Another one bites the dust: Astralis release Zanzarah, set to sign Xerxe

In a statement on April 28, 2022, Astralis announced that they have parted ways with their jungler, Nikolay “Zanzarah” Akatov after collaborating for a year and a half in the LEC. 

Famously known for his Skarner and Trundle, Zanzarah will be exploring his options in the upcoming offseason. Unfortunately, there will be no more taxes (Skarner R) to be paid in the LEC. 

1,5 years
3 splits
Endless Trundle and Skarner bans
Countless laughs

Today, one chapter ends, and another begins. Thank you for everything, @Zanzarahlol. pic.twitter.com/UknpylBH2F

— Astralis League of Legends (@AstralisLoL) April 28, 2022

Following a tenth-place finish in the LEC 2022 Spring split, Astralis have decided to change at least three members of their squad before the Summer split, targeting a potential playoffs spot. The organization went for veterans, and time will tell whether this is the right direction. 

After a previous report on Kiss “Vizicsacsi” Tamas’s possible entry into Astralis, reporter Alejandro “anonimotum” Gomis’s sources have informed him that former Immortals jungler Andrei “Xerxe” Dragomir will be taking Zanzarah’s seat. Jaxon has independently confirmed the rumor. 

Sources: Jungler @XerxeLoL is expected to sign with @Astralisgg LEC for the next summer split and he will be the new jungler of the Danish organization.

Xerxe played for @Immortals in the LCS pic.twitter.com/6JPaHOLR4j

— Alejandro Gomis (@anonimotum) April 27, 2022

As for Zanzarah’s departure, the news came as a shock to some fans. Although he underperformed in the LEC spring split, he was seen as the face of the organization through broadcast interviews and various content pieces. 

As for Xerxe, his recent tenth-place finish in the LCS has hurt his reputation, and many are questioning whether he is the right man for Astralis’ rebuilding effort, but his familiarity with Vizicsacsi and Kobbe may have helped him land the spot. 

Wait, Vizicsacsi, Xerxe & Kobbe? What is going on there? I guess someone decided to copy Splyce’s homework from 2019. 

Astralis: Can I copy your homework?

Splyce: Yeah, just change it up a bit so it doesn’t look obvious you copied pic.twitter.com/k6wM0L4naA

— Yohan Markov (@Esports_Person) April 28, 2022

Or is it 2018? Looking at Astralis’s academy, Chres “formerly Sencux” Laursen is also on the team, as their academy mid laner. We would like to ask Astralis to change their LoL team’s logo to a red snake.