OpTic Gaming have hired League of Legends caster Thomas "Zaboutine" Si-Hassen as its head coach for the 2018 season, sources close to the coach and team told ESPN.
Zaboutine is the second staff member OpTic and its new parent corporation, Infinite Esports & Entertainment -- a group led by Texas Rangers co-owner Neil Leibman -- have hired. The team has also hired former Unicorns of Love manager Romain Bigeard as its team manager.
Zaboutine will join the new team after working as a commentator for French broadcaster O'Gaming, freelancing for Riot Games and running an esports talent agency, Marty Agency.
The team is currently scouting and speaking with players ahead of the Nov. 21 free agency period opening. It has currently not decided on any players to sign.
OpTic was accepted into the North American League of Legends Championship Series in October as one of four new teams to the league. Other new members include Houston Rockets-owned Clutch City Gaming, Golden State Warriors-owned Golden Guardians and 100 Thieves, which is owned by Cleveland Cavaliers and affiliated venture partners.