ahq brings chaos to Worlds
Analysts have debated the merits of the "Chaos Style" of League of Legends. But no matter what experts think, ahq e-Sports Club evolved to become the embodiment of Chaos -- and they've used it to great success.
In 2014, ahq's core strategy was to enable their two playmakers: mid laner Westdoor and support GreenTea. Despite a great showing at 2014 Worlds, inconsistency issues kept them out of the Knockout Stages. In order to make a better run at the 2015 World Championship, the team made some changes.
During LMS Spring 2015, ahq finished 4th at the end of the regular season, narrowly making the Playoff gauntlet. Unsatisfied with the results, the team tried something drastic: they benched their star support GreenTea in favor of then-jungler Albis, and moved new jungler Mountain into the starting lineup.
[[{"fid":"19104","view_mode":"centered","fields":{"format":"centered","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/centered/public/ahq2_Cropped.jpg%3Fitok%3DemhqYd8b","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered"}}]]
The transformation was instantaneous and deadly. ahq kept teams on the back foot, and using a new chaotic style, were completely unpredictable. They went on to sweep through the 2015 Spring Playoffs, losing only a single game in the Finals -- a combined record of 9-1.
Great surprise flanks and unparalleled teamfighting positioning have become their trademarks in 2015. Backed up by Westdoor, who has cemented his place as a world class mid laner, ahq looks to be an unstoppable wrecking ball, out to prove that Chaos can prevail.
The Play
ahq's game philosophy runs counter to the standard conventions of modern competitive League of Legends. Instead of preparing vision for objectives a few minutes ahead of time, ahq will look to fight when teams least expect it, with fantastic results.
While Westdoor was once criticized for his champion pool, his expanded lineup of champions has prevented him from being target banned. Top laner Ziv and Mountain's outstanding flanking and positioning now enable Westdoor and AD carry AN the freedom to unload damage on enemy teams.
"My style of play is to keep eyes on only the AD or AP [carry] and choose to assassinate them from the most unexpected moment from their perspective."
[[{"fid":"19109","view_mode":"full_page","fields":{"format":"full_page","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/full_page/public/Westdoor_Cropped.jpg%3Fitok%3DWhlZGcg1","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-full-page"}}]]
Playmakers and Roleplayers
Their ascension at the end of 2015 Spring was incredibly surprising. Throughout MSI, commentators and fans alike we shocked by how often Ziv and Mountain found their way behind enemy lines and setup Westdoor and AN for easy engages. While the team was known as a one-man show for nearly two years, hanging on the whim of Westdoor's assassins, the team has now evolved to be an in-your-face powerhouse.
"Westdoor is like a wraith in these fights -- it's ridiculous. It's like he's there for a second, and everyone's like 'kill Westdoor!' and then he's disappeared and everyone's dying from AN's damage!" says analyst Atlus.
GreenTea's retirement enabled the roster shuffle, and the inherent synergy between their roles. Their resulting momentum has continued to LMS Summer 2015, where ahq dropped a combined three games (undefeated in matches) before winning the Championship. Albis, Ziv, and Mountain's disruption is key to unlocking their playmakers: Westdoor and AN.
[[{"fid":"19100","view_mode":"full_page","fields":{"format":"full_page","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/full_page/public/ahq_Cropped.jpg%3Fitok%3D3ErFDL35","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-full-page"}}]]
Talk of the Rift
"If you have a dream, go chase it. Don't give up until you grab it."
Even after ahq's blitz of the LMS circuit, few would have expected the international success the team had at the Mid-Season Invitational.
"ahq is just forcing teamfights all over the [enemy's] jungle as if it's theirs," says analyst Atlus.
ahq shocked the world by defeating Fnatic, TSM, and earning a huge lead against SKT, before narrowly losing.
"I think ahq has the kind of style that exploits SKT's weakness," says Unicorns of Love coach, Sheepy.
Despite being blanked by EDG in MSI's Semifinals, ahq had proven they were among the world's elite teams.
[[{"fid":"19121","view_mode":"centered","fields":{"format":"centered","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/centered/public/ahq%2520Record.jpg%3Fitok%3DPsEja6sI","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered"}}]]
Interested in learning more about the other teams competing at Worlds? Check out the whole lineup, now.
, AHQ ( red unicorn )
and FW ( Wolves)
