In their prime, Bjergsen carried TSM to their second LCS title and PowerOfEvil and Febiven had impressive runs to the LCS final in their rookie season. Internationally, Febiven reached the semifinals at MSI, defeating some of the best players. However, TSM’s performance at MSI was disappointing. Despite this, Bjergsen showed his skill at IEM Katowice and won his first international title. This success adds another chapter to the story of the European midlaner.
The Rise of European Midlaners
Europe has earned a reputation for producing great midlaners in the esports industry. Two names that stand out in the success and greatness of European mids are AlexIch and Froggen. These players had different styles but provided one of the most exciting rivalries in the League of Legends scene.
The Teams
CLG.eu and Moscow 5 were two of the best teams in the world, but they had contrasting paths to success. M5 was known for their explosive and innovative playstyle, while CLG.eu preferred a slower game, focusing on their late-game team composition.
Fire and Ice
AlexIch and Froggen had contrasting playstyles as well. AlexIch was fierce and aggressive, finding the perfect moment to dominate team fights. On the other hand, Froggen played with precision and calculation, slowly building up leads that became insurmountable.
The Leader and the Devoted
AlexIch was the emotional leader of M5, staying calm and collected even in the face of defeat. Froggen, on the other hand, showcased unparalleled endurance and dedication to the game.
Laning
Both AlexIch and Froggen were skilled laners, but they had different approaches. Froggen had to build leads with limited information and positional disadvantage, relying on risk aversion to gain minimal advantages. On the other hand, AlexIch excelled at extending his lead and had a good understanding of when to roam.
Teamfighting/Championpool
Froggen excelled in team fights by dealing damage from a safe distance, while AlexIch was more willing to dive into dangerous positions in pursuit of his enemies. Their champion pools reflected their playstyles, with Froggen favoring late-game mages and AlexIch playing a more balanced game.
Legacy
Both AlexIch and Froggen left their mark on the game, contributing to the evolution of League of Legends. M5 introduced new picks and strategies, while Froggen showcased a calculated playstyle that emphasized fundamental skills.
M5’s Kryptonite
Although M5 was a dominant team, CLG.eu repeatedly proved superior in their confrontations. CLG.eu had a style that restrained M5’s aggression and was able to defeat them in the late game.
Dreamhack Stockholm – A Battle for the Ages
In their first offline meeting, CLG.eu defeated M5 in a game that seemed impossible to win. This victory showcased CLG.eu’s ability to control M5’s aggression and win in the late game.
ECC Poland – The Turning Point?
At ECC Poland, M5 emerged as the champions, defeating CLG.eu in a convincing 2-0 victory. This win raised questions about M5 overcoming their weakness against CLG.eu.
An Unconcluded Story
Unfortunately, the rivalry between AlexIch and Froggen never had a definitive conclusion. They found themselves on different sides of the bracket in subsequent tournaments, and the introduction of the LCS made it difficult for them to meet in finals.