Endpoint agree loan deal for archie; ExoTiiK to join SMPR Esports

Following the likely departure of Enzo "Seikoo" Grondein, Endpoint have agreed a deal to sign Archie "archie" Pickthall on loan from SMPR Esports for the remainder of the season. Brice "ExoTiiK" Bigeard looks set to fill the vacant spot on the SMPR Esports roster for the Spring Split. 

Celebrated as one of Europe's leading talents, archie has enjoyed close to two strong years playing for Top Blokes and later SMPR Esports in the RLCS. He was initially brought on board in June 2020 following the departure of Sandro "FreaKii" Holzwarth and after Veloce Esports decided to part ways with the team. He quickly established himself as a top prospect and propelled Top Blokes to several strong placements in regional and major events during RLCS X. He made his first LAN appearance at the RLCS 2021-22 Fall Split Major where SMPR Esports achieved a 3rd-4th place in the playoffs. Archie was able to manage a 1.14 player rating, placing him amongst the five highest rated players of the event. Despite this, the form of SMPR Esports dipped in the Winter Split as the team could only manage three consecutive 9th-12th placements in regional events, resulting in their failure to qualify for the Winter Major. With the team’s faltering form, changes became a significant possibility.

As a result, Endpoint, have been able to agree a loan deal for archie with the trade window rapidly closing. The seventeen-year-old will play for the British organization during the Spring Split and talks are likely to take place over the permanent addition of the young star at the end of the season. 

In response, SMPR Esports are set to sign ExoTiiK who has been without a team since departing Les Coquille in November 2021. In recent weeks, the Frenchman has been pursued by multiple organizations. He underwent a trial with Team Vitality before their decision to sign Andrea "Radosin" Radovanović and was targeted by Williams Resolve, but now, SMPR Esports seems to be his desired move. Amid a growing trend towards the formation of national teams, his addition will add another full-french lineup to the RLCS. 

The Endpoint roster for the RLCS 2021-22 Spring Split is expected to consist of:

• 🇬🇧 Archie "archie" Pickthall

• 🇫🇮 Otto "Metsanauris" Kaipiainen

• 🇬🇧 Lucas "RelatingWave" Rose

• 🇬🇧 Aron "Eclipse" Jones (coach)