LEC Faces Challenges Amid Exciting Summer Split Playoffs
The LEC is gearing up for the thrilling Summer Split playoffs, which has sparked speculation about potential winners and playoff contenders. Traditional powerhouses like G2, Fnatic, and Origen have been struggling, while teams like SK have been rising in the standings. This has created high anticipation among fans for the LEC.
Unfortunately, the LEC has been dealing with a self-inflicted controversy that has overshadowed the excitement. The league had entered into a widely criticized partnership, leading to multiple statements from the LEC apologizing for the deal’s cancellation.
Despite the controversy, the LEC is focused on the games once again. To bring back the focus, League analysts were asked to rank each team on a scale of one (worst) to ten (best). Here are the rankings:
| Rank | Team | Points | Rank Change |
| 1) | MAD Lions | 39 | — |
| 2) | Rogue | 37 | — |
| 3) | Fnatic | 32 | +1 |
| 4) | SK Gaming | 27 | +2 |
| 5) | G2 Esports | 25 | — |
| 6) | Origen | 19 | -3 |
| 7) | Excel Esports | 16 | +1 |
| 8) | Misfits | 12 | -1 |
| 9) | Team Vitality | 9 | — |
| 10) | FC Schalke 04 | 4 | — |
After recent controversies, the focus is finally shifting back to the games. We are eagerly looking forward to witnessing high-level League of Legends once again.
Changes Ahead: Misfits, Vitality, Schalke
Misfits, a team with high expectations this split, has faced significant challenges. With a playoff roster from the last split, they have struggled and made changes in their bot lane. However, they need to analyze the performance of other laners as well.
Vitality and Schalke, two teams that previously struggled, have surprised everyone by achieving notable victories in recent weeks. Vitality defeated Origen, a strong playoff contender, while Schalke won against multiple-time defending champions G2. Despite G2’s performance, defeating them is still a significant accomplishment. Schalke is showing improvement with Gilius and Abbedagge contributing to the team’s success.
Struggling: Origen, Excel
Origen, once a solid team, is experiencing a downturn. They have had a disappointing 0-2 week and their playoff chances and Worlds seed prospects are becoming uncertain. Despite having talented laners, the team’s early game performance is one of the worst in the league.
In contrast, Excel has shown improvement with a 2-0 performance recently. Although mid laner Special hasn’t met expectations, the bot lane has stepped up, winning lanes and helping the team secure objectives. Consistency will be important for their continued success.
Rebounding: Fnatic, SK, G2
Fnatic and SK, two Spring Split playoff teams, have found their stride in recent weeks. Fnatic’s bot lane has regained its star power, while SK has consistently performed well. Despite a loss to Excel, SK’s victory over the league-leading MAD Lions has made a statement. In particular, Crownshot has proven himself as one of the region’s best ADCs.
G2 managed to salvage their position in the rankings with a win over Rogue after a disappointing loss to Schalke. However, G2’s performance has been inconsistent, with uncharacteristic mechanical mistakes. It is unclear how the team will perform, but the move from LAN to online play during the pandemic should affect all players equally.
Imperfections: MAD Lions, Rogue
The top teams, MAD Lions and Rogue, have shown some signs of vulnerability in recent weeks. While these moments of weakness are not concerning, they highlight the competitiveness in the championship race. Both teams need to continuously improve and adapt their champion pools to succeed in the grueling best-of-five playoff scenarios.
We are excited to see how these teams evolve and what strategies they bring to the table.
All photos via Riot Games.
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