(Updated: January 2025)
The Chiefs Esports Club, often referred to simply as “The Chiefs,” stands as one of the most iconic and celebrated esports organizations in Australia. Since its formation in 2014, The Chiefs have become a pillar of the League of Legends community, boasting a storied history of domestic dominance and an enduring ambition to leave their mark on international stages. With a legacy spanning numerous roster iterations, achievements, and challenges, the club continues to be a symbol of resilience and excellence within the competitive esports scene.
History of The Chiefs Esports Club – Early Beginnings and Formation
The Chiefs Esports Club was established in August 2014. Interestingly, the organization initially operated as Exodus Gaming but rebranded later that same year. This rebranding coincided with the assembly of their inaugural roster, which featured:
- Top Laner: Brandon “Swip3rR” Holland
- Jungler: Samuel “Spookz” Broadley
- Mid Laner: Simon “Swiffer” Papamarkos
- Bot Laner: Derek “Raydere” Trang
- Support: Andrew “Rosey” Rose
This roster is remembered not only for its extraordinary synergy and success but also for achieving a historical milestone. It remained unchanged for a staggering 608 days, a record for the longest-standing active roster during that time. This level of continuity provided the foundation for The Chiefs’ early accomplishments in competitive League of Legends.
Early Success – Dominance in the OPL
The Chiefs wasted no time in establishing themselves as a dominant force in the Oceanic Pro League (OPL). The 2015 season proved to be a breakthrough year, marking one of their most successful campaigns to date. During this period, The Chiefs accomplished the following:
- Won OPL Split 1 and Split 1 playoffs.
- Triumphed in OPL Split 2 and Split 2 playoffs.
- Achieved an unprecedented 14-0 sweep during Split 2’s round-robin phase.
- Defeated rival team Legacy Esports in the Split 2 finals.
While their domestic performance was nothing short of spectacular, The Chiefs also aspired to make waves internationally. They placed fifth at the International Wildcard Invitational and came second in the International Wildcard Qualifier for the 2015 World Championship, narrowly missing out on their first-ever Worlds appearance.
Roster Shifts and Continued Success
In May 2015, the team underwent its first significant lineup change when Andrew “Rosey” Rose left to join Sin Gaming. His role was eventually filled by EGym, a talented support player who helped maintain The Chiefs’ high performance level. The following seasons saw The Chiefs consistently rank among the top teams in the OPL.
Key Results from 2016-2020
The Chiefs experienced both triumphs and setbacks in subsequent seasons, marking their journey through the OPL:
- 2016: Won the first OPL split playoffs after upsetting Legacy Esports. Competed in the IEM Season 11 – Oakland, their debut against teams from major regions, but fell 0-2 to Longzhu Gaming.
- 2017: Placed third in the regular season and fourth in the playoffs for both splits.
- 2018: Reached the finals in all four iterations of the OPL season. However, they lost each time to Dire Wolves, their fiercest rivals.
- 2019: Finished first in the Split 2 regular season but were swept 3-0 by Mammoth in the finals.
- 2020: Recorded a mix of second and fourth-place finishes in the regular seasons, but fell short of advancing deep in the playoffs.
Transition to the LCO – A New Chapter
Following the dissolution of the OPL in 2021, Riot Games introduced the League of Legends Circuit Oceania (LCO). The Chiefs were among the eight founding teams selected to compete in this new tournament format. However, the transition brought significant challenges. Much of the team’s core roster from 2020 departed during the preseason, leaving only support player Dragku to carry forward The Chiefs legacy. Despite the overhaul, The Chiefs eventually found their rhythm and experienced a resurgence.
In 2022, the team claimed victory in the LCO Split 2 playoffs, securing qualification for the World Championship. Although they went winless in the Worlds play-in stage, this achievement reaffirmed The Chiefs’ status as a top-tier team in the region. Their triumphs continued in 2023, winning both LCO splits that year. However, performances in the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) were underwhelming, as they won only one game across the playoffs.
Acquisition by Team Bliss and Future Prospects
September 15, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in The Chiefs’ history as they were acquired by Team Bliss. Due to LCO ownership restrictions, their LCO slot was sold to FURY Global. Despite this development, The Chiefs announced plans to re-enter the competitive League of Legends scene in 2025, this time as a guest team in the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP). Fans eagerly await their return, expecting the legacy of The Chiefs to continue.
Player Roster – Current and Past Lineups
Current Roster for 2025
As The Chiefs prepare for their comeback in 2025, the current roster includes:
- Top Laner: BioPanther (Brandon Alexander)
- Bot Laner: Leemas (Samil Kip)
Notable Previous Players
Over the years, The Chiefs have been home to some of the most talented players in the Oceanic region, including:
- Brandon “Swip3rR” Holland
- Samuel “Spookz” Broadley
- Simon “Swiffer” Papamarkos
- Derek “Raydere” Trang
- Andrew “Rosey” Rose
- Dragku
Notable Achievements – A Legacy of Excellence
- Four consecutive OPL titles in 2015.
- Victory in the OPL Split 1 playoffs in 2016.
- Qualified for the World Championship in 2022.
- Secured the LCO Split 2 title in 2022 and both LCO splits in 2023.
For more details about The Chiefs Esports Club, visit their officially Chiefs Esports Club page.
FAQ – Chiefs Esports Club
What is The Chiefs Esports Club?
The Chiefs Esports Club is a professional esports organization based in Australia. It has been a major player in the League of Legends scene since its inception in 2014.
When was The Chiefs Esports Club founded?
The Chiefs were officially formed in August 2014, initially under the name Exodus Gaming.
What is The Chiefs’ best domestic achievement?
The Chiefs achieved an undefeated 14-0 record during the OPL Split 2 round-robin phase in 2015.
Has The Chiefs qualified for the World Championship?
Yes, The Chiefs qualified for the 2022 World Championship but went winless in the play-in stage.
Who are the notable players from The Chiefs?
Some of the most notable players include Swip3rR, Spookz, Swiffer, Raydere, and Rosey.
What international tournaments has The Chiefs competed in?
The Chiefs have participated in events like the International Wildcard Invitational, IEM Season 11 – Oakland, and the 2022 World Championship.
What was The Chiefs’ highest international placement?
They finished second in the International Wildcard Qualifier for Worlds 2015.
Who owns The Chiefs Esports Club?
As of September 2023, The Chiefs Esports Club is owned by Team Bliss.
What is the future of The Chiefs in League of Legends?
The Chiefs are set to return as a guest team in the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) in 2025.
Where can I find more information about The Chiefs?
You can visit their officially Chiefs Esports Club page for more details.
