Just before the start of the group stage of LoL Worlds 2021, Fnatic announces that the roster will have to compete in the title matches without its German ADC.
It’s bad news for team and players. Due to urgent private reasons, Fnatic ADC Elias “Upset” Lipp has to fly home before the start of the Worlds group stage.
“Upset is forced to return home due to an urgent family matter. He will not be competing for our team in the group stage until further notice,” read a brief Twitter statement from Fnatic on Sunday night.
Worlds 2021 Roster Update pic.twitter.com/UojSgt1iBe
– FNATIC (@FNATIC) October 10, 2021
Upset will be replaced by fellow German Louis “Bean” Schmitz, who has been playing for junior team Fnatic Rising since December 2020. “Bean has been preparing with our team in Reykjavik over the last few weeks and will make his debut as a starter in our World Championship opener against HLE,” the release said.
At the European Masters, the substitute finished second with his team after a close final against the French team Karmine Corp. So Bean has already gained his first experience at international level, even though the Worlds will be a much bigger challenge.
ngl this FNC news does make me feel a bit sad about my EU Hype in general 🙁
but i am sure itll pass once they start stomping
– Eefje Depoortere (@sjokz) October 11, 2021
It is still unclear whether Upset will possibly be able to return by the playoffs. Under the post, the LoL Esports community is visibly disappointed about the loss, at the same time supporting the first match against Hanwha Life Esports on Monday at 3 p.m.