The 2021 LCS Spring Split is nearing its end with only three games remaining for each team. So far, Cloud9 is the only team to secure a spot in the Mid-Season Showdown. The remaining teams (excluding the bottom three) are still competing for a chance to represent North America at the Mid-Season Invitational in May.
The LCS has become increasingly competitive and unpredictable this split, with more teams adopting a “coin flip” approach. This has resulted in a highly unpredictable landscape for the league.
Heading into the final week of the season, the caliber of each team is tangible. Here are our power rankings for the LCS:
1) Cloud9
2) TSM
3) Team Liquid (+1)
4) Dignitas (+1)
5) 100 Thieves (-2)
6) Evil Geniuses
7) Immortals
8) FlyQuest
9) CLG
10) Golden Guardians
FlyQuest, CLG, and Golden Guardians have been eliminated from Mid-Season Showdown contention. Their focus has now shifted to the Summer Split. However, every game, including those from the Spring Split, still count towards playoff qualification. These teams will be looking to play the role of spoiler and potentially impact the playoff race.
CLG, in particular, has shown improvement since adding Pobelter and Broxah to their roster. They have won three of their last four games and have favorable matchups against Golden Guardians and Evil Geniuses. A strong finish to the Spring Split could set them up for a successful summer season.
There is a battle for the final playoff spot between Evil Geniuses and Immortals. Both teams face tough opponents in the final week. Evil Geniuses will be facing TSM, Team Liquid, and CLG, while Immortals will face 100 Thieves, TSM, and Cloud9. Although Immortals have shown consistency and momentum, Evil Geniuses offer more entertainment value and have the potential to secure a playoff spot.
Team Liquid, Dignitas, and 100 Thieves are all fighting for playoffs and come into the final week with varying expectations. Dignitas, surprisingly, has been a standout team this season. Team Liquid and 100 Thieves were expected to perform well but find themselves fighting for their playoff lives. The games in the final week will be crucial for determining playoff seeding.
The top two teams, Cloud9 and TSM, have their own challenges to overcome. Cloud9 has had a rough week, losing two games in a row. They will need to bounce back in the playoffs. TSM, on the other hand, has shown growth and improvement throughout the season. They have found a winning formula and have the potential to make a deep playoff run.
Overall, the final week of the LCS Spring Split promises to be exciting and unpredictable. It will be interesting to see which teams come out on top and secure their spots in the playoffs.
LCS, Spring Split, playoffs, Cloud9, TSM, Team Liquid, Dignitas, 100 Thieves, Evil Geniuses, Immortals, FlyQuest, CLG, Golden Guardians.