(Updated: January 2025)

Team Vitality, a renowned French esports organization, has solidified its position as one of the most competitive teams in the League of Legends European Championship (LEC). Since its inception in 2015, the team has captured the attention of fans with its dynamic roster, strategic gameplay, and commendable performances in major tournaments. Boasting a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Team Vitality continues to shape the professional League of Legends scene and stands as a testament to esports’ growing influence on global entertainment culture.

History of Team Vitality – From Foundation to Present

Team Vitality officially entered the League of Legends professional scene on December 9, 2015, by acquiring Gambit Gaming’s spot in the 2016 EU LCS Spring Split. The move not only marked their debut in competitive League of Legends but also signaled their ambition to becoming a top-performing team in the league. Headquartered in France, the organization quickly garnered a loyal fan base and established its presence in the esports landscape.

2016 EU LCS Spring Split – The Beginning

The original roster consisted of Lucas “Cabochard” Simon-Meslet as the top laner, Ilyas “Shook” Hartsema as the jungler, Erlend “Nukeduck” Våtevik Holm in the mid lane, Petter “Hjarnan” Freyschuss as the bot laner, and Raymond “kaSing” Tsang as support. In their inaugural split, Team Vitality showcased incredible potential, finishing third with an impressive 13–5 record, trailing only behind G2 Esports and H2k-Gaming. Cabochard and kaSing were even elected to the All-Pro Team for their stellar performances.

Evolution through Roster Changes

Throughout its history, Team Vitality has undergone numerous roster changes to optimize performance and bring fresh strategies to the stage:

2016 Summer Split

  • Shook and Hjarnan departed, leading to the recruitment of Kim “Mightybear” Min-soo as jungler and Korean bot laner Park “Police” Hyeong-gi.

2017 Season

  • Vitality revamped their lineup once again by signing Pierre “Steeelback” Medjaldi, Ha “Hachani” Seung-chan, and Charly “Djoko” Guillard. Mid laner Lee “GBM” Chang-seok also joined as a substitute.

Recent Seasons

As of 2025, Team Vitality’s LEC roster has evolved to include the following players:

  • Top laner: Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan
  • Jungler: Linas “Lyncas” Nauncikas
  • Mid laner: Mateusz “Czajek” Czajka
  • Bot laner: Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság
  • Support: Zdravets “Hylissang” Iliev Galabov

Meanwhile, their academy team (Vitality.Bee) in the LFL has also displayed commendable talent, helping to nurture emerging players for the main roster.

Team Vitality’s Notable Achievements – A Look into Tournaments

Team Vitality has had its highs and lows in the competitive League of Legends landscape. The organization boasts a variety of achievements across different splits and international tournaments, cementing its reputation as a team to watch.

League of Legends European Championship (LEC)

  • 2016 EU LCS Spring Split: Finished 3rd with a 13–5 record.
  • 2016 EU LCS Summer Split: Finished 5th-6th after being upset by Fnatic in the quarterfinals.
  • 2018 EU LCS Spring Split: Achieved 4th place, losing in the semifinals to Fnatic.
  • 2018 EU LCS Summer Split: Secured 3rd place by defeating Misfits Gaming in the third-place match.
  • 2019 LEC Spring Split: Achieved 3rd place, with standout All-Pro Team selections.
  • 2020 LEC Summer Split: Finished 5th-6th.
  • 2023 LEC Spring Split: Finished 3rd but fell to G2 Esports in the semifinals.
  • 2024 LEC Spring Split: Finished 4th, losing to KOI in the semifinals.

World Championship – Breaking into the International Stage

Team Vitality made their mark on the global stage during the 2018 World Championship, where they reached the group stage and finished 9th-12th. Despite not advancing further, their performance was praised by fans and analysts alike for showcasing Europe’s evolving talent in international tournaments.

Other Notable Tournaments

  • SoloQ Challenge Battle 2024: Mid laner Czajek was awarded the Best Midlaner title.
  • LEC Winter 2023: Secured 5th place with impressive gameplay.

Coaching and Management – Building a Strategic Foundation

Team Vitality’s success over the years is not only attributed to its players but also to its experienced coaching staff and management. As of 2025, the organization boasts a talented leadership team that includes:

  • Head Coach: James MacCormack (Joined December 13, 2024)
  • Coach: Christophe van Oudheusden
  • Strategic Coach: Patrick Suckow-Breum
  • Team Manager: Erik Olbrich
  • LoL Head Manager: Alexander Spelda

With years of combined experience, the coaching staff has continually contributed to adapting the team’s strategies and nurturing its players for success.

Team Vitality FAQs – Answering Your Questions

Who owns Team Vitality?

Team Vitality is owned by its parent organization, Vitality, which operates across multiple esports titles and is based in France.

How did Team Vitality enter the professional League of Legends scene?

Team Vitality entered professional League of Legends after acquiring Gambit Gaming’s spot in the 2016 EU LCS Spring Split.

Where can I find more information about Team Vitality?

You can visit the officially Team Vitality page for additional details about the roster, upcoming matches, and other updates.

What are Team Vitality’s most notable achievements in the LEC?

Some of their top achievements include finishing 3rd in the 2016 EU LCS Spring Split and the 2018 EU LCS Summer Split.

Has Team Vitality won the World Championship?

No, Team Vitality has not won the World Championship. Their best result was reaching the group stage in 2018.

Who are the current players on Team Vitality’s LEC roster?

As of 2025, the roster includes Naak Nako, Lyncas, Czajek, Carzzy, and Hylissang.

Does Team Vitality have an academy team?

Yes, Vitality.Bee serves as the organization’s academy team competing in La Ligue Française (LFL).

Who is the current head coach of Team Vitality?

The current head coach is James MacCormack, who joined the team in December 2024.

What was Team Vitality’s performance in the 2024 LEC Summer Split?

Team Vitality finished in 9th place during the 2024 LEC Summer Split.

How does Team Vitality contribute to the esports ecosystem?

Beyond competing in tournaments, Team Vitality helps grow the esports ecosystem by nurturing young talent through its academy team and promoting competitive gaming globally.