Introduction:
My name is Renato “Shakarez” Perdigão, and I recently worked as an analyst for Team Liquid. I’m known for achieving Diamond 1 in Seasons 3 and 4 while playing only Kayle. I also create frequent videos on Youtube that focus on analysis, particularly itemization, off-meta picks, and tendencies.
Context of the Report:
This report was written a while ago and doesn’t reflect my current analysis skills. Since then, I have improved and have a better understanding of certain aspects of the game, such as vision control and jungle pathing.
I never finished or polished this report because I was rehired by Team Liquid in January. Nevertheless, I hope you find it interesting.
Draft Phase:
Bans:
Gambit bans Pantheon, Azir, and Jarvan. They have a stronger jungler with a wider champion pool, and CLG is using a substitute. Banning two top-tier junglers is a smart strategy by Gambit to make Thinkcard uncomfortable.
Azir is banned to target Zionspartan, who has been practicing the champion. It makes sense to ban a carry-oriented champion from a player known for his preference for aggressive and carry top laners.
CLG bans Irelia, Syndra, and Gnar, with two bans targeted at Cabochard. These champions are priorities for top lane, and Cabochard has performed well on both. He had a solid performance against Dignitas with Irelia and played Gnar masterfully in Game 1, giving Gambit the advantage in the BO5.
NiQ is a Syndra main, so it’s expected that CLG would ban her.
Picks:
Gambit first picks Lee Sin, one of Diamondprox’s best champions. It’s a top-tier jungler with strong early game pressure. This pick also keeps CLG guessing about their composition.
CLG picks LeBlanc and Thresh in their first rotation, denying Gambit important champions.
Gambit picks Jax and Corki in their second rotation. Jax is a smart pick to limit Zionspartan’s champion pool, and Corki provides them with magic damage.
CLG picks Elise and Vayne in their second rotation. These champions are comfort picks but have their weaknesses if they fall behind.
Overall Thoughts:
Both teams have room for improvement in their drafting phase, especially CLG.
Lissandra is missing from this game, which is surprising because neither team has played her much in the tournament.
Detailed Pick phase:
Gambit has a stronger draft overall.
In Gambit’s first rotation, they secure Lee Sin, a versatile pick. CLG’s first rotation denies important champions from Gambit.
In Gambit’s second rotation, they pick Jax, a smart pick to limit Zionspartan’s options, and Corki, which gives them magic damage. CLG’s second rotation is not as strong, with limited options for Thinkcard.
Gambit should have picked Janna in their second rotation instead of Corki to provide more flexibility and delay their decision on their ADC/Mid combo. CLG’s second rotation shows their limited options for jungle and their reliance on protecting Vayne.
In Gambit’s third rotation, they pick Kassadin and Janna. CLG ends their draft with Maokai to protect Vayne.
Composition Overview:
Gambit has a better draft compared to CLG, with stronger champions overall.
The win conditions for Gambit are to capitalize on their powerspikes and team fights, particularly with Kassadin and Corki.
Level 1:
Both teams move as a unit to get deep ward coverage in the ‘Blue Buff side’ of the jungle. CLG invades the top side to potentially initiate a lane swap. Gambit expects this invade and also invades the blue buff while playing defensively. CLG hides their position to keep Gambit guessing. Gambit decides not to check CLG’s jungle.
Early Game:
Gambit starts with 4 members in the bottom side jungle and each member takes one camp. This gives them experience and allows them to determine CLG’s duo lane positioning. Gambit’s Jax and Janna duo lane forces Vayne out of lane and gains a small advantage.
CLG makes some mistakes during the early stages of the game, including Link’s aggressive trading that falls in Kassadin’s favor and poor dragon aggro management during an attempted dragon take.
Mid Game:
Gambit is in the lead after getting kills and objectives, capitalizing on their powerspikes. CLG is struggling to keep up, with Link not reaching his two-item powerspike and lacking communication. Gambit gets a lead and secures objectives.
Late Game:
CLG makes some successful plays and attempts to come back, but Gambit’s lead is too strong. A failed pickoff attempt by CLG leads to a fight where Gambit is not on the same page, resulting in an ace for CLG. Despite this, Gambit is able to secure objectives and eventually wins the game in a base race.