The NA LCS Summer Split is right around the corner, starting on May 30th, and it’s going to be a split that really counts. With a spot at Worlds and Circuit points up for grabs, the competition is going to be fierce. Let’s take a look at some of the teams and what we can expect from them in this split.
Team SoloMid
TSM had a dominating performance in the Spring Split, finishing with a 13-5 record and winning the Finals against Cloud 9 with a score of 3-1. They also won IEM Katowice, defeating some of the top teams from around the world. However, they faltered at MSI, losing to all non-Wildcard teams and not even making the playoffs. It remains to be seen how this defeat will affect them in the Summer Split.
Some of TSM’s strengths include Bjergsen’s strong laning phase and high skill level, good shot-calling and strategy, strong team-fighting, and Lustboy’s vision control and roaming. However, they also have weaknesses such as Dyrus being often camped in the top lane, Santorin not always impacting the lanes, and WildTurtle having a slightly weak laning phase.
TSM is definitely a contender for winning the Summer Split, but it will depend on their ability to bounce back from their defeat at MSI and whether other teams have figured out how to counter them.
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 had a somewhat disappointing performance in the Spring Split, finishing in 2nd place behind TSM. They struggled in the beginning of the season but picked up the pace towards the end. They had to deal with the departure of Hai due to wrist injuries, but they brought in a new mid laner, incarnati0n, who is expected to fill Hai’s shoes. Much will depend on how well incarnati0n can synergize with the team and whether C9 can manage without Hai’s shot-calling.
Meteos, Sneaky, and LemonNation are some of the strengths of C9, as well as their good Pick/Ban phase. However, they also have weaknesses such as Balls having a weak split, the pressure on incarnati0n to perform, and the loss of Hai’s shot-calling.
C9 will definitely be aiming for a top finish and a spot at Worlds, but it remains to be seen if they can achieve that without Hai.
Team Liquid
Team Liquid had a rollercoaster ride in the Spring Split, starting strong with their substitute ADC, KEITHMCBRIEF, and then bringing in Piglet who had some struggles fitting in with the team. However, Piglet stepped up in the playoffs, carrying the team to a 3-0 victory over CLG. They may be inconsistent, but TL should not be underestimated.
Some of TL’s strengths include Quas’s deep champion pool and strong play, IWDominate’s strong jungling, and Piglet’s world-class laning and team fighting. They also have a strong bot lane with Piglet and Xpecial. However, they also have weaknesses such as inconsistent performance throughout the regular season, FeniX being inconsistent, and the team not always performing well around Piglet.
TL’s goal is to make it to Worlds, and if they can play like they did in the playoffs, they definitely have a shot at it.
Team Impulse
TiP had an inconsistent split, but they managed to secure the 4th seed and a playoff spot. They have a strong top laner in Impact, a great jungler in Rush, and good team fighting. XiaoWeiXiao’s farming skills are also a strength for the team. However, they also have weaknesses such as XiaoWeiXiao’s inconsistency, Rush struggling with the Cinderhulk meta, and Apollo falling behind in lane.
TiP will definitely be aiming for Worlds and a top finish, but it will depend on whether XiaoWeiXiao can show up and whether Rush can adapt to the Cinderhulk meta.
These are just a few of the teams to keep an eye on in the NA LCS Summer Split. Stay tuned for more exciting esports action!
Related keywords: NA LCS, Summer Split, TSM, Cloud 9, Team Liquid, Team Impulse, esports