100 Thieves Exits LoL Esports

100 Thieves Bows Out of LoL as Riot Prepares New LCS Partnership

After nearly a decade boosting the quality of top level League of Legends Esports, 100 Thieves is officially stepping away from the scene. The organization has confirmed it will exit competitive LoL following the end of the 2025 season, bringing a close to its impactful but turbulent run in North American esports.

This decision follows 100T's stint as a Provisional Guest Team in the League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA) for 2025. Riot Games, which had previously worked with 100 Thieves on this temporary arrangement, is now preparing to transition to a new long-term partner ahead of the 2026 season, effectively closing the door on 100 Thieves' involvement.

A Gradual Exit from the League

100 Thieves made headlines in 2024 when it sold its permanent franchise slot in the LCS, opting to compete as a guest team for one more season. At the time, the organization acknowledged this was a temporary solution while Riot worked to secure a new long-term team for the league.

Now that Riot has chosen a different partner for the future of the LTA, 100 Thieves is officially stepping down.

“In 2024, we made the strategic business decision to sell our permanent franchise slot,” the organization shared in a public statement. “We accepted an invitation to compete provisionally in 2025, understanding it was a short-term opportunity. With Riot choosing to move forward with another team, our League of Legends journey comes to a close.”

Despite the uncertainty around the team’s long-term position in the league, 100T remained competitive in 2025. They won the LTA North Split 1, secured second place at the LTA Cross-Conference, and reached playoffs again in LTA North Split 2, though they ended the season with a disappointing 0-3 loss to Shopify Rebellion, finishing in fifth place.

A Legacy of Highs, Lows, and Big Moments

100 Thieves entered the League of Legends scene in 2018 and made an immediate impact by qualifying for the LCS Finals in their debut split. Their most successful year came in 2021, when they won the LCS Summer Championship, a major highlight in the organization's competitive history.

Throughout their time in the LCS, 100T became known not just for their gameplay, but also for their ability to boost talent through development programs, fielding strong lineups featuring both rising stars and seasoned veterans. The team’s long list of accomplishments includes multiple finals appearances and key contributions to the North American amateur scene.

“To both our former and current players, coaches, and staff: we are immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished and the legacy we’ve built together,” the organization shared.

While their recent seasons didn’t bring the same level of success, 100 Thieves continued to fight for a spot in the rankings. Their performance across 2025 demonstrated that the team could still compete at a high level, even as their long-term future became increasingly uncertain.

Behind the Scenes

Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith, former general manager for 100 Thieves and now FlyQuest’s chief gaming officer, commented on the exit, saying the decision was years in the making. According to Smith, the organization's leadership had begun to shift focus away from League of Legends long before the slot sale in 2024.

“I think 100T’s leadership’s priorities evolved past LoL,” he said. “That shift has been happening for a while. But the players and staff who remained are still among the best in the business. They’ll continue working hard to rank among the best, whether in this split or with future teams.”

Smith emphasized that many of the individuals behind 100T’s success still have plenty to offer, and he expects them to land valuable roles elsewhere in the LoL ecosystem.

What’s Next for the LTA?

Riot has not yet confirmed which organization will take over the slot vacated by 100 Thieves. However, rumors suggest OpTic Gaming and Sentinels may be in the running, though no official announcement has been made.

Whoever steps into the LCS next will have big shoes to fill. 100 Thieves played a pivotal role in shaping the North American League of Legends landscape, helping to boost the visibility of the region and developing players who left a lasting mark on the scene.

While fans may be sad to see 100T go, their departure opens the door for new organizations to bring fresh energy and ideas into the league. It also reflects the ongoing evolution of competitive LoL, as Riot continues to refine its long-term strategy for global esports.

Closing a Chapter

100 Thieves' exit marks the end of an era. The organization leaves behind a competitive legacy filled with memorable moments, talented players, and a passion for League of Legends that helped fuel its rise. Though they may no longer be on the Rift, their impact will continue to be felt and the next chapter of LCS history is already on the horizon.

 

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