Emre “Arkhe” Akpınarlı is set to join Team Heretics as Assistant Coach ahead of the 2026 LEC season, sources tell Sheep Esports on Saturday. The 22-year-old is expected to sign a two-year deal, marking his first steps in the LEC coaching staff. He will also be the first-ever coach to compete in the league.

Multiple options

With six years of experience in various coaching roles, Arkhe began his career at a young age. Over that time, he has served as both Assistant and Head Coach for multiple teams, including Fenerbahçe, Ruddy Esports, Papara SuperMassive, Verdant, and, most recently, the Bushido Wildcats, who were eliminated in the Summer EMEA Masters during the Swiss Stage.

During the offseason, Arkhe drew interest from multiple LEC teams. In addition to Team Heretics, Natus Vincere and SK Gaming also considered him. Ultimately, he chose to join Team Heretics, who were the first to make an offer. The move also appealed to him as it reunited him with Hidon and gave him a say in the team’s roster decisions.

A whole new coaching staff

Arkhe’s move to Team Heretics marks the second coaching change for the team ahead of the 2026 season. He will reunite with Jonas "Hidon" Vraa, recently announced as the new Head Coach, after previously working together at Ruddy Esports during the 2023 NLC Spring Split.

Together, Arkhe and Hidon will lead the organization’s 2026 project. With Kamil "Kamiloo" Haudegond and Carl "Carlsen" Carlsen already allowed to explore new opportunities, Sebastian "Tracyn" Wojtoń is considered one of the main candidates to take over the top lane role, currently playing for the organization’s academy roster. Meanwhile, Victor “Flakked” Lirola’s contract is set to expire, casting doubt on his return for a fourth consecutive year with Team Heretics.