Iconic Turkish organization Beşiktaş Esports, tied to the legendary Beşiktaş JK football club, has officially stepped away from competitive League of Legends after over 10 years.
The move, announced via an official statement, cites sustainability challenges and follows a thorough evaluation for future growth. Notably, Beşiktaş joins Papara SuperMassive and ULF Esports in exiting the TCL (now GAMEON Şampiyonluk Ligi) for 2026, shaking up Turkey’s top circuit.
Beşiktaş Esports, League of Legends sahnesinden çekildiğini açıkladı. pic.twitter.com/3WjViMv33I
— Haber Kartalı (@HaberKartali) January 6, 2026
Storied TCL Legacy
Beşiktaş entered LoL esports in 2015 as the first pro sports club to do so in Turkey, acquiring Aces High’s roster and becoming a TCL mainstay:
- 2015 MSI: Reached Mid Season Invitational as TCL wildcard, org’s pinnacle achievement.
- Post 2023 ERL Shift: TCL joined EMEA Regional Leagues (tier 2 for EMEA Masters).
- EMEA Masters: Runner up Spring 2024; 35th Summer 2025.
Final Roster & Player Status
Contracts ended months prior, most players are 2026 free agents. Last active lineup (contracts expired Nov 2025):
- Jungle: Chef (Ali Durgut, /EMEA)
- Mid: Ivory (Jeong Ye-chan, )
- ADC: Ruep (İlker Bilen, /EMEA)
- Support: Patch (Han Seung-min, )
- Head Coach: Pades (Serdar Padeş)
Reasons & Future Outlook
Sustainability woes prompted the exit, but it’s not a full goodbye: “This is not a complete farewell. When the Turkey League of Legends scene creates an environment that matches Beşiktaş Esports dreams and goals again, we want to be here.”
Beşiktaş shifts focus to thriving titles Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, EA FC, NBA 2K while eyeing a potential LoL return.
TCL Turbulence
With three orgs out (including TCL OGs Beşiktaş & SuperMassive), Turkey’s premier league shrinks amid ongoing challenges since its ERL demotion. Remaining squads get ready for a redefined 2026.
Daniel Davis
Since: October 29, 2025
See all articles from this author