LCS Playoff Race Heats Up
The 2021 LCS season is two-thirds complete and the race for the playoffs is underway. As teams settle into the Summer Split, the competition to secure a playoff spot is intense.
This season has seen its fair share of roster changes, and teams will now have to lock their rosters for the final playoff push. This will reveal which teams are serious contenders as the season comes to a close.
LCS Power Rankings
The LCS deserves credit for its stability compared to other major leagues worldwide. While standings in the LEC, LCK, and LPL change dramatically week after week, things are relatively calm in the LCS. This is evident in this week’s power rankings.
We asked our League of Legends writers to rank the teams heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Here are the current power rankings after five weeks of play in the Summer Split.
| Rank | Team | Rank change |
| 1) | 100 Thieves | — |
| 2) | TSM | — |
| 3) | Cloud9 | +1 |
| 4) | Evil Geniuses | +1 |
| 5) | Team Liquid | -2 |
| 6) | Dignitas | — |
| 7) | Immortals | — |
| 8) | CLG | — |
| 9) | Golden Guardians | — |
| 10) | FlyQuest | — |
Contenders for the Last Playoff Spot
In the LCS, the teams in a rebuilding phase are also in contention for the last playoff spot. CLG, Golden Guardians, and FlyQuest are still in the race with nine games remaining. All three teams have a realistic chance of securing the spot.
CLG has shown their ability to compete against top teams and should be the favorite among these three. They recently had an impressive performance against 100 Thieves.
Golden Guardians and FlyQuest are focused on developing their rosters for future success. Both teams made a trade involving veteran top laner Licorice, indicating their commitment to the long term.
Dignitas and Immortals Struggle
Dignitas and Immortals have been struggling to find their footing in the Summer Split. Dignitas secured a big win against TSM after a roster swap, but they still lag behind the top teams. Immortals defeated Dignitas but had a negative-scoring week overall. Both teams have yet to showcase their true potential.
Middle of the Pack
Cloud9, Evil Geniuses, and Team Liquid are making their mark in the middle of the standings. Evil Geniuses look particularly strong with five consecutive wins. Team Liquid has faced some challenges but has the potential to perform at a higher level. Cloud9 is facing tough competition from TSM and 100 Thieves.
Playoff Contenders: 100 Thieves and TSM
100 Thieves are currently the hottest team in the LCS with an eight-game winning streak. They dominate the early game and have top players in terms of KDA. TSM is showing strength as the second seed and has a strong mid-to-late game strategy. The upcoming match between these two teams will be crucial.