The third week of the League Championship Series showcased the best League of Legends teams in North America. Here’s what we learned:
CLG and TSM Are Leading the Pack
The oldest and most storied franchises in League of Legends, CLG and TSM, are tied at the top of the standings with 5-1 records. While TSM’s dominance was expected, CLG’s rise to the top was a surprise. Their strong roster, consisting of both seasoned veterans and new talents, has propelled them to the forefront of the league.
Gravity Gaming May Be Overrated
Initially ranked ahead of CLG in power rankings, Gravity Gaming proved to be a product of a weak schedule. Losses to Team Impulse and CLG exposed their lack of individual mechanical skill. While they are not a bad team, they still have a long way to go before challenging for top spots in the league.
LiNk Shines as the Top Player in the LCS
Despite the criticism directed towards him, LiNk has been performing exceptionally well this season. He leads the league with 42 kills, showcasing star-level performances in every match. This improved performance is a positive sign for CLG, but fans will reserve their judgment until the playoffs.
Team 8 Breaks Expectations
Considered underdogs at the start of the season, Team 8 has surprised everyone with their 3-3 record. They have displayed strong coordination and skill, debunking the notion that they relied on unconventional strategies. While they may not challenge for the championship, they have proven that relegation is not their destiny.
Dignitas Thrives without Crumbzz
After changing team captaincy, Dignitas showed improvements in their gameplay. Stephen “CloudNguyen” Nguyen stepped in as a replacement and injected much-needed assertiveness into the team. While their performance against Team SoloMid wasn’t perfect, their victory against Team Liquid showcased their decisive play. The future with Nguyen remains uncertain, but this week provided hope for the struggling Dignitas team.
Thanks to Riot Games’ condensed schedule, teams need to perform consistently throughout the season. Some teams have exceeded expectations, while others have struggled. As the competition continues, Team 8, Gravity Gaming, and CLG face important challenges that will test their positions in the league.
League Championship Series, eSports, League of Legends, North America, CLG, TSM, Gravity Gaming, LiNk, Team 8, Dignitas