeating Ninjas in Pyjamas 3–0 in the 2018 Spring Promotion tournament.
By 2018, Schalke began to find its footing. After the abolition of the EUCS (European Challenger Series), the team focused on the EU LCS Summer Split, where they achieved a 12–6 record to finish third. This marked the organization's first playoff appearance, eventually reaching the finals where they fell 1–3 to Fnatic. Despite a strong run, they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Championship after losing to G2 Esports.
A pivotal moment arrived on November 20, 2018, when Riot Games announced that Schalke would be one of ten franchise partners in the newly rebranded League of Legends European Championship (LEC). This shift moved the league toward a permanent partnership model, removing the threat of relegation.
The 2019 Campaign
Entering the 2019 Spring LEC, Schalke signed a mix of veterans, including Tamás "Vizicsacsi" Kiss and Lee "IgNar" Dong-geun, alongside rookie Felix "Abbedagge" Braun. While they finished seventh in the Spring, the Summer split saw a surge in performance. With the addition of 2016 Summer EU LCS MVP Kim "Trick" Gang-yun, the team finished fourth in the regular season and advanced to the third round of playoffs in Athens, where they were swept by Fnatic.
The Miracle Run and Final Departure
The 2020 season began erratically, with the team placing 8th in the Spring Split. The Summer Split started even worse, with a dismal 1-10 record that left them on the brink of elimination. However, Schalke mounted a legendary "miracle run" after adjusting their jungle and bot lane positions. With a lineup featuring Odoamne, Gilius, Abbedagge, Neon, and Dreams, the team won seven consecutive games to clinch 6th place and a playoff spot.
Head coach Dylan Falco attributed this turnaround to specific tactical adjustments and improved teamplay. Although they defeated SK Gaming in the playoffs, they were eventually stopped by the MAD Lions. This success led to the departure of star players Odoamne (to Rogue) and Abbedagge (to 100 Thieves).
The end of Schalke's tenure in the LEC came swiftly in 2021. Despite a strong 4th place finish in the Spring Split, the organization announced on June 29 that it would sell its slot and license to the Swiss organization Team BDS for approximately €26.5 million. The club cited the financial pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and the parent football club's relegation from the Bundesliga as the primary drivers for the exit. The 2021 Summer Split served as their final appearance, ending in last place.
Key Facts
- Entry: Joined the professional scene in 2016 via the acquisition of Elements' EU LCS spot.
- Peak Performance: Reached the EU LCS Summer finals in 2018 and finished 4th in the 2021 LEC Spring Split.
- The Miracle Run: Overcame a 1-10 start in the 2020 Summer Split to win 7 straight games and make the playoffs.
- Exit Value: Sold their LEC license to Team BDS for an estimated €26.5 million in 2021.
- Reason for Exit: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the football club's relegation from the Bundesliga.
| Season/Split | Placement | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Summer EU LCS | 8th | Initial entry into the league |
| 2018 Summer EU LCS | 3rd | First playoff appearance; reached finals |
| 2019 Summer LEC | 4th | Reached 3rd round of playoffs in Athens |
| 2020 Summer LEC | 6th | The "Miracle Run" (7 consecutive wins) |
| 2021 Spring LEC | 4th | Final high-water mark before sale |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did FC Schalke 04 enter the League of Legends scene?
FC Schalke 04 entered the professional scene in 2016 by acquiring the EU LCS spot previously held by the organization Elements.
What was the "miracle run" of 2020?
The "miracle run" refers to the 2020 Summer Split where Schalke, after starting with a 1-10 record, won seven consecutive games to qualify for the playoffs in 6th place.
Why did Schalke 04 leave the LEC?
The organization decided to sell its slot due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the parent football club's relegation from the Bundesliga.
Who bought Schalke 04's LEC license?
The Swiss organization Team BDS purchased the license and team slot for an estimated €26.5 million.
Who was the Head of eSport for Schalke 04?
Tim Reichert, a co-founder of SK Gaming and former professional football midfielder, served as the Head of eSport.