AD Carry Caliste "
Caliste" Henry-Hennebert is set to play for Karmine Corp in the LEC next year, a promotion long awaited by fans. Caliste already teased that he'd be joining the team next year, but an important wrinkle kept his name from being added to the
Transfers Hub.
Last year, Caliste signed a 3-year contract deal with Karmine Corp just before their arrival into the LEC, as
announced by the organization. However, the French prodigy had to wait an extra year to play in the LEC due to the league's
18-year-old minimum age rule initially reported by Sheep Esports. While his contract, lasting until the end of 2026, only appeared in the
Esports Global Contract Database this offseason. With Karmine Corp's intention to promote Caliste to the LEC on an existing contract, there was little chance for the player to move to a different team this offseason.
G2 Esports' interest in Caliste
G2 Esports have expressed their interest in Caliste to Karmine Corp this offseason, sources tell Sheep Esports. As both organizations entered discussions, G2 Esports considered an unprecedented deal: On top of a huge buyout for Caliste, G2 Esports were ready to trade Jungler Martin "Yike" Sundelin, Support Mihael "Mikyx" Mehle, and AD Carry Steven "Hans Sama" Liv to the French organization. Karmine Corp wasn't interested.
Declining to entertain this idea might seem crazy to some, but the context of KC's offseason made things difficult. Firstly, Support Raphaël "Targamas" Crabbé was already told that he would remain on the roster for 2025. Even more importantly, the three players' existing G2 contracts would've likely been untenable for KC's budget.
With this door seemingly closed, Caliste is now confirmed for Karmine Corp's LEC roster alongside Targamas next year, a long-awaited reunion of players who lifted an EMEA Masters trophy together with KC in 2023. While their bot lane duo might be locked, it's still possible that Yike will play under Karmine Corp's banner next year — but GIANTX and Rogue have also shown interest in signing him.
EDIT: Romain "Romain" Bigeard, the General LoL Manager of G2 Esports, reacted to this news
For clarity on the timeline of such a deal, Sheep Esports reiterates both organizations were only at the discussion stage. Had Karmine Corp shown interest, consent from all players involved would have been needed before any tangible offer.
