The Cloud 9 Outlook?

Padres·9/17/2013, 7:24:31 PM·15 votes·3,927 views

Now that we've had a chance to watch every non-quarter finals (C9, GB, NJBS, RC) team play at least 2 games, how is everyone feeling about Cloud 9's chances?

Personally I think they are going to absolutely shock the rest of the international scene. We've already seen TSM manage to win team fights against OMG even with a massive gold disadvantage and Vulcun not only defeating Fnatic but gaining an early lead against SSO. And while TSM and Vulcun haven't exactly been dominating their groups, it's important that we don't forget exactly how much C9 dominated the NA scene.

Another thing that should give C9's fan base a lot of hope is the fact that the foreign teams have been showing lots of weaknesses even against lower tier teams such as Mineski or GG.EU. Hopefully Cloud 9 are watching these games and realizing that even SKT T1 is beatable and that this is no longer season 2 - NA is a force to be reckoned with.

21 Comments

RiotHitstreak9/17/2013, 8:52:03 PM24 votes

No matter who comes out on top, I'm just pleased to see that there isn't the disparity between regions that everyone was anticipating. Each team has looked vulnerable in different ways, making for some very competitive games.

Not Awful9/17/2013, 7:35:18 PM5 votes

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mrfiddles9/17/2013, 7:58:23 PM3 votes

Despite being a C9 fan, I was actually rooting for TSM in the finals just because I didn't want to have to wait so long to see C9 play some international teams. :P

Riotomgscuttlecrab9/18/2013, 6:34:55 AM2 votes

One thing that C9 has on all the other group stage teams is that C9 has had the opportunity to do nothing but watch all the teams play while keeping their strategies a relative secret. By the end of groups, each team will have played at least 4 games which lends to a HUGE amount of up-to-date research that C9 can do to prepare. By the time C9 steps up to play, they'll know A LOT more about their opponents than their opponents will know about them. That in it of itself is a HUGE advantage.

RiotMagus9/17/2013, 8:57:01 PM2 votes

Worlds is wide open and I think there are quite a few teams that could win it all. Personally I'm glad to see the unexpected happen - it creates way more drama and excitement!

Just Support9/17/2013, 9:14:46 PM1 votes

I'm waiting to see how SKT T1 plays on Day 3. But so far it's nice to see that our gods bleed =] It's also great to see OMG being top contenders too.

In the end, CLG undefeated. So we win.

Vince Masuka9/17/2013, 10:06:04 PM1 votes

I'd like to add that this kind of shows that C9's overall playstyle is actually pretty similar to the korean meta. Not in terms of champions (which I think they have an edge on), but its clear that they like these korean teams seem to have a lot of trouble in the early game. I'm interested to see how they play, because it may not work on EU's or CN's teams. Anyways, I hope they pull through :D

VaIse9/17/2013, 11:11:36 PM1 votes

I'm curious to see how the style of C9 will match up against the metas of the Koreans/Chinese. Their high-pressure jungling may cripple Meteos' power farming style. While he has an efficient play style and high kill-participation, one reason C9 is so strong is because their laning is reliable enough for Meteos to farm and gain that teamfight edge in the all-important midgame. When faced with a lot of aggression, they risk getting put too far behind for this strategy to be advantageous. If I remember correctly, this is how Vulcun beat them.

Granted, I've underestimated them before. We'll see how they respond to high pressure.

lefty50009/18/2013, 2:58:19 AM1 votes

C9 is going to put the same amount of great research as always. They have proved that they can play on a large stage and I believe they will be on point like always.

Seminole Sun9/18/2013, 4:48:40 AM1 votes

One counterpoint would be that the best teams haven't played yet. However, most people seem to think that OMG and SKT are the best two teams in their regions so maybe we've already seen the best the world has to offer.

I agree that C9's chances seem to have increased though. Really hoping we're not wrong!

Capt Carmine9/17/2013, 8:23:54 PM1 votes

I was think very similarly to your vain of thought, and I have really high hopes for C9 to possible win the whole tournament now