Ibai reveals Movistar KOI's offseason plans ahead of Worlds 2026 as Jojopyun's future remains uncertain

Following Movistar KOI's 0-3 defeat to G2 Esports in the LEC 2026 Summer Grand Final in Nice, team co-owner Ibai Llanos outlined the organization's offseason roadmap on his stream. Despite securing Europe's second seed and direct qualification to the Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage, Movistar KOI must immediately address their 2027 roster construction, with midlaner Joseph "Jojopyun" Joon Pyun’s contract renewal serving as the first domino of this offseason.

According to Ibai, the team gave Jojopyun an immediate deadline following the finals in Nice to determine whether he will remain with the organization for the upcoming season: "From this point on, we’ll let you know about any updates regarding the team," Ibai explained. "Resett (Luis Filgueira) already mentioned it: we told Jojopyun that he needed to let us know whether he's renewing or not. After Nice, meaning tomorrow or the day after. So we'll have news for you on Jojo's renewal, and we'll tell you about the rest of the roster too."

Beyond the midlane, the organization faces a broader transitional period. The core that formed the foundation of Movistar KOI's LEC entry is approaching the expiration of their original long-term agreements: "Maybe next year we all stick together," Ibai stated. "But we signed these five players, including Fresskowy (Bartłomiej Przewoźnik), back in November 2023. We signed them until the end of 2026, and this era has come to an end. Sure, Worlds is still ahead, but this chapter ends next month for everyone."

While the future of several starting positions remains unresolved, Movistar KOI have already solidified their foundational leadership for the upcoming competitive cycle. As previously reported when Ibai confirmed Melzhet will remain as Head Coach, the organization moved early to secure their staff by ruling out a pursuit of Dylan Falco and backing Melzhet through 2028.

Alongside the head coach, team captain Javier "Elyoya" Prades Batalla is locked in through 2028, while support Álvaro "Alvaro" Fernández del Amo remains contracted through at least 2027. With their jungle-support core and head coach established, management's attention turns to resolving expiring deals. That leaves formal contract talks with toplaner Alex "Myrwn" Pastor Villarejo, AD carry David "Supa" Martínez García, and midlaner Joseph "Jojopyun" Joon Pyun ahead of Worlds preparations.

With Worlds 2026 starting on October 15 and the Swiss Stage kicking off on October 23 in Allen, Texas, the late tournament schedule creates significant offseason overlap. European organization that missed international qualification are already finalizing their 2027 rosters, forcing Movistar KOI to negotiate while preparing for competition:

"Heading into Worlds without knowing what you're doing for the following year usually ruins your offseason," Ibai noted. "And it sucks, but you have to keep one thing in mind. Heretics have already made signings during the LEC. I mean, LEC hasn't even finished and they already have their new mid laner."

Before competitive preparations resume, the team will receive a brief break. Movistar KOI plan to give the players one week of vacation before traveling to South Korea for a pre-tournament bootcamp alongside LCK, LPL, and international squads ahead of their flight to the United States for the Swiss Stage.