Photo by esport.aftonbladet.se
Veteran star Enrique “xPeke” Cedeno Martinez returns to the stage, not as a player, but as Origen’s new head coach. Former coach Nicolai “Hazel” Larsen will be stepping down.
Things looked bright for Origen at the start of the European League Champion Series of this year. In only a year, this team, mixed with old and new talent, climbed their way through EU, dominated for a 4th place position in Worlds, and secured their first international victory by going undefeated at IEM San Jose.
The team began to crack as the spring split began. Originally looking to be EU’s number one team this year, this team fell apart and came into Week 5 of the LCS with a score of 4-4. Hours before their first game of Week 5, Origen made a Facebook post stating that coach Hazel would be leaving the organization. In the meantime, former mid laner xPeke will temporarily be taking the helm until they can find a proper replacement.
With xPeke’s leadership, the team was able to dominate Splyce with a score of 12-4. Game 2 of week 5 looked far less promising, ending in a crushing defeat at the hands of Team Vitality with a score of 1-13. Only time will tell if xPeke’s experience will allow him to translate that knowledge into a coaching position.
The EU LCS continues its roller coaster of events with OG’s consistently inconsistent performances. With powerful teams such as G2 eSports and H2K Gaming hanging over them with near perfect scores, it is not looking good for Origen. We are now more than halfway through the regular LCS split, so be sure to stay tuned for what’s to come and see if Origen can regain their former glory.
