The organization��s CEO, Nicole LaPointe Jameson, took to Twitter to disclose that while Evil Geniuses would continue supporting their star AD carry, Kyle “Danny” Sakamaki, Kaori would join the team in their run as North America��s third seed in Worlds 2022. The Academy AD previously stood in for the team during the Playoffs Finals.

Kaori made his LCS debut with Evil Geniuses�� main team during the 2022 Summer Playoffs. He joined the team in the middle of the lower bracket playoffs final, and while he was no Danny, he helped EG reach a 5-game set against 100 Thieves, which EG won.

The squad eventually lost out on getting their back-to-back championships. However, the Academy AD carry gave an impressive performance during his first LCS appearance and with little time to practice with the rest of the team.

Danny took a step away from competitive playing earlier this month to focus on his mental health after the team rounded up their tough five-game series against Team Liquid.

In the statement Jameson released at the time, the CEO called the AD carry “a part of the family” and revealed that while he was away, Evil Genius would support him as best they could until he felt fit to return to competitive playing.

“It takes a great deal of courage and self-awareness to recognize when the right time is to step away from something you��ve worked so hard at achieving, especially when you care so deeply for this organization and your teammates, in order to focus on mental health,” Jameson said.

“Kyle is a part of this family, and we will continue to support him in every way possible as he takes time away, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he��s ready.”

Prior to his hiatus, Danny was referred to as the “King of Pentakills” and was an integral part of Evil Geniuses�� improved performance. The player notably forged a path in the 2022 LCS Summer Split as the best-performing marksman in the league. Danny��s hard carry playstyle was integral to the team��s back-to-back wins during the Spring Finals.

The AD carry continued to give Evil Geniuses their money��s worth in the Summer Split, but the team��s tough battle and eventual 3-2 win against Team Liquid prompted the young player to take some time off.

The organization did not make it clear whether Kaori would be the starting AD carry for Evil Geniuses during the tournament or if Danny would make his return at any point during the team��s run in the Worlds 2022. It is also unknown how long Danny will remain benched or how much longer the player will stay away from competitive playing.

Evil Geniuses will commence their run in the Worlds 2022 from the Play-In stage. The team��s first game against Fnatic is slated for September 29 in Mexico City, with the American esports franchise being pegged as outsiders by top esports betting sites.

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The fast-approaching LCS Championship will see Kaori play on the this stage for the first time. The Turkish player started playing in Evil Geniuses�� Academy line-up three years after he played competitively in the Turkish league scene.

While in his home region, Kaori got to the highest point of the TCL ladder on several occasions with teams like Istanbul Wildcats and SuperMassive Esports.
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The Turkish player joined the North American Academy scene this year and was lucky enough to lane beside Andy “Smoothie” Ta, the team��s multi-year LCS veteran.

The Evil Geniuses Academy team faced a lot of issues this year, including being placed eighth and ninth after the spring and summer split, respectively.
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The Academy team were also unable to match the top 10 teams in the two competitions on Proving Grounds. Despite this, the ADC was able to put up a commendable performance during the Champions Queue season this year. At the end of the summer season, the team was notably ranked 16th.
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Evil Geniuses�� AD carry, Danny, whose spot Kaori is filling, previously announced that he was stepping down from the team’s main roster. According to the player, he wanted to take care of his mental health.
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Despite the apparent fact that the team would be lacking without him, the organization supported Danny��s decision and revealed that they looked forward to the player��s return to the active lineup.
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The player��s ability to dole out damage and evade death in matches earned him the alias of ��Prince of Pentakills�� and helped the team��s overall performance this year. Danny had a kill count of 88 during the course of the LCS Summer Split this year and bagged a 7.5 KDA.
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The playoffs, however, saw a less impressive side of the young player. Danny racked up nine more deaths than he did during the regular season.
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He also gave a dull performance against Team Liquid and produced 11 deaths as a result of poor positioning as well as inefficient decision-making. While the break could handicap the team a little, the player’s mental well-being is of a higher priority.
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The Evil Geniuses have had an interesting journey in the League of Legends this year. The team started by winning the Spring LCS playoffs and then represented North America in NSI due to their impressive lower bracket run.
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The NA esports team went on to nab the first position in the Summer Season and is currently set to play against 100 Thieves on Saturday, September 10, in the lower finals. They were previously moved down to the lower brackets after playing against and losing to Cloud9 during the playoffs.
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If Evil Geniuses win the match against 100 Thieves, they will have the opportunity to face off against Cloud9 in the tournament finals the day after. The team��s spot, along with Cloud9 and 100 Thieves, is already secured in the LoL World Championship this year.
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Their group placement, as well as seeding, will decide the post-finals group draw show. If the team emerges the winner in this tournament, it will grant Evil Geniuses their second Major win in a row.

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