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 team had benched Elementz in favor of Rhux, claiming that it would give them a "better opportunity" at IPL 5. Curse attended IPL 5 in late November. The team took third in their group, and were knocked to the losers bracket. Team Curse would be forced to eliminate Curse EU, before losing in the next round to reigning world champions Taipei Assassins. Having failed to secure a top three placing at the North American Regional Finals, Team Curse did not automatically qualify for the newly created Riot Games NA League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS), and were forced to