Astralis Benches Dajor and Targets LIDER As the Replacement in the Mid Lane

Despite their rather successful Winter Split, Astralis decided to make some changes ahead of Spring.

After getting stuck in the bottom two four splits in a row in the LEC, not a lot of fans or analysts had big expectations for Astralis coming into 2023. They even started the Winter Split 0-5. But the team rallied together as we closed the Bo1s, and went on a 3-1 run, clinching themselves a spot in the best-of series over Fnatic and Excel. In the Bo3s, they were one series away from upsetting everyone and making it to the Playoffs stage.

But even though the split overall can be considered a success, Astralis seem unhappy about how it ended. They might've overperformed in Winter, but the goal is repeating the same thing, maybe even more, with an improved roster. For that purpose, Astralis just announced that they are parting ways with their mid laner Oliver “Dajor” Ryppa, who was the focus of most of the criticism the team got, along with the rookie jungler Doğukan “113” Balcı.

Our midlaner @dajorlol has been benched and is allowed to seek new opportunities. We want to thank Dajor for his hard work and dedication.
His contributions will not be forgotten. Dajor has been an important part of our journey, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors. pic.twitter.com/QmFkclN35v

— Astralis League of Legends (@AstralisLoL) February 22, 2023

LIDER might get another chance in the LEC

According to the latest reports, from the known LEC insider Brieuc “LEC Wooloo” Seeger, the Astralis is looking to sign the Norwegian mid laner Adam “LIDER” Ilyasov to replace Dajor. Seeger tweeted that the first target for Astralis was the former Schalke 04 player Felix “Abbedagge” Braun. Abbedagge spent the last two years in North America, winning an LCS championship with 100 Thieves. He is currently a substitute player for Excel, but apparently, he declined the offer from Astralis.

[Sources] Astralis is expected to field LIDER 🇳🇴 in the Midlane as replacement for Dajor. A verbal agreement has been reached but a deal is yet to be signed.

Abbedagge was also considered for the position but the player wasn't interested. pic.twitter.com/w62J4YFsbm

— LEC Wooloo 🇪🇺 (@LEC_Wooloo) February 22, 2023

LIDER, on the other hand, has had a less successful career so far, but he has been a household name in the European League scene for years. He has been looked at as a player with immense potential and even had some chances to prove himself in the major leagues. Like Abbedagge, he also had a stint in the LCS, spending a couple of months with Golden Guardians. Unfortunately for LIDER, he played with GG’s Academy team for most of his time in NA, only getting two main-stage games under his belt.

Before NA, LIDER was picked up by various LEC teams like Misfits Gaming and most recently Team Vitality. His performances have been up and down, and he had trouble staying on a roster for more than one split at a time for one reason or another. His biggest criticism among the fans and some of the analysts is his unusual champion pool. He is mainly known for his aggressive melee assassin picks, while mid lane generally is dominated by control mages in pro play. LIDER so far has played a combined total of zero Orianna, Syndra, Twisted Fate and Lissandra games, despite all of these champions being strong in the meta during the last couple of years. But even with all the reservations about LIDER, there is no denying he is a talented player, and Astralis seems to think he is the missing piece that will help them take the next step for the LEC’s Spring Split.

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