Article Title: G2 and Fnatic to Clash for Top Spot in LEC Summer Split
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After two weeks of play in the LEC Summer Split 2019, G2 and Fnatic are set to face off for the top position. Both teams remain undefeated, but their clash on Friday will determine the leader.
While G2 is widely considered the strongest team in the world, Fnatic will have to pull off an impressive upset to make a mark in the power rankings. Even if Fnatic wins, it is likely that G2 will retain their top spot according to the voters.
To assess the current standing of these two teams and the rest of Europe, we asked our analysts to rank each team on a scale of one to ten:
| Rank | Team | Points |
| 1) | G2 Esports | 50 |
| 2) | Fnatic | 45 |
| 3) | Origen | 40 |
| 4) | SK Gaming | 35 |
| 5) | Splyce | 27 |
| 5) | Misfits | 20 |
| 5) | FC Schalke 04 | 19 |
| 8) | Rogue | 15 |
| 9) | Vitality | 10 |
| 10) | Excel Esports | 5 |
Let’s take a look at the developments in week three that have led to the current standings, including a major drop in the rankings for last year’s favorites.
How Three Teams Have Fallen: Rogue, Vitality, Excel
Vitality, once the formidable team that dominated with splitpush strategies, creative Ekko plays, and defiance of the meta, is now facing a disastrous year. Their weaknesses from the previous split, including a vulnerable bot lane and lackluster performance from jungler Lee “Mowgli” Jae-ha, continue to plague them. Additionally, their splitpush tactics have been exposed, and their inability to coordinate for objective control in the current meta is a major setback.
Excel’s loss of two games last week was hardly surprising given their performance so far. However, it is unfair to include Rogue in the same tier, as they have shown promising gameplay. Their solo laners have been exceptional this split, proving that their previous struggles were merely part of their growth process as a young team.
Teams at a Standstill: Splyce, Misfits, Schalke
This tier witnessed disagreement among our voters, as all three teams missed the opportunity to secure a leading position in the playoffs with a 2-0 win last week. Their mistakes cost them dearly.
Misfits lost a winnable game against Origen due to their failure to anticipate the scaling power of a composition featuring Ryze and Jax. Their lack of engage capabilities further hindered their chances of turning the game around.
Splyce’s jungler Andrei “Xerxe” Dragomir struggled against Kim “Trick” Gang-yun, and their ADC’s risky play by flashing into melee range of a fed Sylas ruined their chances of victory. Similarly, Trick’s leadership couldn’t help Schalke secure a win against Fnatic. This was a crucial match for Schalke to prove their superiority over fifth place.
Steady Performers: Origen, SK
Although Origen and SK suffered losses against Fnatic and G2 respectively in their first games last week, they remain strong teams with talented players. However, certain question marks still loom for both teams. Origen’s jungler Jonas “Kold” Andersen’s impact varies from game to game, while SK needs improved performance from mid laner Choi “Pirean” Jun-sik and fewer avoidable deaths from their bot laner Juš “Crownshot” Marušič, who often carries their damage weight. Pirean’s lack of pressure against G2 made it nearly impossible for their star jungler Oskar “Selfmade” Boderek to make an impact.
Anticipated Battle: G2 vs Fnatic
This Friday’s match between G2 and Fnatic will determine the top spot in the standings. However, even if G2 loses, they will still be considered the best team in the world until they are eliminated in a best-of-five match.
While there are strategies that Fnatic can employ to challenge G2, they will need an outstanding performance from Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen and improved gameplay from their solo laners compared to their performance in the previous split’s playoff loss to Origen. Additionally, they must find answers to G2’s unconventional compositions.
Even if Fnatic manages to execute these strategies, G2 still has the upper hand with their strong late-game execution. However, a victory for Fnatic would make the remainder of the LEC Summer Split much more exciting.
All photos via Riot Games
LEC Summer Split, G2, Fnatic, power rankings, teams, standings, clash, Europe, Rogue, Vitality, Excel, Splyce, Misfits, Schalke, Origen, SK, battle