Jungler Javier "Elyoya" Prades Batalla has reached a verbal agreement to renew with MAD Lions to compete in the LoL EMEA Championship (LEC), according to Sheep Esports sources.

Despite a wide array of options and being a free agent, Spanish jungler Elyoya chose to remain with MAD Lions, extending his contract with the organization for another 3 years. This move will also mark Elyoya's reunion with Supa, with whom the Spanish jungler previously competed in 2019 before making his professional debut.

MAD's Winning Formula

The Madrid-based organization has just sealed what may be its most important deal of the entire off-season. This verbal agreement confirms that the 23-year-old jungler, Elyoya, will be re-signing with the Lions for another 3-years tenure with the team. Elyoya originally joined in November 2020 and is now the longest-standing member of the organization, having consistently been one of its star players throughout all roster iterations.

With four key parts of its roster secured, it looks like MAD may have succeeded in assembling the famously rumored "MESA'' super-team. Previously reported on blix.gg, the organization reached a verbal agreement with Tomás "Melzhet" Campelos Fernández in late October, bringing the former Movistar Riders coach into the LEC. With Elyoya now locked along with the package acquisition of David "Supa" Martínez García and Álvaro "Alvaro'' Fernández del Amo from MRS, the Iberian super-team seems to be at full force heading into 2024.

As of the time of writing this article, the team is still in the process of exploring its options as it seeks to secure top and mid lane prospects. The former top laner, Kim "Chasy" Dong-hyeon, remains under contract with the organization until the end of 2025, while the former mid laner, Yasin "Nisqy" Dinçer, is contracted until the end of 2024, though reports suggest that the latter has been allowed to explore other opportunities. It is currently unknown if the organization will decide to hold onto its existing players or seek replacements elsewhere instead.

Looking for Redemption

Beginning his professional career with MAD Lions in 2021, Elyoya has remained with the Madrid-based team ever since his entry into the league. During his time with MAD Lions, Elyoya has secured three LEC titles, two of which were achieved in his inaugural year of competition. Additionally, he has participated in two out of the three MSI tournaments that took place during his time with the team, as well as all three World Championships alongside MAD Lions.

Despite these accomplishments, MAD Lions struggled in 2023. In the first half of the competitive season, the team excelled in the LEC Winter Split, finishing in 2nd place but eventually succumbing to G2 Esports in the playoffs. In contrast, the Spring Split posed challenges for Elyoya and his team. First finishing the regular season in 8th place, the team would have to crawl back up through the group stage and the playoffs lower bracket.

Surprisingly, MAD Lions managed to overcome expectations by defeating G2 and embarking on a miraculous run, ultimately winning the Spring Playoffs and earning the title of EMEA's representatives at MSI. However, their performance at MSI was lackluster, failing to secure a single win and facing another defeat at the hands of G2 Esports.

After finishing 7th in the Summer Split, MAD Lions' strong performances in winter and spring secured them a place in the LEC Season Finals, where they clinched 3rd place and a spot at Worlds. However, their 2023 season ended on a disappointing note, with just one win against EMEA's Team BDS at Worlds, coupled with losses to North American and Chinese teams.

Now, Elyoya and his team look to take an entirely different approach as they head into the next competitive year. Deciding to replace key LEC veterans Matyáš "Carzzy" Orság and Zdravets "Hylissang" Iliev Galabov with promising rookies, the team aims to achieve newfound success.

Current MAD LEC 2024 Roster

Top Lane: ?
Jungle: Javier "Elyoya" Prades Batalla
Mid Lane: ?
AD Carry: David "Supa" Martínez García
Support: Álvaro "Alvaro" Fernández del Amo

Head Coach: Tomás "Melzhet" Campelos Fernández