In a move that is set to reshape the future of KOI's League of Legends team, superstar mid laner Emil "Larssen" Larsson has reportedly committed to a four-year contract extension, according to a report by Blix.gg. The deal, which will keep Larssen with KOI until 2027, signifies the organization's determination to rebuild after a disappointing 2023 LEC campaign.

Larssen to Stick With KOI

Larssen, a 23-year-old veteran, has been a linchpin for KOI since his induction into the Rogue-KOI banner back in 2019. Starting from humble beginnings with the Academy squad's victory in the Ultraliga Playoffs, Larssen swiftly ascended to the main roster, establishing himself as one of the league's standout talents. Despite having only one LEC trophy to his name, Larssen has consistently been the driving force behind Rogue and KOI's quest for top-three finishes within the region.

However, the recent competitive season did not unfold as planned for KOI. Struggling to find their footing on Summoner's Rift, they endured multiple bottom-five placements, with a lone top-three finish in the 2023 Winter Playoffs. The summer split was an even tougher challenge, resulting in back-to-back eighth-place finishes. The team's inability to adapt to the LEC's new format and maintain winning streaks put a damper on their performance.

While Larssen's contract extension may provide a glimmer of hope for KOI fans, reports suggest that the organization is grappling with severe financial woes. Allegations have surfaced, indicating that KOI has been unable to meet its financial obligations, including player salaries and content creators. Notably, co-owner Ibai Llanos is said to have injected significant personal funds, reportedly exceeding three million euros, into the organization to address these financial crises.

The situation has left many fans understandably skeptical about KOI's future prospects in the highly competitive world of esports. The uncertainty surrounding the organization's financial stability adds a layer of complexity to Larssen's contract extension. While retaining a star player like Larssen is undoubtedly a positive step, the success of KOI in the upcoming seasons will depend on their ability to resolve their financial issues and build a competitive roster around their prized mid laner.

Also read: G2 Esports Defeats Fnatic in LEC 2023 Season Finals

As Larssen commits to a four-year journey with KOI, it remains to be seen if the organization can weather the storm and rise to prominence in the LEC once more. For now, the esports community watches with bated breath, eager to witness how this unfolding drama will impact the future of KOI and one of the league's most promising talents.