After a successful first split with the team, APA is set to remain in the LCS.
Mid Laner Eain "APA" Stearns has reached an agreement to continue on Team Liquid's starting roster in the League Championship Series (LCS), according to Sheep Esports sources. After proving himself locally and in an international setting, he will continue his ongoing tenure in 2024.
Current TL LCS 2024 roster
Top Lane: Jeong "Impact" Eon-young
Jungle: Eom "UmTi" Seong-hyeon
Mid Lane: Eain "APA" Stearns
Bot Lane: ?
Support: ?
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Jake "Spawn" Tiberi
Assistant Coach: Kim "Reignover" Yeu-jin
Head Analyst: Haitham Algbory
Important Notes:
- AD Carry Sean "Yeon" Sung remains under contract with the team but has not yet been confirmed to re-join Team Liquid's starting roster in 2024.
- Support player Jo "CoreJJ" Yong-in has also not yet been confirmed to remain on Team Liquid's roster for 2024, although it seems likely.
Planning Ahead: Future of the LCS?
Following an impressive debut in the North American region, Team Liquid has now decided to continue fielding the 21-year-old mid laner for another year. With his contract being in effect until the end of 2024, APA is now expected to start his first full year in the LCS under the banner of TL.
Beginning his competitive journey back in 2019, the North American mid laner, formerly known as "always plan ahea", will once again have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the upcoming competitive season. Known for his strong performances on mages like Ziggs, Syndra, and others, the North American mid laner has already made a name for himself in his initial competitive split.
Despite winning only one game at the World Championship in 2023, APA proved to be a significant asset for his team this year. Starting the spring split in eighth place, Team Liquid struggled despite the addition of former World Champion jungler Hong "Pyosik" Chang-hyeon to its roster. At the halfway point of the summer split, APA would be promoted from TL's academic division to replace Australian mid laner Harry "Haeri" Kang.
While the team had already started showing improvements in the latter half of the year, APA displayed much better performances than his predecessor on an individual level and helped the team find more cohesion. Despite losing in the first round of the LCS Championship to NRG, the team went on to perform a miracle run in the loser's bracket, defeating 100 Thieves, Evil Geniuses, and Golden Guardians to achieve 3rd place and advance to the World Championship.
A promising talent, APA will now have to replicate his past feats and demonstrate to North American fans why he was entrusted with this position within one of the historically most successful organizations in the region.
