MAD Lions finalize League of Legends LEC roster for 2024
Spanish organization MAD Lions have now finalized their 2024 roster. Heading into the new season, the roster will be composed of MAD Lions long-time mainstay Javier “Elyoya” Prades Batalla, a rising wild card, and three former Movistar Riders members.
A Break from Tradition
To the surprise of most, the organization has elected to shy away from their tried and tested formula this off-season. Typically, MAD Lions is a fairly established brand that enjoys collecting more established players. Last year, they had the bot side duo of Zdravets “Hylissang” Iliev Galabov and Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság. Their least experienced player was top laner Kim “Chasy” Dong-hyeon.
However, this coming season, they will have to contend with 4 players who have never played at the highest level of European competition. Undoubtedly, an adustment period will be in order for these four especially. Moreover, the Spaniard “Elyoya” will have his work cut out for him, despite his reputation as an incredibly strong player.
MAD Lions 2024 LEC Roster
- Top Lane: Alex “Myrwn” Villarejo
- Jungle: Javier “Elyoya” Prades Batalla
- Mid Lane: Bartłomiej “Fresskowy” Przewoźnik
- AD Carry: David “Supa” Martínez García
- Support: Álvaro “Alvaro” Fernández del Amo
- Head Coach: Tomás “Melzhet” Campelos Fernández
- Assistant Coach: Quentin “Zeph” Viguié
They Do Not Come Empty-Handed
Concerns for this roster’s potential and performance ceiling is understandable. MAD Lions fans are still coming off the high of their LEC Spring Playoffs win. Moreover, MAD Lions succeeded in qualifying for both international events in 2023.
Despite reservations for this new roster, they do come in with some prior experience and accomplishments. Both “Myrwn” and the Movistar trio participated in the Superliga, the Spanish Challenger League for League of Legends. The finals ended up being a clash between Myrwn’s team, the BISONS ECLUB, and Movistar Riders.
Thus, MAD Lions did procure players from the two best teams in that subdivision. Moreover, “Myrwn” in particular has shown himself to be a talent worth watching. Reports indicate that having just joined the Team Heretics academic roster, Los Heretics, and won the Iberian Cup with them, the rival Spanish organization was also eyeing this talent to join their main roster.
Moreover, Movistar Riders finished 2nd in the EMEA Masters 2023 event, falling just shy of promotion (which went to Karmine Corp).
Who Are They?
Of the four, “Myrwn” was the biggest signing. Elected as rookie of the split in Spring 2022, he ended the Summer Split as the league’s MVP. He is particularly noted for his dominant rise through the Spanish scene and his unusual pocket picks.
“Fresskowy” is a Polish player who has been playing in the challenger leagues since 2017. He has consistently proven himself on a large number of rosters, having won the regular season of Superliga in 2021, and won the Playoffs twice.
“Supa” is a slightly newer name, having only begun in 2019. Since joining forces with “Fresskowy” in 2020, the duo have been inseparable. He also won the regular season of Superliga in 2021 and won the Playoffs twice this year.
Most intriguingly, both of these players have played alongside a familiar face - “Oscarinin”. The current Fnatic top laner shared a team with the duo since 2019. He left at the end of 2021 and as we know now, is considered one of the LEC’s best top lane talents currently.
“Alvaro” is a relatively newer name compared to the other and the biggest unknown quantity of the four. Prior to joining Movistar Riders, “Alvaro” was performing in middling teams, however, never gained any substantial accolades. However, he has won 2 Superliga Playoffs in 2023, along with his two accompanying teammates.
The Fate of the Old Guard
Heading into the off-season, the bitter taste of their Worlds performance has seen MAD Lions do away with nearly their entire roster. “Hylissang” and “Carzzy” are now bound for Team Vitality. “Nisqy” is heading for SK Gaming. The fate of “Chasy” is currently unknown.
Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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