One of the top contenders in the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) 100 Thieves has been dealt a blow as it has forced to field its assistant coach, Erlend "Nukeduck" Våtevik Holm, as its starting mid laner for the opening week of the 2023 LCS Summer Split. Visa issues have prevented the team's intended mid lane prospect, Lim "Quid" Hyeon-seung, from joining the roster as planned.

100 Thieves Assistant Coach Nukeduck Steps In To Replace Quid Due to Visa Issues

Visa problems have been an ongoing concern in the LCS, causing disruptions and posing challenges for teams and organizations alike. The setback comes at a crucial time for 100 Thieves, who aimed to start the summer season on a strong note after falling short of expectations in the previous split.

LCS Update: pic.twitter.com/ujvwVXZM0h

— 100 Thieves Esports (@100T_Esports) June 14, 2023

During the offseason, 100 Thieves made significant acquisitions, bringing in Bjergsen and Doublelift, two highly decorated players in the league's history. The team's performance in the regular season was decent, securing a top-three position. However, it faced criticism for a lackluster stretch where it managed to win just one game over a three-week period.

100 Theives’ playoff run was even more disappointing, as it suffered a clean sweep at the hands of FlyQuest in the first round and were subsequently eliminated by Golden Guardians in the lower bracket. The team was further shaken when Bjergsen, a pivotal player, decided to retire, leaving a void in the roster.

Quid was expected to fill that void, offering promise and experience from the renowned LCK development system. With the return of Ssumday as the team's top laner, hopes were high for 100 Thieves' quest for the LCS championship. However, due to visa complications, Nukeduck, who has been with the team since his last LEC split with Excel Esports in 2022, will step in as the substitute mid laner for the initial week of the Summer Split.

As an assistant coach, Nukeduck has been involved behind the scenes, supporting head coach Jang "Cain" Nu-ri. Now, he must temporarily don his player's hat and compete against FlyQuest in the final game of the first day of the competition.

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For 100 Thieves, this unexpected setback serves as a significant challenge right from the beginning of the LCS Summer Split. The team will need to quickly adapt and demonstrate resilience as they navigate this hurdle, hoping to secure victories and prove their mettle in the fiercely competitive league.