100 Thieves' Closer Discusses the Roster Shake-Up and Team Dynamics for 2023

When 100 Thieves made the bold decision to part ways with 80% of their roster after the 2022 League of Legends season, it surprised many fans and analysts alike. Yet for Can “Closer” Çelik, the only remaining player from that lineup, it was clear a change was needed. “I think it was obvious that we needed a change after last year,” he stated following the team’s first victory of the 2023 season. As the only link to a roster that had seen both triumph and disappointment, Closer’s perspective was uniquely insightful.

This decision, while drastic, was not entirely unexpected. The 100 Thieves had shown promise, having won an LCS Championship in 2021 and earning a spot in the finals for the next two splits. Yet, that kind of performance brings its own pressures. Closer reflected on this dichotomy, acknowledging that despite a strong historical performance, the team’s potential appeared to have plateaued. “We were the only team that made three finals in a row, but we only won one of them,” he explained. The desire to claim more accolades is understandable, as every team aims not just to compete, but to dominate. “Though, I don’t think it’s a failure that we lost... But it was time for a change and I think everyone was aware of it.” Given the stakes in professional esports, a changing environment had become necessary. The atmosphere at the end of the season hinted at this sentiment; Closer’s assertion that “you could feel we hit our ceiling,” underscores the psychological toll that can arise when opportunity meets stagnation.

A New Dynamic

This year's roster features a blend of new talent and seasoned veterans: Closer now plays alongside rookies Milan “Tenacity” Oleksij and Alan “Busio” Cwalina, alongside LCS legends Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg and Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng. The juxtaposition of emerging talent and established players is particularly striking. “I really liked my teammates for my last year, but sometimes change is good, you know?” Closer remarked. That sentiment speaks to a broader principle within professional sports, where fresh energy often revitalizes team dynamics. “When I come to the compound and I get to know my teammates again – when you are building the basics again from zero – it’s just fun. And I think I kind of missed that.” The excitement of forging new connections and understanding different play styles can cultivate a sense of renewal that arguably enhances performance.

Leading Together

In 2022, Closer emerged as a vocal leader within the team, known for his impassioned speeches and willingness to speak up when things were not going well. The shift to a new roster brought its own complications; with the addition of Bjergsen and Doublelift—both veterans with formidable leadership backgrounds—Closer encountered a nuanced challenge in defining his role. “I was the leader of the old team, and I had a really strong voice,” he explained. The transition from a clear leadership role to one with more collaborative potential inevitably prompts questions about identity and responsibility. “But coming into this team, I didn’t really know what my role was going to be.” It’s a reminder that in competitive environments, adaptability is just as critical as innate talent.

Yet, instead of resenting the shift, Closer has embraced this new model of leadership. “If I see a mistake, I will call it. If I have to be loud, I will be loud.” This flexible and inclusive approach appears to be positively impacting the team's performance; currently, they boast a 3-1 record after four games in the 2023 Spring Split, tying for second place. “Right now, I think we are perfect,” Closer stated. “We don’t have one leader; we are sharing roles." This collective leadership style could set a new precedent for team dynamics in League of Legends, especially when ego could easily derail progress. “I'm not holding myself back. No one has an ego, even though Doublelift and Bjergsen have achieved many things.” That lack of ego in such a high-stakes environment is striking; it suggests a maturity that is often absent from teams striving for success.

Closer has also embraced his role in the community. He didn’t expect to gain such a massive following. As the league opened for the Spring Split, he participated in fan engagement activities, revealing his surprise at the number of fans interested in him. “When 100 Thieves shared a post asking about autographs and which player people would want, I was kind of expecting Bjergsen and Doublelift, but there were a lot of people wanting my name,” he recalled. It’s this kind of connection that enables a player to resonate with fans. “That made me really happy coming into the game. I was like, ‘I can’t let these people down.’” This point is worth pondering: the emotional investment players like Closer make can be just as pivotal as their gameplay.

Implications for the Future

As 100 Thieves navigates their revamped roster, the broader implications for the team and the league as a whole are significant. Closer’s shift from a lone leader to a part of a collaborative environment may signal a changing culture within esports. The balance between individual talent and team cohesion can’t be overstated; it can significantly affect performance outcomes. If you're working in this space, observing how successful teams foster dynamic relationships could provide key insights.

The evolution of how 100 Thieves approaches leadership may inspire other organizations facing similar identity crises. After all, the pressure to consistently perform is ever-present. As Closer and the new roster establish themselves, it will be interesting to see if this nuanced leadership proves effective long-term.

The future looks promising for 100 Thieves, but the real test will come as they face tougher opponents in the league. Will they maintain their current trajectory? Time will tell. For now, Closer’s journey remains a compelling narrative in this season's competitive arena.