Near Airport commit: Doublelift's team decide to play in the NACL

Near Airport commit: Doublelift's team decide to play in the NACL

Martin Arévalo-Östberg

21 Feb, 2025, 02:11

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Last updated: 8 Apr, 2025, 14:51

After weeks of speculation regarding whether or not Doublelift and co. would continue their journey through the tier-2 scene, the team, Near Airport, have announced their commitment to playing in the NACL.

Now, the team that started as a fun project between streamers and former LCS players will play for a chance to qualify to the LTA when Split 1 of the NACL takes off on Wednesday, March 26th.

Journey to the LTA

"I just saw the OQ's (Open Qualifiers) and I was like, it'll be funny cause we're all just chillin', kinda like, retired." -Spica

After rampaging through the Open Qualifiers, Doublelift and the rest of the Near Airport squad found themselves with a spot in the NACL. Following the team's qualification to the tier-2 league, there was much debate about whether or not Near Airport would really be able to play in the NACL.

Given the fact that most of the players on the team are busy with other aspects of life at this point in time, such as Biofrost who is currently enrolled in university, the doubts were not without grounds. Now, however, the team have announced their commitment to the NACL with the very same roster that saw them get through the Open Qualifiers.

Though Near Airport will need to focus on the NACL first, the team has announced their full intention to use the tournament as a means to qualifying for the LTA. Having spent years away from the stage, however, do Doublelift and co. still have what it takes to compete at the highest level of North American League of Legends?

"We'll be joining the NACL with the ultimate goal of making it to the LTA." -Doublelift

Near Airport roster:

Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest League news and our X account for the latest content and coverages. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image source: Near Airport on X


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