LOLNOW.gg spoke with Team Heretics jungler Théo “Sheo” Borile following their 1–3 loss to Team Vitality in the first round of the LEC Summer 2025 Playoffs. The French jungler gave an honest recap of the defeat, voiced concern over a recurring hand injury impacting his performance, and shared critical views on the LEC’s controversial split format. With Heretics now eliminated, Sheo plans to spend the extended offseason focusing on health and preparation for the Winter 2026 Split.
Watch the full video interview on LOLNOW.gg’s YouTube channel, or catch the highlights below:
Sheo Reveals Recurrent Hand Injury Amid Offseason Plans
While most of the focus was on Heretics’ playoff exit, Sheo disclosed an issue that could have serious implications for his professional future: persistent hand pain that flared throughout the Summer Split. With several months off before the Winter 2026 season, he intends to seek a medical evaluation.
“I think maybe I will go see a doctor for my hands, because sometimes I have pain in the hands […] I will check if I need to do an operation.”
Despite the physical strain, Sheo doesn’t plan a complete break from the game.
“I will check my body and stuff, my health, and have a break, and I will play League probably.”
Sheo remains committed to Team Heretics, with his contract running through 2026. This allows him time to recover properly without the immediate pressure of free agency. However, for other members of the team, such as botlaner Víctor “Flakked” Lirola Tortosa, whose contract expires in November 2025, the offseason could bring significant change.
LEC Summer Format Draws Sharp Criticism
The controversial structure of the LEC Summer 2025 Split continues to draw negative feedback, and Sheo is among the vocal critics. The split’s design – including dual-group stages and limited match opportunities – meant some teams were eliminated after only a handful of games. NAVI, for instance, played just eight games before being removed from playoff contention, leading to broader concerns from both players and fans.
LEC Commissioner Maximilian Peter Schmidt has already confirmed the format will not return next year (source), validating concerns like those raised by Sheo:
“I think it [the format] is bad, because we lose and we cannot really show more.”
He also noted that while viewers might call for more matches, not all games contribute positively to the viewing experience:
“I think as well that if you see more games of NAVI or SK, maybe you do not want to see it.”
Appreciation for Fearless Draft
Despite discontent with the format, Sheo did praise one aspect – fearless draft. This change encourages greater flexibility and creativity in champion selection, rather than forcing teams into predictable meta strategies.
“I think it is good. Otherwise you will be playing Sejuani and Vi every game. I think you can always cook something in game four and game five.”
“I think it [the format] is bad, because we lose and we cannot really show more.”
Sheo, alongside other professional players and fans, welcomes the announced return to a more traditional format in 2026.
Playoffs Recap: Heretics’ Short Run Ends Against Vitality
Team Heretics entered the playoffs narrowly after scraping into the qualification zone on game score at 1–3, just ahead of SK and BDS. While expectations were modest, the players remained hopeful of making a playoff run. Their series against Vitality began with a surprising first-game win but ended in a 1–3 defeat as Vitality adjusted and took control of the series.
“Since we almost got eliminated from the regular season, I think we were pretty happy to just qualify to playoffs.”
Still, the loss was disheartening for the team and fans alike.
“It is disappointing and sad to lose. But I think we tried our best, and maybe today we just choke it, or it was our real level.”
Strategically, Heretics aimed to limit Vitality’s impact by targeting their jungler, Lyncas – someone they identified as a linchpin in Vitality’s early-game shotcalling and map control.
“We know they rely a lot on Lyncas being vocal and stuff. So we knew that if he was behind, or if he is not on a good champion, he would be less proactive, and that is what we tried to do.”
Unfortunately for Heretics, the strategy didn’t hold in the final three games, and their journey ended in the first round of playoffs.
LEC Summer 2025: A Format in Flux
This season’s LEC structure featured three splits (Winter, Spring, Summer), incorporating best-of-threes during the regular stage and best-of-fives in playoffs. However, the Summer format’s two-group system reduced game volume for some teams, drawing strong criticism from players, fans, and analysts alike. The lower bracket games were exceptionally punishing – a single series loss meant elimination.
Looking ahead, League officials have acknowledged the concerns. Changes intended to improve competitive fairness and entertainment value are expected for the 2026 season (source).
Looking Forward: Offseason Brings Uncertainty and Opportunity
For Team Heretics, the upcoming offseason will be defined by recovery and reflection. With Sheo already planning a medical evaluation and Flakked heading toward contract expiration, personnel shifts are possible. Heretics finish the Summer Split in the 7th–8th range, a middling result that leaves room for future improvement.
The broader competitive landscape is just as turbulent. The Summer 2025 Playoffs saw fierce competition for Worlds 2025 spots, and with widespread format changes on the horizon, the 2026 season may bring a refreshed competitive environment (recap).
Sheo’s candid remarks shed light on the hidden physical tolls of professional play, while also underscoring many players’ desire for a more rewarding and balanced competitive format. As LEC organizers plan for a new chapter, both players and fans await changes that could reshape Europe’s top-tier League of Legends scene.
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