S8UL Esports has officially stepped into the League of Legends (LoL) competitive scene, signing a formidable South Asian lineup featuring standout talent from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — including three Asian Games 2022 participants. The move marks S8UL’s latest strategic expansion into major global esports titles, solidifying its position as a leading force in the international gaming landscape.
A Roster with Regional Dominance and International Experience
The new LoL roster includes captain Akshaj Shenoy (Kat Bot), Aakash Shandilya (Infi), Ahmed Shahid (Nero), and Mihir Ranjan (Angelslotus) from India, alongside Mehrab Uddin Ahmed (RTO) from Bangladesh and Tharuka Fernando (KratoZ) from Sri Lanka. Three of these players — Akshaj, Aakash, and Mihir — represented India at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where esports made its debut as a medal event. The trio played a key role in India’s journey to a fifth-place finish after a strong showing in the regional qualifiers and quarterfinals.
From Temple of Kings to S8UL: A Winning Lineage
Previously competing under the name Temple of Kings and later Asterisk, the roster built a dominant track record across 2024 and early 2025. Their accolades include victories at the Skyesports WD Black Cup 1 & 2, the Pro League, three editions of the SMG South Asia Cup, and multiple TEC Opens. Now, as part of the S8UL family, the team brings proven chemistry and regional supremacy to the organization’s growing legacy.
Leadership Endorsement
Animesh “8Bit Thug” Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, shared his excitement:
“League of Legends is one of the most iconic esports titles in the world, and we believe this is the right moment for S8UL to step onto that stage. Our vision has always been to lead from the front—both in performance and ecosystem development—and this is a major step forward. This roster has already proven its strength, and we’re excited to support their rise to international prominence.”
Road to the Global Stage: Legends Ascend 2025
The team’s first major outing under the S8UL banner will be Legends Ascend 2025 — India’s first publisher-backed amateur LoL tournament. With a prize pool of ₹10 lakh and a spot in the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Wildcard Playoffs on the line, this event offers the team a pathway toward international qualification and potential LCP promotion.
Captain’s Statement
Akshaj “Kat Bot” Shenoy, team captain, reflected on the transition:
“Joining S8UL is a defining moment for us. We’ve been grinding together for years, and now being part of India’s biggest esports organisation gives us the platform to take things to the next level. With S8UL’s support, we’re ready to prove ourselves on the biggest stage.”
S8UL’s Expanding Legacy
With the addition of League of Legends, S8UL now fields elite-level rosters across 12 major titles, including VALORANT, Apex Legends, Pokémon UNITE, Tekken 8, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and more. The organization also holds the distinction of being India’s first and only team set to compete at the upcoming Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
This latest move cements S8UL’s ambition to not only dominate domestically but to elevate South Asia’s presence on the global esports stage.
