The 2023 LEC Winter Split is just a few weeks away, and fans from around the world are eagerly anticipating the action on Summoner’s Rift. From January 21, the finest League of Legends players from Europe will showcase their skills and compete in thrilling matches.
This season promises to be exciting, with new additions like Team Heretics and many other newcomers in the league. Fans can also look forward to the return of the region’s greatest AD carry.
2023 brings a new format for the LEC, with a three-split yearly system featuring regular seasons, group stages, and playoffs. These changes will add even more excitement to a league that is already bursting with star power. Here are the top games to watch in the first week of the 2023 LEC Winter Split.
G2 Esports vs. Excel Esports
This season kicks off with an exciting match between G2 Esports and Excel Esports. Though G2 Esports has lost their longtime star jungler Jankos, they still have one of the strongest lineups in the league. Mikyx makes his return to the organization alongside Hans Sama, Caps, Broken Blade, and rookie jungler Yike.
Excel Esports will provide a tough challenge for G2 Esports with their revamped lineup. Featuring veteran names like Odoamne, Xerxe, and Patrik, as well as rising stars Vetheo and Targamas, Excel Esports will do their best to take down the perennial LEC champs.
Team Heretics vs. Team Vitality
Team Heretics and Team Vitality are two teams debuting new rosters in 2023. Team Heretics, as the new addition, aims to make a strong impression by defeating a longtime LEC member. Led by veteran jungler Jankos, Team Heretics will want to start the season with a bang.
Team Vitality, on the other hand, has a couple of rookies in their lineup this year. With their starting jungler Bo making his LEC debut and top laner Photon entering major league play after performing well in the Korean Challengers development scene, Team Vitality has an interesting mix of experience and fresh talent.
This match will be a great indicator of what to expect in the coming weeks until playoffs.
Excel vs. KOI
Formerly known as Rogue, KOI enters the new year with a championship-winning lineup. Despite the absence of their All-Star top laner, this team has already established great synergy among its members. They face Excel in their first real challenge of the season.
This match also holds emotional significance as Odoamne of Excel faces off against his old team for the first time since winning a championship with them during the 2022 Summer Split.
G2 vs. Fnatic
The rivalry between G2 and Fnatic takes center stage in this highly anticipated matchup. Rekkles, who left Fnatic in 2020, will face his former team for the first time since his return to the LEC. Both teams have their scores to settle and will fight for victory with all their might.
Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of stories to follow, making this the marquee matchup of the week. G2 aims to continue their dominance over Fnatic, while Fnatic looks to seek closure and come out on top against their former star player, Rekkles.
The 2023 LEC Winter Split starts on Saturday, Jan. 21.