Sources: Isma set to renew his contract with SK Gaming in the LEC

Ismaïl "Isma" Boualem's adventure in the LEC continues. Already under contract with SK Gaming until November 2025, the Franco-Belgian jungler has signed a new deal, confirming his presence on the roster for next season, according to Sheep Esports sources. He has explored several offers during this offseason including teams like GIANTX and Karmine Corp but in the end, he has decided to stay with SK. Isma joined the EMEA elite in 2024, alongside three former Movistar Riders teammates—Bartłomiej "Fresskowy" Przewoźnik, David "Supa" García, and Alvaro Fernández "Alvaro" del Amo—all of whom joined MAD Lions KOI.

In the LVP in 2023, Isma had an outstanding year, winning both Superliga splits and reaching the final of the summer EMEA Masters. His debut in the LEC was equally promising, with SK Gaming winning their first three games of the Winter Split. The team ultimately finished the split in a respectable 5th place, but had a tougher time in the Spring, slipping to 8th. At that point, changes were necessary, and Isma was among those whose position was at risk, but SK Gaming decided only to overhaul the botlane.

The arrival of the Korean duo Cho "Rahel" Min-seong and Lee "Luon" Hyun-ho breathed new life into the team and Isma. Known for his aggressive playstyle, Isma thrived with the strong performances of the botlane, aided by midlaner Yasin "Nisqy" Dinçer, renowned for enabling his junglers. SK Gaming surged back up the standings, finishing the regular season in first place, though they faltered in the playoffs, again placing 5th.

While 5th place reflected the team's level in the Winter Split, it was seen as a disappointment in the Summer Split. SK's fragility was highlighted in their final match of 2024, where they were swept 3-0 by BDS in the Season Finals.

Isma was one of several players caught in the offseason’s "musical chairs", discussing with many teams alongside others in the same role. Indeed, this offseason has seen a shuffle involving prominent junglers like Doğukan "113" Balcı, Martin "Yike" Sundelin, Marcin "Jankos" Jankowski, and Théo "Sheo" Borile, with many players' final destinations still uncertain.

SK Gaming would lay the foundation of their new project in their staff formed by OWN3R and Mauro "Garih" Garih Vidal accompanied by the signing of Steven "Reeker" Chen with three players left to know with which project will try to surprise us OWN3R in his first year as Head Coach in the European top competition trying to return SK to the top of the standings.