In an exciting and surprising move within the League of Legends competitive ecosystem, European esports powerhouse Team Secret has partnered with Vietnamese esports organization Team Whales to enter the upcoming League of Legends Champions (LCP) in 2025.
This strategic partnership marks the formation of a new esports entity named Secret Whales, one of the four guest teams that will participate in the Asia-Pacific’s newly structured premier tier-one league.
With this fusion, both organizations aim to combine their unique strengths to make a strong competitive presence in the LCP, set to launch in January 2025.
The Secret Whales Partnership: Bridging Global Expertise and Regional Strength
According to official announcements, the collaboration between Team Secret and Team Whales seeks to integrate Team Secret’s international experience with Team Whales’ strong local knowledge of the Asian market and the League of Legends ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
This strategic synergy is expected to create a highly competitive and dynamic team capable of excelling in the LCP’s competitive structure.
Team Secret will bring its global reach and organizational expertise, while Team Whales offers valuable insights into regional playstyles and talent development. Both organizations are keen on using this partnership to foster both community growth and talent scouting in this competitive ecosystem.
Goals of the Secret Whales Partnership:
- Leverage Combined Strengths: Utilize Team Secret’s international success and Team Whales’ local expertise to dominate the LCP competition.
- Develop Emerging Talent: Both organizations are committed to nurturing rising talent across the APAC region.
- Unify Fanbases: The partnership will aim to bring together the loyal fans of both organizations to create a unified and dynamic esports community.
- Achieve LCP Dominance: With strategic resources and talent, the goal is to position Secret Whales as one of the most formidable competitors in the new league.
This new venture underscores the growing trend of joint-venture strategies in the esports space. Similar joint rosters have been established in other competitive games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, where organizations like Fnatic and Ninjas In Pyjamas have formed partnerships.
Understanding the LCP: League of Legends’ Newest Competitive Landscape
The LCP (League of Legends Champions) is Riot Games’ latest competitive structure for the Asia-Pacific region. Designed to elevate competitive League of Legends play, the league features a mix of both partner teams and guest participants. The structure will include:
- Four Partner Teams
- Four Guest Slots (open to regions like Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, Oceania, and Southeast Asia)
- Three Competitive Splits: The season is divided into three splits, fostering constant competition and strategic flexibility.
With Secret Whales now securing a spot as one of the four guest teams, the competition is expected to grow even more diverse and dynamic. Other confirmed teams participating in the LCP include CTBC Flying Oyster, Fukuoka HAWKS gaming, GAM Esports, PSG Talon, Vikings Esports, DetonatioN FocusMe, and Chiefs Esports Club.
These teams promise a competitive and thrilling experience for both players and fans alike, and the addition of Secret Whales will only expand that excitement.
The Future of Esports: A Growing Trend of Collaborative Partnerships
Esports organizations forging partnerships is becoming more common as regional leagues evolve and become more competitive. Much like how joint-venture rosters appeared at events like the Mobile Legends World Championship (M6) with Fnatic and Ninjas In Pyjamas, the LCP has now ushered in a similar trend with the Secret Whales partnership.
By combining expertise, fan engagement strategies, and talent development resources, these joint ventures are not just about competition—they’re about fostering long-term growth and regional inclusivity in the esports community.
Notable Similar Partnerships in Esports History:
- Fnatic + Ninjas In Pyjamas: Joint-venture roster in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
- Other esports collaborations: This trend is expected to redefine how teams prepare for regional championships by combining resources, scouting talent, and sharing strategies.
John Yao, CEO of Team Secret, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating:
“This partnership is a monumental step forward for both organizations. By joining forces, we aim to not only dominate the LCP but also inspire and engage the broader League of Legends community in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Team Secret x Team Whales Union Announcement
byu/I-like-milk-thicc inleagueoflegends
A New Era for the LCP Begins with Secret Whales
Team Secret and Team Whales’ partnership brings with it enormous potential as they prepare to compete in League of Legends Champions in 2025. This strategic collaboration combines international experience with local knowledge, aiming to establish a powerhouse in the competitive League of Legends ecosystem.
As the January 2025 start date approaches, fans can look forward to the roster announcement and the dynamic journey of Secret Whales as they embark on this new and exciting venture. With such a strong partnership, they are undoubtedly a team to watch in the Asia-Pacific competitive scene.
Stay tuned as more details about the Secret Whales roster and their preparations emerge.
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