SK Gaming’s last official match dates back to August 25, when they suffered a heavy loss to G2 Esports, ending their LEC Summer Split run in the group stage. After several months of offseason, the organisation had ample time trying to rebuild a much stronger roster for next year—one that would prevent a repeat of the disappointing 2024 season, during which SK failed to reach the playoffs in all three splits.

At the start of the offseason, all five players reached the end of their contracts and were free to explore their options, signalling the beginning of a brand-new project for SK Gaming. The organisation quickly chose to place its trust in David "OWN3R" Rodriguez, giving him the freedom to shape the next iteration of the team.

Strengthening the Foundation

SK’s first decision was to continue with one of the few bright spots of last season. Joining at the start of the Summer Split, Duncan "Skeanz" Marquet brought a breath of fresh air to the roster. Despite the team’s overall struggles, the French jungler proved he has the level to compete in the LEC, earning SK’s confidence and a renewed spot on the lineup for next year.

To support OWN3R in managing and developing the roster, SK Gaming recruited Simon "Baguette" Cordonnier as an additional staff member. His arrival is meant to improve SK’s internal structure and reduce the workload carried by OWN3R last season. On top of that, SK Gaming are making a major organisational shift: the team left its Berlin facility and relocated its operations fully to Cologne for the 2026 season.

The MikyX Project

In a surprising turn, SK Gaming managed to secure the services of Mihael "Mikyx" Mehle for next season. Widely considered one of the best supports in European history, Mikyx found a new home with SK after his time with Fnatic came to an abrupt end. Although SK explored other options, such as Park "Lospa" Joon-hyeong, the opportunity to sign Mikyx was simply too good to pass up.

Eager to build a project that aligned more closely with his vision, Mikyx’s arrival triggered two more additions. Martin "Wunder" Hansen and Adam "LIDER" Ilyasov will take over the top and mid lanes, respectively, marking their return to the LEC after limited competitive activity last year. Both players were conditions requested by Mikyx for his signing, making them essential elements of the new roster. Before finalising these choices, SK had considered Volodymyr "Maynter" Sorokin, Park "DnDn" Geun-woo, and Tolga "Serin" Ölmez for the solo lanes.

Betting on Jopa

The final position to fill was AD Carry—and SK Gaming opted for a promising rookie: Josip "Jopa" Čančar. Despite other potential candidates such as Thomas "3XA" Foucou or Villas "Vizzpers" Burkal Stadager, the organisation chose the former Vitality.Bee player, who has repeatedly proven himself in ERLs. Playing alongside Mikyx in the botlane should greatly help him adapt to the LEC environment and carve out his place both within the team and in the league.

SK Gaming’s reported 2026 Winter roster:

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.