How Ibai and Piqué are building their League of Legends team: Signings, strategy, and competitive outlook for SuperLiga 2022.
The Announcement and Initial Signings
Reports confirm that the joint esports venture between Twitch icon Ibai Llanos and football star Gerard Piqué has taken its first concrete steps, securing key personnel for their League of Legends squad ahead of the LVP SuperLiga’s 2022 season.
Industry sources indicate that streamer Ibai Llanos and FC Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué have finalized preliminary agreements with players and support staff, setting the stage for their competitive debut.
According to an exclusive report from Dot Esports, verbal commitments are now in place with several individuals set to pioneer the new organization. While the official team branding remains under wraps, significant roster pieces have been locked in. The bot lane will feature the prolific marksman Rafa ‘Rafitta’ Zapata, known for his aggressive carry potential. He will be supported in the jungle by Luis ‘Koldo’ Pérez, a player valued for his strategic pathing. Beyond the players, the management structure is taking shape with David ‘Saba’ Sabater, formerly of UCAM Tokiers, joining as esports manager. Leading the competitive charge will be head coach Jesús ‘Falco’ Pérez Rubio, assisted by strategic coach Tiago ‘Aziado’ Rodrigues. This combination of rookie talent and experienced leadership is a deliberate strategy for long-term development.
Ibai Twitch
Ibai and Gerard Piqué have moved from concept to execution, with team construction underway and a complete organizational reveal scheduled for mid-December 2021. Their competitive journey is slated to begin in the next split of Spain’s premier regional league, the SuperLiga, which operates under Riot Games’ European ecosystem. The duo’s entry was secured through a €300,000 acquisition of Astralis SB’s league slot back in September. Although no formal contracts have been signed publicly, a dedicated announcement event is planned for December 15th. This event is expected to disclose the final team name, official jersey design, commercial sponsors, and affiliated content creators, marking the project’s transition from rumor to reality.
Behind the Scenes: From Streamer to Team Owner
Ibai’s trajectory from a League of Legends shoutcaster to one of Twitch’s most-followed streamers has uniquely positioned him for this move. His deep-rooted connections within the game’s community and his friendships with global figures like Lionel Messi provide unparalleled social capital. https://twitter.com/IbaiLlanos/status/1451158297822760969 For years, the Spanish content creator has openly expressed his ambition to not just commentate on the esport but to directly influence its competitive landscape by owning a team. This venture represents the culmination of that goal.
Partnering with Gerard Piqué, a athlete familiar with high-stakes sports management and branding through his own company, Kosmos, brings a critical business acumen to the project. Their collaboration merges Ibai’s community insight and esports authenticity with Piqué’s experience in professional sports organization and sponsorship acquisition. This synergy is crucial for navigating the competitive and financial challenges of the SuperLiga.
Roadmap to SuperLiga 2022
The path to the SuperLiga stage is now clear. The €300,000 investment to purchase an existing slot is a standard but significant entry fee, underscoring the league’s growing value. This approach is often more reliable than attempting to qualify through open promotion tournaments, which carry substantial competitive risk. The December 15th unveiling will be a major moment, transitioning the project from speculation to a tangible brand with defined sponsors and content pillars. This full-scale reveal is a strategic best practice, generating maximum fan engagement and media coverage ahead of the season start.
Upon debut, Ibai and Piqué’s squad will immediately face entrenched competition. The SuperLiga houses established organizations like G2 Arctic (the academy team of G2 Esports), MAD Lions Madrid (linked to the MAD Lions LEC franchise), and Vodafone Giants, a long-standing Spanish esports institution. Success will require not only skilled players but also a robust support system in coaching, analysis, and player welfare—areas where the reported hiring of experienced staff like ‘Saba’ and ‘Falco’ will be tested.
Practical Guide for Aspiring Esports Team Owners
Forming a competitive esports team involves more than passion and capital. Based on observable patterns from this and similar ventures, here are key steps and pitfalls.
Key Steps in Team Formation: First, secure a stable league slot, either through purchase or qualification. Second, assemble a core management team with experience in esports operations and player development. Third, recruit a balanced roster, blending promising talent with veteran guidance. Fourth, develop a strong brand identity and secure sponsorship to ensure financial sustainability. Finally, build a content strategy to engage fans and grow the community from day one.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid: A major mistake is prioritizing big-name signings over team synergy and coaching structure. Another is underestimating operational costs beyond player salaries, such as coaching, analytics, housing, and mental health support. Failing to integrate content creation with competitive goals can also limit brand growth. Lastly, impatience with results—esports success often requires multiple seasons of development and iteration.
Building a Sustainable Model: The Ibai-Piqué model shows the value of combining influencer reach with traditional sports business expertise. Sustainability comes from diversified revenue: league stipends, sponsor deals, merchandise, and content monetization. Protecting player well-being with contracts, fair salaries, and professional environments is not just ethical but crucial for long-term performance and attracting future talent.
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