Schalke 04 bids farewell to LEC after defeat against Fnatic

It's the end of an era in the League of Legends European Championship, as the esports division of the German football club Schalke 04 has played their last match ever.

In an emotional duel, Schalke 04 Esports had their last dance against Fnatic, fitting as they were their opponents in the team's highest point - when they reached the finals of the LEC in 2018.

Prior to the match, Riot Games prepared a compilation of the team's best moments; from their first promotion to the defunct EU LCS in 2016, their run to the final in 2018, and closing with the legendary Miracle Run where they almost qualified for Worlds 2020.

Thanks for all the memories, @S04Esports! 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/QFtj5YVDYN

— LEC (@LEC) August 1, 2021

Although this game had a bittersweet ending, with Fnatic taking the victory, it wasn't without its high points for Schalke from a gameplay perspective.

After the game, players and team staff took the opportunity to thank all the support of their fans during their history in the European competitive scene, which although they couldn’t win the regional crown, they became one of the region's most prominent organizations.

My 3 years with Schalke were certainly full of ups and downs, but Im still happy with many of the moments we created here. Sad that it ended this way, but such is life. GGs @S04Esports

— Dylan Falco (@DylanFalcoLoL) August 1, 2021

gg @Nisqy@Ricadam_lol this split is now over, pretty sad that it has to end like this, but I'm thankfull to Schalke for giving me a shot in LEC, had some really good moment during this split, thanks everyone.

— S04 Nuclearint (@Nuclear_int) August 1, 2021

Sad to go out like this, sorry and thanks to all the fans for the continuous support

— Neon (@neon_euw) August 1, 2021

Thus, the story of Schalke 04 Esports in the LEC is over, after a 2021 that saw the team rise with promising results, and fall again after all the difficulties they went through after the announcement of the sale of their spot for 2022, and the financial crisis of its main sports division.

Now it will be the turn of Team BDS, the Swiss organization that acquired Schalke's seed for next season, to demonstrate its potential within one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

Meanwhile, the legacy of the Germany-based team will be embodied by many years, after so many incredible moments and memorable plays.

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