Following Midlaner Seo "SlowQ" Ye-bit arrival to SK Gaming, another organization is making a change for their EWC EMEA Qualifier
debut on Tuesday. Indeed, after a difficult first half of the season,
Shifters have also decided to make a change. One year after joining the team, jungler Mehdi “
Boukada” Lahlou is set to be benched, making way for Théo “
Sheo” Borile, sources tell Sheep Esports.
While Boukada remained the starting jungler for the team this weekend, he was informed of the decision on Saturday, April 25th, during the roadshow ahead of Shifters' series against Karmine Corp. Despite the news, Boukada and his teammates pushed the series to a decisive third game, battling tooth and nail before a late-game teamfight in the midlane sealed victory for Karmine Corp, who remained undefeated.
A trade was initially discussed
After leaving Team BDS at the end of 2024, Sheo returns to his former environment under a new banner following a turbulent stint with
Team Heretics. The French jungler was recently benched by the organization
after a dilemma was presented to him following team performances that fell short of expectations.
The two organizations initially discussed a potential trade involving both junglers, with Sheo joining Shifters in exchange for a transfer fee and Boukada moving the other way. However, Team Heretics intended to assign Boukada to its academy roster, a move that conflicted with Riot Games regulations, ultimately preventing the deal from going through. As a result, Sheo will join Shifters for a transfer fee, while Boukada will remain benched for the Summer Split.
The return of a familiar face
During his first stint with Team BDS between 2023 and 2024, Sheo experienced the most successful time of his career, including a qualification for the Worlds 2023. Despite finishing third in each split in 2024, the team narrowly missed out on returning to Worlds that year. Facing structural limitations, BDS opted to move in a different direction, parting ways with the jungler. Since then, results have become more complicated. Shifters endured a disappointing 2025 season and have struggled since the start of the current year, with team synergy failing to materialize.
On his side, Sheo joined Team Heretics as part of a long-term project that has undergone multiple changes in recent months, alongside underwhelming competitive results. His last match came after a loss to Karmine Corp in Week 3, after which he was replaced by academy jungler Kacper “Daglas” Dagiel. At Shifters, he will reunite with mid laner Ilias “nuc” Bizriken and head coach Yanis “Striker” Kella, with whom he previously worked. Together, they will attempt to turn around Shifters’ season.
UPDATE: Sheo’s arrival is the only roster change Shifters will make ahead of the EWC EMEA Qualifiers.