Zero Tenacity’s owner, Hebehime, substituted himself into his team’s mid-lane role in a crucial EMEA Masters match – to much disappointment of League of Legends fans and audiences.
In an esports scene as popular as League of Legends, the “big players” behind the teams are not as lowkey as your conventional business owners. While pro team owners are used to the spotlight, Serbian pro team Zero Tenacity’s owner took being under the spotlight to a new level.
In a surprising turn of events in their sinking bid to the EMEA Masters Spring tournament, the team’s owner decided to substitute into the match despite their crucial 0-5 record. Hebehime subbed in as the mid-laner in their match against HRTS even though their mid-laner, Kofte, was more than ready to play.
Despite Hebehime’s attempt to push the team’s credentials out of the mud, his mid-lane skills couldn’t bring home a win for Z10. Beyond the team’s loss, the owner also sparked outrage and disappointment in EMEA LoL fans.
Z10 owner tells player “If I want to play I play,” after unlikely substitution
Earlier in the season, Hebehime surprised fans by listing himself as an “Owner/Sub/Mid” position on the team. While an owner or a coach subbing on the team is not unheard of, it is still unusual for pro-team executives to take the matter into their own hands.
In a post-match stream, Hebehime explains that Kofte did not perform badly in the tournament despite the team’s sinking record. However, the reason behind the substitution is not what fans and the team would expect.
Moreover, Hebehime doubled down on his statement, claiming that his substitution “isn’t and has nothing to do with Kofte” but his desire to play his main role.
Fans of Z10 and Ultraliga called Hebehime’s move “disgusting” and disrespectful to his players. Given Z10’s winless record, the game was also crucial in determining their future.
Other remarks from Hebehime saying that owning an Esports organization also means “you can run it how you want” was frowned upon by fans. Despite the backlash, the owner maintains his stand and claims that he was not embarrassed for stepping in.
As of writing, Kofte and other Z10 players have yet to respond.