10 thoughts going into Group Stage
The Worlds train roars on with eight less passengers. The 2017 Group Stage is sure to be even more hectic as this is one of the most balanced draws ever. It’s hard to predict what will happen, so this week, I’m going to make five “real” predictions and five crazy predictions.
Real prediction: All three Korean teams finish 1stI know, I know -- this should be a crazy prediction. All three Korean teams advancing without breaking much of a sweat? When has that ever happened? :thinkingemoji: Look, without KT Rolster here, nothing unexpected should happen with the LCK teams. Until proven otherwise, I don’t see how you could reasonably expect them to not dominate again. That said, every other region right now is thinking, “But maybe…”
Crazy prediction: Kalista makes it through the pick/ban phase untouchedHaha, just kidding.
Real prediction: Marines will contend for 2ndLevi famously hit 300 CS before 30 minutes from the jungle role this past split, which is only okay when compared to Reddit Challenjours, but is still commendable at the pro level. The GIGABYTE Marines captured many hearts at MSI with their hyper aggressive and unconventional style. I expect them to replicate that craziness in the Group Stage, which has historically been home to all sorts of wild upsets and plays. The Worlds meta will definitely evolve as the tournament progresses, but prepare for it to adjust accordingly to the Marines.
Crazy prediction: TSM will go 6-0Am I an NA-based writer who might have NA bias? Do I get hyped for TSM every single Worlds? Do I make historical arguments for everyone else but conveniently ignore it when I talk about TSM? Possibly. But let me tell you why this prediction will come true. It’s easy: TSM TSM TSM. And If you don’t speak TSM, then I’m sorry, but you’ll have to find a translator.
Real prediction: A caster will forget to say 1907Death, taxes, and this prediction -- your only guarantees at Worlds 2017. 1907 Fenerbahçe Espor had a dominant run through the Play-in stage to secure a spot in the Group Stage. But they went from what I thought was the easiest Play-in group to the hardest group (Group C with G2, SSG, and RNG). If they keep going, though, could it mean we've accidentally shifted to an alternate timeline? Is this Worlds 1907?
Crazy prediction: Clearlove7 clears QuartersThis is only crazy because he’s never done it before. Which is crazy for someone with as much domestic success as him. This year, expectations are tempered. Maybe fans don’t want to suffer the same letdown as last year. Maybe EDG is worse. But this would be the ultimate storyline -- Clearlove7 making a deep Worlds run on his home turf after years of struggle and taking some time off this year. I’m a sucker for a good love story.
Real prediction: The best player in Group C will be…You know this meme
He’ll finish first
You guessed right
It’s G2 Perkz
In order for G2 Esports to advance, this prediction more or less needs to be true. Perkz is a dynamite talent when his cylinders are firing. And it’s easy to forget G2 finished 2nd at MSI after their summer slump, but then again, they’ve never been good at Best of 1s...
Crazy prediction: Jensen will body Faker… in lane. Jensen had one of the most statistically dominant splits in the history of the NA LCS. Cloud9 will funnel so many resources into him that it’ll transcend time and space such that even you will be accidentally ganked by Contractz in your next mid lane game. Faker won’t be able to hide in bush against this.
Real prediction: SK telecom T1 will win WorldsSometimes you bet on the horse with the funny name. Sometimes you cover your eyes and point randomly. But sometimes… sometimes you just pick the strongest and shiniest looking horse. And for three of the last four years, that’s been SK telecom T1. They have mastered the art of mastery better than everyone. Because the patch doesn’t change at Worlds, the team that can gain the deepest and most refined understanding of it wins. And it’s hard to imagine that’s anyone but SKT.
Crazy prediction: Steak’s afro will grow back an inch with each Flash Wolves winConventional science might not agree with me on how hair growth works, but it would also tell you Star Wars is just “fiction.” Instead of asking yourself whether or not it’s possible, ask what’s cooler. Trust in the power of hair. The LMS already lost one of their representatives. Is it a sign the region is weaker? Or can the Flash Wolves finally turn their domestic dominance into a strong Worlds showing? I think the answer lies in the hair.
Most people expect LZ to dominate this matchup and this group. I am one of those people. What intrigues me about this matchup, though, is that it will serve as a good measuring stick for NA faithful. And beyond that -- every other region. Memes aside, North America is in the conversation for being the second strongest region entering worlds, especially after they dismantled EU at Rift Rivals. IMT had a very strong summer split which culminated in a hard fought series against TSM in the NA LCS Finals. How they’ll stack up against LZ will be a preview for everybody else. Just how big is “the gap” this year? And personally, I’ve underestimated IMT all split only to be surprised over and over by them. On paper, they have three veterans in Flame, Xmithie, and Pobelter taking on newcomers Khan, Cuzz, and BDD. Perhaps that experience will be the edge IMT needs. Or perhaps GorillA and PraY will exert dominance over IMT’s newcomers -- Cody Sun and Olleh. Which side of the map will swing harder? Just how good is NA? Or, perhaps, more poignantly -- just how good is Longzhu?
Kien Lam is a content producer for Lolesports. You can find more awful great jokes and commentary on his Twitter @meanmisterkien.
