It seems we may be approaching the end of KC Vladi, sources told Sheep Esports on Sunday. While nothing is set in stone, Karmine Corp has begun exploring alternative options in the mid lane, particularly among South Korean players.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old mid laner Vladimiros "Vladi" Kourtidis has been given permission to explore opportunities elsewhere. Several LEC teams have already expressed interest or inquired about his buyout. Vladi remains under contract with Karmine Corp until the end of 2027, meaning any move would require negotiations over a buyout fee. Still, signs point to him likely finding a new home in the coming year.

A turbulent 2025 season

This potential midlane search comes at the end of what has been an up‑and‑down year both on and off the rift for Karmine Corp. The Blue Wall began its LEC season in the best possible way, lifting the Winter Split trophy with a bold lineup that combined veteran leadership in the jungle and support roles with raw talent, with a Korean import in the toplane and two rookies as carries. But after that title run, KC never quite managed to replicate the same level of success.

Spring ended in disappointment with a bitter third-place finish, knocked out by rivals Movistar KOI. Summer brought more heartbreak as the team’s Worlds dream was shut down by Fnatic, preventing them from qualifying for the tournament for the first time in their history. With each split, cracks began to show within the roster’s stability and the club’s internal management.

Strains around Vladi and the club

One of the season’s defining storylines involved midlaner Vladi, whose relationship with the organization and its passionate “Blue Wall” fanbase rapidly soured. After Spring, Vladi drew heavy criticism for bluntly stating on Twitch that “the majority of the fanbase of this org is by far the worst I’ve seen.” Although he later issued a public apology, the damage to his rapport with supporters and the team lingered.

While sources did not provide many details about the situation within KC, it appears that the relationship between the Greek midlaner and the team has deteriorated.

Vladi joined Karmine Corp in January 2024, starting with the academy team in the LFL before being promoted to the LEC roster just a few months later in May. Despite the ups and downs, he played a key role in securing Karmine Corp’s first LEC trophy and deserves recognition for his contributions—should his departure from the organization be confirmed.

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