100 Thieves and Cloud9 considering changes for LCS Summer Split?

Olivia Richman Published 22/03/2020

Earlier this week, 100 Thieves appears to have posted a classified ad looking for two professional League of Legends players to join their team.

“100 Thieves LLC seeks a Professional League of Legends Player to train and compete in the League Championship Series from our headquarters in Los Angeles, California,” the ad begins.

The responsibilities include attending eight-hour practice sessions each day during the competitive season, which are listed as lasting from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Following competition, they must “assess performance,” which includes identifying strengths and weaknesses. They should also adjust to improve their future performance.

But that’s not all it takes to be a professional League of Legends player in North America. The potential player must also maintain their equipment, as well as “optimum physical and mental fitness levels,” which the ad says should come from training regularly, following nutrition plans, and consulting with health professionals. This sounds quite familiar for anyone who has tried out Esports Life Tycoon.

The rest of the responsibilities are more obvious, including participating in comeptitive events and practices. During practices, the player must develop their skills under direction of trainers and coaches and “prepare for competitions” by improving their physical and mental conditions. They must also represent the team by meeting with members of the media and participating in public relations events.

Interested League of Legends professionals must mail in their applications if interested.

100 Thieves willing to pay big money for League of Legends pro

The requirements for the role are 12 months of prior experience playing professionally, including with a professional League of Legends team “that competed in a Regional Final.”

This might all sound like a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it for any aspiring League of Legends pros. The ad states that the salary for these two 100 Thieves players will range from $162,300 to $900,000 a year, plus standard corporate benefits.

While League of Legends fans were quick to judge Dignitas for signing Seong-Hoon “Huni” Heo under a $2 million two-year contract during the off-season, this ad makes it apparent that LCS teams are paying big salaries for top players. It’s unclear what would qualify a candidate for the $900,000 contract, but it’s safe to assume that experience, recognition, and titles play a role in a pro’s placement on their salary scale.

It’s often not made public what players’ salaries are, but LCS commissioner Chris Greeley did share some figures in 2019. Last year, the base minimum salary in theLCS was $75,000. The average was much higher, sitting a little over $300,000. Greeley also noted that some LCS players are earning well over that six-figure amount, most likely to keep top players in the LCS instead of retiring to stream.

Is 100 Thieves making roster changes?

With 100 Thieves willing to dish out $900,000 for two different League of Legends pros, it seems highly likely that some changes are coming to the team’s roster. They are currently sitting at sixth place and with only two weeks left in the regular season. It’s uncertain if they will be making it to the Spring Playoffs.

It’s possible that 100 Thieves is looking to replace some of their roster going into the Summer Split. A lot of fans questioned the team’s decision to sign Tommy “Ryoma” Lee, an Australian mid laner that didn’t have much professional experience before making his LCS debut. He’s proven himself to be a good player, arguably outshining his teammate William “Meteos” Hartman, who many fans feel hasn’t had many standout moments.

100 Thieves may also be looking for trainees, though the high salary and requirement to compete in the LCS makes it less of a possibility.

WIN.gg reached out to 100 Thieves regarding the classified ad and has yet to hear back.

Cloud9 also seeking roster and staff changes

The same company who posted 100 Thieve’s listing also posted two for Cloud9 earlier in the month. The first was an ad for a League of Legends player, written quite similarly to 100 Thieves’ posting, with echoed requirements and responsibilities. But Cloud9’s salary was a little more modest, ranging from $162,300 to $450,000.

Their second listing was for an assistant coach with 18 months of prior experience. Their responsibilities include supporting the head coach in training and coaching the team and players. They must evaluate the players’ strengths and weaknesses and suggest improvements to prepare them for competition. They must also provide direction, encouragement, motivation, and career advice. Cloud9’s possible assistant coach must also keep an eye on new players to sign and the game’s changing meta.

The salary for an assistant coach is apparently much lower than that of a pro player. The ad states that compensation ranges from $45,000 to $150,000, most likely based on experience and results.

Cloud9 is very clearly the team to beat in the LCS right now, almost unstoppable in their first place spot. It’s unclear what their plan is for this possibly new player, but it could well be related to an academy position.

Both Cloud9 and 100 Thieves have their own accounts on Hitmarker Jobs, where the classified ads were posted, so it’s unclear who the third party is who posted it or if the ads are truly legitimate.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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