Lowkey Esports Pull Off Upset Victory Against DAMWON Gaming at Worlds 2019
Lowkey Esports delivered a surprising blow to DAMWON Gaming in the first game of their best-of-five knockout series at Worlds 2019. Utilizing a strategic protect-the-Tristana composition, Lowkey Esports took down the undefeated second-seeded Vietnamese team, proving that they were not to be underestimated.
Heading into the series, expectations were low for Lowkey Esports. DAMWON had proven their dominance in the play-in group stage, setting the stage for a challenging match. However, Lowkey Esports was determined to end DAMWON’s win streak and came into the game with a well-executed plan.
In an attempt to disrupt DAMWON’s early game, Lowkey Esports swapped their bot lane with the top lane to put pressure on Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon’s Vladimir. They also secured an early game lead by making aggressive dives and funneling turret gold into Nguyễn Phước “Celebrity” Long Hiệp’s Tristana. Despite DAMWON’s efforts to create space through well-timed teamfights, Lowkey Esports persisted.
During the mid game, Đỗ “DNK” Ngọc Khảion’s Gragas, along with a fed Celebrity, managed to sneak Baron due to DAMWON’s lack of vision. Lowkey Esports continued to press their advantage, taking down DAMWON’s inhibitors. In a steal that secured their victory, DNK once again stole the second Baron from DAMWON.
Despite DAMWON finding opportunities to win fights, Celebrity’s lead proved insurmountable during the final teamfight. Lowkey Esports protected Celebrity as he decimated DAMWON’s entire team, ultimately running down the top lane to destroy DAMWON’s Nexus and secure the win.
With this victory, Lowkey Esports handed DAMWON their first loss at Worlds 2019. Additionally, this marked the first time a Vietnamese team had defeated a Korean squad on an international stage. This monumental achievement has already made history for Lowkey Esports, regardless of the final outcome of the series.