Thus, SK Gaming will become the only LEC team in 2026 that does not have a base in Berlin. However, this practice was already used by the Danish team  Astralis , which kept players at home in Denmark from 2021 to 2023, traveling to Berlin only for games.

History and Reasons for the Move

SK Gaming is one of the oldest and most renowned organizations in esports. Founded in 1997, it started as a Quake and Counter-Strike team, later expanding into other disciplines, including League of Legends, where it has participated since 2010.

The new center in Cologne is a modern 2,000-square-meter space equipped for training, content creation, and team development.

When SK moved to its new Magenta Facility in Cologne , our initial goal was to bring all teams together in one place. Berlin was an incredible chapter in our history—a place full of memories—but it's time to focus on our roots. Cologne is not just our home; it's the heart of the community and the capital of SK. Love your city, as we say in Köln.

2026 and Team Plans

Currently, only one player is confirmed for SK Gaming 's LEC roster in 2026—jungler Duncan "Skeanz" Marquet, who has already been informed about the move. The other players have yet to be announced.

After a challenging 2025 season, where the team placed 9th in both the winter and spring splits and finished last in the summer group, the management sees the move as an opportunity for renewal and further development.

The move to Cologne is not just about logistics. It symbolizes a return to roots, strengthening the community, and continuity in one of the oldest organizations on the global esports scene.