Sources: Contractz set to be Shopify Rebellion's new jungler

Juan Arturo "Contractz" Garcia has reached a verbal agreement with Shopify Rebellion, according to sources close to Sheep Esports. The American jungler will be replacing Lee "Bugi" Seong-yeop, who is returning to Korea to fulfill his mandatory military service. Following NRG Esports’ reported exit from the LCS, Contractz was left searching for a new team in the offseason. He will be the first NRG player to find a new home.

In the 2023 LCS Summer Split, Contractz and NRG took the league by surprise, winning the LCS championship and securing the top seed for Worlds 2023. Despite heavy doubts about their international prospects, NRG exceeded expectations by defeating what many considered the strongest Western team, G2 Esports in a decisive 2-0 at Worlds. Their upset victory earned them a ticket to the Knockout Stage as the west’s last remaining hope. Contractz played a crucial role in their success, both in that series and throughout the year.

Unfortunately, the following year, NRG struggled with rumored burnout and failed to replicate to reclaim the trophy. Throughout the 2024 season, they underperformed, finishing with a top placement of 6th place, far from their recent highs.

Contractz has had a long, up-and-down career. From winning Rookie of the Split in 2017 LCS Spring Split to being demoted to the academy league and then climbing back to the top, he has consistently proven himself worthy of competing against the best in the world. Now, he faces new challenges and begins a new chapter with Shopify Rebellion.

Toplane: Ibrahim "Fudge" Allami
Jungle: Juan Arturo "Contractz" Garcia
Midlane: ?
Botlane: MONSTER IMPORT ADC
Support: ?