2019 LEC Spring Split Predictions
The LEC is buzzing with excitement as the new season approaches. Riot Games’ European team has done an excellent job creating hype videos, social media posts, and other engaging content to prepare us for the first LEC season. This Friday, Fnatic will face SK Gaming in the inaugural match of the 2019 season, marking the beginning of a new era.
Excel Esports
Best case: Excel Esports has picked up experienced players from various regions to be competitive in their debut at the top of the European League. Although it’s unclear whether this strategy will work in the long run, it might give them an unexpected playoff run for this split.
Worst case: If Excel Esports’ veteran players fail to replicate their past success, the team may struggle and end up in last place, setting back their development.
FC Schalke 04
Best case: FC Schalke 04 has placed their bet on mid laner Felix “Abbedagge” Barun, who showed promise in the Turkish league last year. If he performs well like Jiizuke did with Vitality last year, FC Schalke 04 could contend for a top three spot.
Worst case: The veterans in FC Schalke 04 need to prove themselves this year. If they fail to deliver and the side lanes struggle, making the playoffs could be out of reach for them.
Fnatic
Best case: Fnatic’s goal is to win MSI. With the addition of new mid laner Tim “Nemesis” Lipovšek, they have the potential to achieve international success like last year’s Worlds. They are confident in their ability to win in the region.
Worst case: Fnatic needs to adapt to the changing meta, especially considering the upcoming crit changes. With increased competition from teams like G2, it’s uncertain if Fnatic will even make it to the EU final.
G2 Esports
Best case: G2 Esports has high aspirations, just like Fnatic. With Caps joining the team, they are built to win big beyond the European region.
Worst case: G2 Esports has a lot of potential weak spots. Having three resource-dependent lanes and a jungler who excels in carrying champions may pose challenges. They need to overcome these obstacles to avoid an early exit from the playoffs.
Misfits Gaming
Best case: Misfits Gaming aims to contend for the European championship and represent the region at MSI. With a roster of veteran players, they have high expectations to meet.
Worst case: Mid laner Fabian “Febiven” Diepstraten needs to prove himself after his performance with Clutch Gaming last summer. Facing tougher competition and returning to the EU, he must rise to the occasion. If he fails, Misfits Gaming could lose in the first round of the playoffs.
Origen
Best case: Origen has a talented roster with a high potential for success. If they can improve decision making and play more safely as a team, they could return to the European championship.
Worst case: Missing the playoffs is a real possibility for Origen if they don’t gel quickly as a team. Unfavorable meta shifts have derailed their players in the past, and they hope to avoid a similar fate in 2019.
Rogue
Best case: Rogue has assembled a team of veterans, but their lack of a clear team philosophy may hinder them. If they can identify their carry player, they only need to secure a sixth-place spot to make the playoffs this split.
Worst case: Failure to determine their main damage source could lead to a tough season for Rogue. Without a young player to focus on developing, the team faces potential struggles if things go awry.
SK Gaming
Best case: SK Gaming, like other teams, aims for a playoff spot. However, they recognize that it might be more challenging for them than for other teams. Playing for a playoff spot in the last week of the regular season would be a great achievement for their rookie-filled team.
Worst case: SK Gaming’s strategy relies heavily on the chemistry between the rookies they signed from Spanish team Mad Lions. If mid laner Nemesis was the primary reason for their previous success, SK Gaming could be in trouble. They need one of their rookies to excel so they can build a foundation for the next split.
Splyce
Best case: Splyce hopes to match or exceed their performance from last year’s playoffs, where they won a series following the Spring Split. With stronger teams emerging, achieving the same results would be a great outcome.
Worst case: The challenge for Splyce lies in surviving until the late game. If they struggle in the early game, they may face difficulties adapting to a fast-paced meta, potentially leading to their elimination from the playoffs.
Team Vitality
Best case: Team Vitality has a legitimate chance to win the championship. A strong performance in the playoffs would demonstrate the efficacy of coach Jakob “YamatoCannon” Mebdi’s tactics and establish their presence beyond last year.
Worst case: If new jungler Lee “Mowgli” Jae-ha fails to keep up with the rest of the team in the early game, Team Vitality may lose their spark from last year. While they could flirt with falling out of the playoffs, they are expected to secure the sixth spot.
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