Infinite Reality, a metaverse company, and the Spanish esports organization KOI have revealed the termination of their strategic partnership. Following the separation, KOI will maintain ownership of its VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA League team, FIFAe division, and League of Legends LVP Superliga team. On the other hand, ReKTGlobal, the esports organization under Infinite Reality’s umbrella and owner of the Rogue brand, will retain its franchises in the Call of Duty League and LEC, in addition to keeping its Rocket League and Rainbow Six divisions. However, the name or brand under which these divisions will compete has not been disclosed, whether it’s ReKTGlobal, Rogue, or another designation.
The strategic collaboration between Rogue and KOI, which allowed KOI to enter the LEC, lasted for just one year. According to an announcement from Infinite Reality, KOI decided to dissolve the partnership because its objectives were unattainable given the current financial conditions.
Despite consistently ranking in the middle of the standings during the 2023 LEC season, KOI gained popularity in the league. Throughout the LEC’s Winter, Spring, and Summer splits, the organization, co-founded by Kosmos and Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos, was frequently featured in the top five most popular match-ups. This included having the most popular match in the LEC Summer Split, which attracted 343,576 peak viewers during the contest between KOI and Mad Lions.
Ibai Llanos, Co-Founder of KOI, commented: “It has been my dream to bring KOI to the LEC, but now it is time to reset the focus for the organization and to continue the exciting journey together with our fans.”
In 2024, the esports landscape for League of Legends in Europe and North America is set to undergo significant changes as multiple new franchises enter the LEC and LCS. In addition to KOI’s exit from the LEC, Astralis will also depart the league, with the popular French organization Karmine Corp taking its place. Furthermore, the LCS will welcome Shopify Rebellion to the North American franchised league after acquiring TSM’s slot.
In July 2022, Infinite Reality acquired ReKTGlobal, the parent company of Rogue and Carolina Royal Ravens, for $470 million (~£360 million).