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Early off season changes

In this blog I will be looking at the confirmed off season changes in the NALCS.

Cloud 9: Losing Contractz and Impact are huge for Cloud 9 moving forward, but they acquired Svenskeren, and Licorice for their starting five. At first I thought that Cloud 9 was screwed with these changes, but after watching an interview with his former coach I feel a bit different about it. Knowing that Sven plays better with a talkative support, that fits this team perfect. Smoothie is the loudest team member every time you listen to their in game communication. Hopefully this team is a better fit for him than when he was with TSM. Looking at Licorice over Impact; it’s hard to say whats going on there. Licorice played on eUnited and failed to qualify for the LCS, so we’ll see how the split starts for this new squad

TSM: Sven, Doublelift, and Biofrost are gone, welcome MikeYeung, Zven, and Mithy. Personally i’m  not surprised with changes coming to the lineup at all. After two worlds disappointments, it was either time for these players to get their heads out of their asses, or start something new. I think this new lineup for TSM will be very strong, and here’s why. Zven and Mithy have been together since season five on OG, they have great synergy as a bot lane, and are both great play makers. Looking at MikeYeung, he was the rookie of the split when he gave P1 new life, and just had a ball on stage. If he can keep his head level, and shift from focusing on carries to both carries and tanks,  this could become a very dangerous starting five for TSM.

Team Liquid: To put it blunt, Team Liquid has been a joke for the past two years. Over the off season, they revamped their roster and have acquired Impact in the top lane, Xmithe in the jungle, Pobelter in mid, while getting Doublelift and Olleh for the bot lane. This lineup looks absolutely disgusting, and have already left to practice in Korea. Look out for Team Liquid come the spring split because this team has been put together to win. Each new player is definitely a trade up for Team Liquid, and are really hoping to find more success than they have the past few years.

This is all that has been 100% confirmed so far, once more information has been put out I will be making another post on the topic.

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Finals Results

After a tournament of upsets, we get the greatest one in the final match. Seeing SKT’s throne get snatched by Samsung was not the expected outcome entering this tournament. Samsung played an incredible set against SKT, defeating them in a 3-0 fashion. So let’s look at what went wrong for SKT, and what went right for Samsung. Right off the bat i’m looking at Bang, and Wolf. Both were hilariously outplayed on the finals stage, and watching Bang’s Tristana in game 3 was horrendous. Throughout the game he was poorly positioned, and allowed himself to walk into the four man Cho’Gath silence. Also during that team fight he buster shot Ruler into the loving arms of CoreJJ, and allowed them to win a team fight they had no business winning. Another key to SKT’s loss was their ability to play with a lead. Over and over again Samsung had pressure, or won fights even though SKT has the gold lead. All together I was very disappointed in how Huni played. I was really hoping to see him have a career defining series, to show that him being on SKT wasn’t a fluke, but I didn’t see it. I saw him fall flat on his face when it mattered most. On the other hand CuVee played insanely well. HI four man silence was pretty much the nail in the coffin for SKT. I also really didn’t like SKT’s draft in game 3. Picking the Karma mid over a damage dealer was a poor decision in my eyes. Lulu was available for SKT. but they chose Tristana and Gragas over her. Since Samsung had already shown Sejuani, Gragas was pretty much a free pick, and if SKT pick the Lulu, they have a more well rounded composition. Fortunately for Samsung they didn’t, and were able to pick her up along with Varus in the second rotation. Ultimately I’ve gotta tip my hat to Samsung Galaxy, they played incredible League of Legends when it mattered most, and have put an end to the SKT dynasty.

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Finals Predictions

Ladies and Gents, the match we’ve all been waiting for. The rematch between SK Telecom T1, and Samsung Galaxy. I’m going to break down each lane, and each match up to predict who will be the winner of worlds 2017.

Top lane: Huni vs. Cuvee

Huni throughout his career has been known for having huge success on carry top laners. Unfortunately for him, carry top laners are not the name of the game right now. It’s all about being an insane front line for your team, while still dishing out a colossal amount of damage. Cuvee definitely has the upper hand in this head to head because of his champion pool, and his performance. Throughout the tournament Cuvee has just looked a lot better than Huni, and if SKT hope to carry on their dynasty they need a big performance out of Huni.

Jungle: Peanut and Blank vs. Ambition

In my eyes there is no winning this match up for SK Telecom. Both Blank, and Peanut have played poorly at worlds, while Ambition literally carried his team through the Korean regional qualifier, and throughout the tournament. He has looked so good, and is the key to Samsung’s fantastic worlds run. Whenever his opponent goes for a gank, its incredibly risky because as soon as he has vision of you, he immediately counter-jungles your camps, and if the gank is a failure you’ve wasted time, and money. Playing against Ambition is no easy task, and i’m curious as to who SKT stick in the ring for him to fight.

Mid lane: Faker vs. Crown

Ten times out of ten i’m going to choose Faker over any opposing mid laner. It’s nothing against them, it’s just I’ve seen Faker turn around so many games by himself, there’s not a doubt in my mind that he’s the greatest to ever play the game. Crown won;t get stomped in lane, but overall Faker is going to have more pressure due to his Taliyah pick, and his Corki. Both have great play making capabilities, and can get around the map quickly with their “global” abilities,

Bot lane: Bang and Wolf vs. Ruler and CoreJJ

This should be a pretty even laning phase, but is favored Samsung’s way. Bang and Wolf have both looked quite shaky during their run at worlds, while it’s been the complete opposite for Ruler and CoreJJ. These two have been on fire since they hit the rift in group stages, and have not looked back since. Ruler’s positioning has been exquisite, and he’s been dishing out a lot of damage in extended team fights. I would love to see his Varus come out. When he plays that champion all of his movements are so graceful,and strategic. 

Overall the match is favored Samsung Galaxy’s way, but never count out SKT, Their ability to show up in the clutch moments can never be understated. I’m going to take Samsung, it’s going to be real close though. SSG 3-2

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Semi Finals Results

Team WE vs. Samsung Galaxy

Although this was a very intense set, Samsung Galaxy come up with the 3-1 win. Team WE showed a lot more fight than I gave them credit for. Condi stepped up when he needed too yes, but was no match for Ambition, and his bot lane threat. Ruler and CoreJJ were on point this series, and that had a lot to do with them winning. 

SKT vs. Royal Never Give Up

Talk about a nail biter. SKT take the series in a very intense game five over RNG, and damn did RNG give SKT a run for their money. Although SKT was the favorite going into the match, it still seemed like they were the underdogs. Going into this SKT looked the weakest they’ve looked since summer 2014, and still somehow manage to clutch out the victory over RNG. Looking at performance over the five games, nobody on RNG really under performed, but looking at SKT I immediately look at Bang. Such a disappointing showing for him. Constantly out of position, not dealing enough damage in team fights, losing lane in every match, it was hard to watch. Also Huni really needs to get his act together in the top lane. I know tanks aren’t completely his forte, but if you’re going to call yourself a world class top laner you MUST be able to play tanks, and succeed in each stage of the game.

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Semi-Finals Predictions

With Semi-Finals finally coming around, lets take a look at the match-ups we have going into this week.

Team WE vs. Samsung Galaxy

I wish I could say this will be close, but I doubt it. Team WE barely squeaked out of Cloud 9′s grasp, and Samsung Galaxy will show no mercy. Ruler and CoreJJ made the best duo on the world bend to their will, and if WE are going to have a chance they must shut this lane down, and get Mystic ahead. Looking across the map it’s just disadvantages for WE. Cuvee looked really good against Khan, Ambition will always be a rock for this team to rely on, and Crown is playing so well in the mid lane. Prediction: 3-0 Samsung Galaxy.

SKT vs. Royal Never Give Up

This series will be insane. It’s going to be a constant slug-fest between the teams. If Uzi is going to get his revenge for season’s three and four, now is his chance. SKT looks very vulnerable especially Bang. If RNG can exploit SKT’s bot lane and stay neutral in all the others, they have a really good chance. But there’s no understating how clutch SKT really is. It seems like in a pinch they can individually become god’s of the rift. SKT’s win condition is through Faker in the mid lane, and Bang in the bot lane. I want to say Royal are gonna end the dynasty, but I just don’t see it. Mlxg and Xiouhu must have the performances of their lives, and even then it may not be enough. Prediction: 3-2 SKT

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Quarterfinals Results

Samsung Galaxy vs. Longzhu

What an upset is all I can say about this matchup. Longzhu was the favorite to win the whole tournament, but instead are totally upset by Samsung Galaxy in a three to nothing victory. Samsung shut down Khan, didn't allow themselves to fall behind early, and actually shut down PraY and GorrillA: Shocking.

Royal Never Give Up vs. Fnatic

This match up went pretty much as expected, although Fnatic gave it their best shot, it still wasn't enough to take down Uzi and crew. Even though Fnatic didn't really lose too hard early in any match, RNG was just overall a better team on the rift.

SKT vs Misfits

Holy moly this series was a rollercoaster. Actually seeing SKT trail the Misfits 2-1 was astonishing. Even though SKT did clutch it out in the end and win 3-2, the Misfits did a lot of great things on the rift. Powerofevil I feel like really got his confidence back, and Maxlore played to the best of his abilities. Sadly for them it just wasn't enough, and the raining champions move on to yet another semifinals.

Cloud 9 vs Team WE

This was another great series, with some surprise picks and a thrilling story. Jensen picking Aurelion Sol in game one was a huge shocker for me. Although Cloud 9 gave WE a run for their money, they fell short in game 5, and honestly they lost the game before it was played. Giving a Chinese team Gnar, Gragas, and Galio to frontline for a Kog'maw is their bread and butter. Ending score Team WE three, Cloud 9 two.

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Quarterfinals Predictions

Looking into the quarterfinals, there are definitely some favorites going into each match. But with the theme of this world championship I wouldn’t be surprised to see any upsets. 

Series one: Samsung Galaxy vs. Longzhu 

Personally I think this is a no brainer. Samsung has looked incredibly weak especially in their early game, or when the opposing team can shut down Ambition. PraY and GorillA are most likely going to have a field day on the rift. My prediction: 3-1 Longzhu

Series two: SKT vs. Misfits

Another no brainer right? I wouldn’t be too sure. Misfits beat TSM to make it out of groups, and that can’t be under looked. Also SKT has looked surprisingly vulnerable this year at worlds, and throughout the summer split. Although the clutch factor of SKT is there, so i’m gonna say 3-2 SKT.

Series three: Royal Never Give Up vs. Fnatic

Rekkles and Uzi going head to head in the bot lane, the match up we’ve all been waiting for. Although RNG looks really good, Fnatic are riding probably the biggest hype train around. Clutching out of groups starting 0-4 is quite impressive, and RNG shouldn’t over look this squad. Do I think Fnatic have a chance? yeah, bgut will they win? probably not. I’ll give them 3-1 RNG.

Series four: Team WE vs. Cloud 9

This is the most even match up in the quarterfinals, just slightly tipped in WE’s favor. Although Cloud 9 looked decent during groups, it’s going to take more of a team effort to win this one. Sneaky is going to have to step up, and Impact has got to isolate 957 in the 1v1. Even if all this happens, Mystic is still a beast on Kog’maw, and if he get’s that pick watch out. 3-2 Team WE

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Results of Group Stage

With the group stage concluding, it left a lot of us fans scratching our heads. Well North American fans that is. Europe really shined this week, and proved to the world that they could shine while fighting adversity.

Group A: AHQ, EDG, SKT, and Cloud 9

 SKT and Cloud 9 advanced to the quarterfinals, leaving EDG fans in disbelief. Though Cloud 9 went 1-2 in week two, SKT beat EDG in the final game of the day to push Cloud 9 into quarterfinals without any tie-breaker. Although EDG really stepped uptheir game in week two, it just wasn’t enough to get them out of the 0-2 hole they dug themselves.

Group B: Longzhu, Gigabyte Marines, Immortals, and Fnatic

Longzhu and Fnatic make it out of the group stage, and boy did Fnatic put on a show. Starting the tournament 0-4, to then winning all their matches and beating Immortals in the tie-breaker match. Personally I was very shocked that Immortals didn’t make it out. They looked fantastic in the summer finals and had a great first week. Unfortunately their lack of stage experience got to them and couldn't quite perform when it mattered most.

Group C: Royal Never Give Up, Samsung Galaxy, G2, 1907 Fenerbache

Royal and Samsung Galaxy both qualified which was expected, but Samsung had quite a rough time during some of the matches. They came close to losing to Fenerbache, and dropped games against Royal. Their early game got heavily exploited, and when you shut down Ambition, you shut down Samsung Galaxy.

Group D: TSM, Flash Wolves, Misfits, Team WE

Team WE make it out of groups, and against all odds, Misfits qualify for the quarterfinals. They were forced to play TSM in a tie-breaker match, and stomped them. TSM wasn’t playing to win, but more just not to lose. This is exactly what we saw at MSI, and now Worlds. Hopefully TSM can shake this off, and come back strong in the Spring Split because this loss is a very hard pill to swallow.

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Group Stage

The moment we’ve all been waiting for; group stage. The teams are split into four groups lettered A, B, C, and D. four out of sixteen teams go into each of the groups. Here is a list of each team in their individual groups, and my predictions. (Top two teams in each group advance to Quarterfinals)

Group A: SKT, Cloud 9, EDG, and AHQ

Expect SKT to win this group by a landslide. These guys have won the world championship three times in a row, and don’t plan on stopping now. Although they lost in the summer finals, always keep in mind that they are still SKT, and will come back. Second place will probably go to C9. EDG has a long history of choking at worlds, while Cloud 9 looked very strong in play-ins, and made it to the quarterfinals last year.

Group B: Longzhu gaming, Immortals, Fnatic, and Gigabyte Marines

Longzhu will win this group. They took down SKT in the Korean summer finals, and looks incredibly good. Their bot lane is probably the best in the world. Second place is up for grabs between Immortals, and Fnatic. Immortals looked really good even though they fell short during the summer finals. Looking at Fnatic coming in they didn’t look too convincing in play-ins, and were taken down by misfits during the European summer playoffs. It’s up in the air, but favoring Immortals.

Group C: Samsung Galaxy, Royal Never Give Up, G2, and 1907 Febenache

First place is going to be a tight race between Samsung, and Royal. Samsung comes into the tournament taking second last year, but have looked out of shape as of late. Royal Never Give Up took second in China, but was reverse swept by EDG, so their confidence may be shaken. I’m giving the edge to Samsung due to their roster’s skill cap, and their clutch late-game team fighting. Unfortunately for G2 and 1907 Febernache they really don’t have a chance to make it out of groups. Beating Samsung, AND Royal twice in a row is very improbable. 

Group D: TSM, Team WE, Misfits, and Flash Wolves

TSM should very easily win this group. They have the worlds experience, they have the talent, and have high spirits due to their Summer Finals win. Second place should be secured by Team WE. They looked phenomenal in play-ins, and Condi is a monster in the jungle. For Misfits and Flash Wolves, I don’t really see them making any real strides in this group due to under performance. 

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The Worlds Patch

Patch 7.19 is definitely an interesting one. This meta is completely centered around tanks stacking health, and marksman doing insane damage in the late game. In this blog, I will talk about the best champions for each role on this patch, and the must buy item in the current meta.

Top: Cho’gath, Maokai, and Shen.

I picked these three based off of win percentage, and their ability to do their jobs. All three of these champions can dish out a lot of damage, while still being that insane front line for their back line carries in late game. They also have lots of hard crowd control such as roots, taunts, knock-ups, and silences.

Jungle: Sejuani, Jarvan IV,and Gragas

Like the top lane right now, the jungle is very focused on tanks. Being able to clear camps fast, hard to kill in the late game, and provide peel or protection for the carries. These champions hit those requirements with flying colors. Each can engage team fights very easily, can once again protect carries, and get very beefy later.

Mid: Syndra, Ryze, and Corki

Mid lane in the current meta must be able to make plays around the map, and dish out colossal amounts of damage. Either burst or sustained damage is fine. Each of these champions fills that role very well. Syndra has plenty of burst in her kit along with a stun, Ryze has a global ultimate which can teleport him anywhere on the map, while still dishing out damage, and Corki has a lot of constant damage, along with good mobility. 

Bot: Tristana, Xayah, and Caitlin

Staying alive in team fights is very critical in the world’s meta. Self peel, and constant damage is very crucial, and these champions fit the criteria perfectly. Tristana can rocket jump away from enemies, buster shot enemies away. and constantly pump damage into the enemy tank line. Xayah can become invulnerable for a second, and can root enemies into place with her feathers. Caitlin can net away from enemies, and use her bear traps to lock assassins in place.

Support: Janna, Lulu, and Rakan

Keeping your carries alive and healthy is a must on patch 7.19. “Aredent Censer” is a MUST buy in any game, or situation. It provides so much healing, and attack speed, and overall the item is incredibly cost efficient. Each of these supports have shields, heals, and crowd control. But most of all, they can keep carries alive, and buff up their stats to make them nearly unstoppable.

Overall, this patch is very late game focused. If you can scale up items, and have proper positioning in team fights, carrying on mid or bot are your best bet. Just make sure you’ve got that beefy front line in front of you to clear the way.