Yesterday I announced the lineup of my ESL Fantasy team for LCS “The Bananakings” - now I want to share some of my thoughts on the selection process. One thing I should point out is that my strategy is not just about picking up a static team that stays the same throughout the course of the season. I think an optimal strategy requires week by week analysis and roster adjustments in order to truly get the most out of the five positions. That is why you will see me picking up several players whose value I expect to grow significantly as we progress into the season.

Some of the general thoughts I plan on keeping in mind as my team evolves over time:

1) What teams are my players playing against this week. Will they face teams who excel at shutting them down? If so I might swap certain players for ones who are facing easier opposition.

2) Can I find players who are currently undervalued but who will probably perform well in the near future? I plan on increasing my team budget by picking them up cheap and selling them for a profit at a later point.

3) Are the multiple players in the team playing each other? Here it makes sense to carefully consider whether it’s worth sticking with the side that is more likely to walk away victorious.

With that in mind here once more the starting lineup of The Bananakings:

Top Lane: Mike “Wickd” Petersen
For years now, Wickd has been a safe bet for any fantasy team. He always puts in a solid performance and helped his team (Alliance) to find stability and some great wins towards the end of the LCS Spring Split. I predict that Wickd and Alliance will continue to do well and so at 815, the top laner is a cheap pick up, which fits in with my strategy of good results and value growth.

Jungle: Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski
Jankos was a top player last year for Roccat. He spearheaded their amazing first split in the LCS. His KDA is up there with the best of the junglers and his GPM is high. These are the two big factors to consider when it comes to earning points. As is the theme of my team, he is a player that, if he can replicate last year’s performance, will skyrocket in Fantasy League value and earn me loads of money!

Mid Lane: Henrik “Froggen” Hansen
Froggen is one of the two expensive players in my lineup. I have traded a higher value for a player that I know I can always count on to pick up points. Last split he had the highest KDA and highest GPM out of all mid laners in Europe. If that performance continues in the Summer Split then his price will go up too. Free points for me!

AD Carry: Martin “Rekkless” Larsson

My ADC selection was easy. Rekkless had the highest KDA and highest GPM in the Spring Split. His stats show exactly how consistent he is even if Fnatic are struggling.

Support: Oskar “VandeR” Bogdan

VandeRLife for only 795? Yes please! Although he is actually more expensive than the Thresh Prince Edward, he has everything I’m looking for in my lineup. His skill is undeniable with last season’s results proving he has the potential to pick up points and value over the first weeks, especially alongside the other ROCCAT player in my ESL Fantasy lineup.

Draft your own team!

What do you think of the team and what thoughts went into creating your team? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!