PowerOfEvil
PowerOfEvil
One of the many remarkable things about SKTelecom T1's road to victory at Worlds last year was that the Korean team did it while alternating mid laners. Despite his reputation as one of the best -- if not the best -- players in the world, “The Unkillable Demon King” Faker would often step aside and allow Easyhoon to take his place. And hey, if it works for the best team in the world, why not for one of the best teams in Europe?
It seems to be what Origen is going for by signing PowerOfEvil as starting mid laner and letting xPeke take more of a coaching, administrative role, while still leaving the option open for him to play again on the EU LCS stage. Perhaps his backdooring days aren't over yet...
The addition of PowerOfEvil is the only change Origen has made to its roster since last season, which bodes well considering the fantastic camaraderie and teamwork they've displayed since entering the EU LCS in the Summer Split. Choosing a new mid laner to take over the heavy lifting from xPeke couldn't have been a decision they made lightly, and PowerOfEvil has big shoes to fill. But his track record speaks for itself. The young and innovative pro was arguably the strongest member of the Unicorns of Love and has done a good job of maintaining the high levels of play expected of European mid laners.
PowerOfEvil also has a track record of experimenting with off-meta picks. It's strange to think that just six months ago, we would be laughed off the Rift for taking Varus into mid lane. But PowerOfEvil pulled it out last season and now it's a common pick. It's this outside-the-box thinking that will make him a great fit for a team like Origen, who play fast and loose with the meta at the best of times. xPeke's Anivia pick at Worlds 2015 came as a big surprise to Origen's opponents, who hadn't practiced against something so underplayed, and it ultimately helped the team reach the Semifinals.
Origen’s success at Worlds was a testament to their teamwork and skill, especially considering the 2015 Summer Split was their first split in the EU LCS. They climbed from nothing to the number-three European seed going into the World Championships and haven’t changed much since. The addition of PowerOfEvil potentially gives them increased strength, still with the option of bringing back xPeke. All that remains to be seen is how well POE fits into the team and whether he can match (or even exceed) his lane mate.
If he can, or if he and xPeke find a healthy way to share the role, Origen could be an even more formidable contender for this year’s European LCS, if not Worlds 2016 itself.
-- By Jem Alexander