Theo Epstein appointed Epstein to replace interim general manager (GM) Mike Port. Epstein is credited with initiating the trade of Nomar Garciaparra and making key contract acquisitions including those of Kevin Millar and Curt Schilling during his first tenure as Red Sox GM. The new players were regarded as instrumental in breaking the so-called "Curse of the Bambino" when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. It was the Red Sox' first World Series championship since 1918, ending what remains the third longest championship drought in the history of any Major League team, after the Chicago
Team Curse place. On 4 May 2014, it was announced that Alex "Xpecial" Chu, previously of Team SoloMid, would replace BunnyFuFuu for the upcoming Summer Split. Team Curse finished fourth in both the regular season and playoffs, beating Counter Logic Gaming in the quarterfinals before losing to both Cloud9 and LMQ, disqualifying them once again from World Championship contention. On 17 September 2014, Cop was released from Team Curse, and later joined Curse Academy. His replacement was announced on 22 October, when Team Curse brought in former SK Telecom T1 K member Gwang-jin "Piglet" Chae to the team. On 24 September the