Clutch Gaming was an eSports organization owned by the Houston Rockets. After the Philadelphia 76ers purchased two eSports teams in 2016, it’s believed that this inspired the Houston Rockets to get involved in the fast-growing eSports industry. As a result, Clutch Gaming came to life, with its main aim being to compete in League of Legends.
Clutch Gaming History: 2017 – 2019
Specifically, Clutch Gaming was created in 2017. It was one of four teams that joined the lucrative League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) after the league was officially franchised. This fell in line with the Chinese LoL Pro League (LPL), which had also done the same thing in 2017. The other teams that joined Clutch Gaming in this LCS venture were 100 Thieves, the Golden Guardians, and OpTic Gaming.
The 2018 season was a mixed bag for Clutch Gaming. Before the NA LCS Spring Split, they acquired several players from Team Envy’s roster after it officially disbanded, including Tae-Yoo “Lira” Nam and Apollo “Apollo” Price. Ultimately, Clutch Gaming finished the season in a respectable 6th place with an overall record of 11 wins and 9 defeats. This meant that they had made it to the playoffs. However, they were defeated in the playoffs by 100 Thieves, which marked a disappointing end to the season.
At the end of 2018, Clutch Gaming started preparing for the LCS Spring Split (2019) by trading players with Echo Fox, which was seen as a smart piece of business at the time. Additionally, they also promoted several academy players to the top ranks, such as the talented LoL player Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon.
Although there were a couple of bright spots, 2019 was ultimately a disappointment for Clutch Gaming (especially after they had made some fresh trades and promoted academy talent to the main roster just a few months before). Clutch Gaming finished 9th place at the LCS Spring. This led to Clutch Gaming earning a reputation on Twitter as a team that could only beat teams that were below them – not above them.
Clutch Gaming was now coming to an end. They had a successful play-in at the 2019 World Championship after beating the likes of Royal Youth and Mammoth. However, Clutch Gaming then found itself in an extremely tough Group C at the main event, which saw them leave the competition with no wins and a 0-6 record. This all led to Clutch Gaming being acquired by Dignitas in the summer of 2019. This merger meant that ‘Clutch Gaming’ was officially over.
How to Bet on Clutch Gaming
Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to bet on Clutch Gaming. Luckily, though, you can still bet on countless other eSports teams. You can also bet on Dignitas, the team that purchased Clutch Gaming. To do this, place your bet now. It’s simple and easy to do.
Clutch Gaming: Divisions, Games, Rosters
Clutch Gaming only ever competed in one game: League of Legends. During their brief lifespan, the Clutch Gaming LoL roster underwent several changes, as new players were constantly being signed and traded. If you want to know more about Clutch Gaming LoL and the final roster that they ended with, you can read about it in detail below. Some of these players have since moved on to other eSports teams, while others have officially retired from competitive LoL.
League of Legends
Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon
Now retired, “Huni” played as Bot Laner for Clutch Gaming from 2018 to 2019. Over the years, he earned himself a positive reputation with fans for being bold and ambitious with his style of play, which was always aggressive and forward-thinking. “Huni” also managed to go 32 games unbeaten during a season run that started with Fnatic and ended with Immortals.
Nam “Lira” Tae-Yoo
Another big name and personality who played as a Jungler for Clutch Gaming. After the end of Clutch Gaming, he subsequently joined Dignitas but was only with them for a month. After leaving Riot Games Inc. at the end of 2022, it’s now suspected that “Lira” is retired. His last official event was LCK 2021 Spring.
During his career, “Lira” was much-loved for his unique and exciting jungle patterning as well as his funny interactions with fans on Twitter.
Tanner “Damonte” Damonte
It’s “Tanner Time!”. Known for his exciting style of play and memorable catchphrase, “Damonte” is now a player for CLG Challenges and a coach for Counter Logic Gaming. Soon, he is expected to make the transition to full-time coach and retire from the professional LoL.
Liyu “Cody” “Cody Sun” Sun
“Cody” last played for Mirage Elyandra in 2021. He was liked by fans and would usually play hyper-scale Bot Laners such as Kai’Sa and Xayah.
Philippe “Vulcan” Laflamme
After leaving Clutch Gaming and Dignitas, “Vulcan” signed for Cloud9. Now, he plays as Support for Evil Geniuses. During his career, “Vulcan” has won plenty of individual awards, including LCS 1st All-Pro Team (2020 and 2022) as well as LCS 2nd All-Pro Team (2020 and 2021).
Tom “Rodov” Rodov
A now-retired Top Laner who finished his career in 2020 with ANEW Esports.
Chae “Piglet” Gwang-jin
“Piglet” is currently the coach for T1 Rookies. The highlight of his career came when his team, SK Telecom T1, won the Season 3 World Championship (2013).
Colin “Solo” Earnest
A Top Laner who is currently contracted with TSM until 2023.
Apollo “Apollo” Price
The positional coach and Bot Laner for Counter Logic Gaming. During his career, “Apollo” has played for over 10 eSports teams, including Clutch Gaming, Team Impulse, and Echo Fox.
Nickolas “Hakuho” Surgent
Now retired, “Hakuho” finished his career in 2020 with the IMT Academy.
Fabian “FEBIVEN” Diepstraten
A solid Mid Laner who currently plays for SK Gaming Prime after signing for them at the end of 2020.