Vote for the best game of 2014

Riot·Dec 8, 2014·2 votes·29,165 views

What was the game of the year? We've seen a lot of exciting games over 2014, and a lot of changes -- both to teams and to Summoner's Rift itself. While there will be plenty of time to see what the future holds, we want to take a look back and see what the best games were from 2014. Vote for what you think was the game of the year. Here are the nominees that you selected on Twitter:

AHQ Esports Club vs Edward Gaming -- Game 2

If not for a certain Brazilian team, this would have been the biggest upset of the year. Though Samsung White made it a virtual race for second place in Group A, EDG had beaten all other opponents and had just one match left to clinch their spot into the Quarterfinals. After being beaten to submission by a EDG poke composition all game, Greentea hooked NaMei, not once, but twice in crucial moments, the second of which ended the game in a remarkable suicide mission for the EDG nexus. This game, along with AHQ's overall performance, and flashes of brilliance from TPA, legitimized the Taiwanese scene (finally), and put Westdoor on the map as an elite mid laner.

Fnatic vs OMG -- Game 2

Sometimes, it really is that close. Going into the match, it was a do or die game for both Fnatic and OMG after losing a few early matches in the Group of Death (Group C). Fnatic and OMG battled back and forth for over an hour, with 100K gold on both sides and 30+ kills. Fnatic was having trouble fighting OMG in the late game, but managed through attrition to take down two of OMG's inhibitors, but lost their entire team save for xPeke after going for the third. OMG went for a rush for the nexus up the middle, but xPeke's poke on Syndra and CC forced OMG off. Seizing a moment of opportunity, sOAZ Teleported into the OMG base to try to backdoor the base, while the rest of Fnatic tried to stop the recalls. Loveling and Gogoing managed to get back and stop the trio of sOAZ, Cyanide and xPeke from finishing off the Nexus, with one hit remaining on it. OMG managed to finish off the game and eliminate Fnatic from the groups, and secure their own spot in the Quarterfinals after a win over LMQ later that day.

KT Arrows vs Samsung Blue -- Game 4

With their backs against the wall, down 2-1 to the reigning OGN champions, the KT Arrows had to pull out all the stops to prevent Samsung Blue from repeating. Led into battle by their captain KaKAO, the always aggressive Arrows team went for a strong team fighting composition with heavy engage from Maokai and Nocturne. Backed by KaKAO's perfectly timed Nocturne ults and clean-up ability in team fights from Rookie's Yasuo, the Arrows clawed their way back into the series in one of the most highly competitive, and most well played, matches of the 2014 Season.

Team Coast vs Team SoloMid

After Bjergsen's much hyped arrival to North America, TSM was 11-1, only losing their first game of the season. Shiphtur, who previously could make claim to being the best mid laner in NA had something to prove going against the de facto king of mid in NA. Shiphtur played masterfully the entire game and managed to outplay Bjergsen in their showdown. But it was his clutch performance that made this game among the most memorable of the Spring Split. After Coast grabbed hold of the game behind Shiphtur's Ahri DFG + Charm combo in the midgame, they struggled to break down TSMs base after repeatedly sieging and gaining minimal advantages. Finally, after a TSM Baron attempt, Coast managed to win a 4:2 fight and pushed for the win. TSM was able to kill everyone before the Nexus fell -- except Shiphtur. His use of Spirit Rush and Lich Bane procs on the Nexus narrowly gave Coast the win, ending a TSM win streak of 11 games.

KaBuM vs Alliance

After Alliance completed their perfect game over Najin White Shield, they were all but locked into securing their Quarterfinal spot. All they needed to do was defeat the winless KaBuM Esports. While no one expected KaBuM to win over Alliance, the Brazillian squad had shown dramatic game to game improvement -- more so than any other team at Worlds. What followed was the biggest upset in the history of competitive League of Legends. KaBuM completely and systematically dismantled Alliance, behind their great pick composition of Ryze, Elise, Ahri, Morgana and Jinx as well as the near perfect play of mid laner TinOwns. Miscommunication problems plagued Alliance throughout and the great objective oriented style by KaBuM (frequently behind in kills but way up in gold) pushed them over the top and effectively eliminated Alliance.

Cloud9 vs Team SoloMid -- Game 5

No game on this list had more implications than this one. The best two teams in the Western Hemisphere facing off in their regional finals in Game 5. Prior to this series, TSM had never even taken a playoff game from Cloud9. In this game, it was close the whole way. Cloud9 looked to grab control of the game finally by 30 minutes in, but was never able to press their advantage to end the game. TSM pressed towards Cloud9's base and managed to win an incredibly close fight to end the game.

Dignitas vs Team SoloMid -- Game 1

Going into this game, Maokai top lane was becoming the marquee pick for every team. While usually teams alternate who plays blue side (because of the blue side advantage), Dignitas chose to play red side every game. Dignitas chose to give Maokai to TSM, and then counter-picked Nasus. Both teams were unable to get an edge as the splintered into two games: a 4v4 and Dyrus vs ZionSpartan. Maokai was ill-equipped to deal with Nasus's split push, and ZionSpartan wore away all of TSM's defenses one by one. It ended climactically with ZionSpartan Teleporting into the TSM base and ending the game single handedly.

Roccat vs Fnatic -- Game 4

Roccat came into the Summer Split hoping to improve on their third place finish in Spring. Going into Game 4 against Fnatic, they were down 1-2 in a very close series. This game had among the highest level play we've seen in any single game, and this series was one of the closest we've seen as well. With great flanks by Celevar, a mechanically perfect Vayne from Rekkles, the return of Shen by sOAZ and a DFG Kassadin by Overpow, this game had surprises, playmaking, great team fights, and brilliant rotations. In the end a great assassination onto Rekkles by a 10-2-7 Celevar lead to Roccat tieing up the series 2-2. Now we ask you: What was your favorite game of the 2014 Season? Make sure to vote to make your voices heard, and sound off on Twitter and in the comments below!

53 Comments

TrollFan01Dec 9, 201412 votes

As much as I LOVE TSM beating Cloud9 for the NA Crown I** HAVE **to give the best game of the year to Fnatic/OMG. There was no better game IMO.

LightkeeperDec 9, 20147 votes

It was pretty dumb decision to add the ALL vs KBM match, it was more Alliance playing absolutely horribly there rather than KaBum playing well.

But of course people are going to vote for it anyway because of top keks.

Magus MistDec 10, 20143 votes

i would feel embarassed if game where one team underperofmed and another team played.. well, under average but better than first one... would be voted as game of the year. That would be 100% embarassment for competitive League of Legends.

LovercakeDec 8, 20146 votes

Well, that's just super disappointing, where the fuck is the Alliance - Shield game? And yes, Alliance logo, i know but they still showed us how to play the game to perfect level against one of the best teams in the world. Like, isn't that the obvious choice for such an award? Useless award if it doesn't go to a proper contender.

im CrisDec 8, 20145 votes

No one is saying that it wasn't impressive. The top 5 regions can all take games off of each other and everyone knows that. But the best EU team losing to a BR team... Now that was something special to witness. And no, i'm not a salty NA fan or whatever. I'm just telling it as it is.

MidaleeNidDec 8, 20143 votes

Watching that moment actually sends shivers down my spine.

LovercakeDec 8, 201410 votes

How is Kabum vs Alliance the most entertaining to watch.. With all the insane endings in alle the other matches, the Kabum vs Alliance just seems like a normal match compared to the others.. But i guess the hate is real xD

pyroHedgeDec 9, 20144 votes

No hate. I honestly enjoyed the Kabum game because almost right up until the end I kept assuming Alliance would win. "Sure they're behind," I figured, "but they'll pull it off. The lead's not that great." When you watch it again knowing the result it's not quite as exciting, but in the moment it felt close and exciting the entire time.

ninbushidoDec 9, 20143 votes

I full-heartedly agree and relate.

MidaleeNidDec 8, 20144 votes

[deleted]

Magus MistDec 10, 20141 votes

its gonna be shame of LoL as esport that best game of the year will be huge fail game...

RiotMirhiDec 8, 201415 votes

While impressive, the game itself wasn't that compelling to watch. It was a great performance by one team, and a lackluster performance by another. This is why it didn't make the cut.

CinaciousDec 8, 20148 votes

How was Kabum vs Alliance a great show ? Sure, it was the biggest upset of Worlds, but this was not a good game. Plenty of mistakes from Alliance made that game painful to watch for me. If you put any of the SKT T1 K vs Samsung Ozone/White matches instead of this game, the ranking would be fine.

PINGU MESETERODec 8, 20143 votes

As Cinacious said, I think putting this game into the list of one of the best is a completely DISRESPECT for Alliance. Shame on you Riot.

YózDec 10, 20141 votes

My only comment is that Alliance had a tough time playing when Wickd didn't have his Irelia. They were so dependent on that one champion, and when KaBuM banned Irelia, Alliance lost.

LoLByTheNumbersDec 8, 20143 votes

I'm of the opinion that it was an amazing game to watch, it is by far my most favorite match of Worlds. It's a beautiful example of how relying solely on individual skill (Alliance) can be trumped by research, team work, and Macro level strategy. It really showcases that the games are about the teams as a whole, not just the lanes or the players. The power of proper team compositions shines through in this match, as well as how to properly pull off your team composition (coming from Kabum) can be game changing. While we do see individual mistakes from ALL, we also see them winning teamfights that they would not be against a more individually skilled team. This is a match were we really see the underdog, winning on their own merit, and even shining past their opponents. Through recognizing their weaknesses through the Group Stage, and understanding their own strengths, Kabum craft a strong Macro level strategy from the start, building upon it with their team composition, seeing and using it's strength against Alliance's team, and overcoming a very tough opponent. This match, more than any other, shows what is likely to be the next focus of professional League of Legends play.

ClashjeDec 9, 20142 votes

Ow really? Alliance is actually one of the best teams I know at macro level. Remember when they got the new coach and turned a game against fanatic into a 23 minute win? Just by recognizing a slight advantage and pushing it extremely hard. They have great synergy, teamwork and their strategies are great and innovative. I can imagine Alliance didn't do maximum research against Kabum, because its a team they can overcome simply by their individual skill. The problem of that game was that Alliance probaly got cocky and put way more energy in preparing for their next games (that would be much thougher against actual good opponents) Saying that Alliance relies solely on their individual skill is really short sighted. Maybe they did it to much this game. But if Kabum actually has the future of LoL play, then why did they only take one game? Kabum is a fun team, and they are all great players, but just not on the level of most other teams in the championships. They got their picks and they played a good game. They had great control over the map and caught Alliance by suprise. Mainly Poor decision making for Alliance won Kabum the game. If the best game of 2014 is a game that is a huge fail clip from one of the greatest teams in the world I would become very sad.

LovercakeDec 8, 20146 votes

Funny how only the Alliance fans and DrAkPiNgU thinks it's weird, but i simply cannot see why the Alliance vs Kabum game is here. Sure, it was a fail game from Alliance, but when the vote is for ''most entertaining game'' i cannot see why. If it said NJS instead of KBM in the name tag, it wouldn't even be on this list, but purely because it says ''KBM'' it'll win the vote, even though a match like the Fnatic vs OMG or Dig vs TSM was REALLY entertaining..

MyrddinDec 9, 20143 votes

While impressive, the game itself wasn't that compelling to watch. It was a great performance by one team, and a lackluster performance by another. This is why it didn't make the cut.

See i read this before looking at any part of this thread, i thought he was referring to the kabum vs alliance game.

LovercakeDec 11, 20141 votes

As another person said, isn't KBM - ALL exactly the same? A great performance by one team and a lackluster one by another? I just think the KBM - ALL game is good for the wrong reasons. When i think of a good match, i think of a match that's actually entertaining. No matter who is plaing, if it said '' OMG vs SSB'' og ''CW vs GMB'' like most of the above matches are. But the KBM - ALL game is ONLY entertaining because it says '' KBM - ALL'' If it was ''SSW - ALL ''it wouldn't even be on the list. That's why i think it's wrong to put it there, the match itself wasn't interesting as the others, only the result is because of the names.

ZeroAnarchyDec 11, 20141 votes

Of course if it was SSW vs ALL it wouldn't be put up there because Alliance would've just gotten destroyed.

FietDec 10, 20141 votes

I totally agree, from a strategic and outplay point of view the Alliance - shield game was amazingly played by alliance and one of the best dominating games I've seen, but in the end the game didn't carry much weight in the group stage. The Kabum - Alliance game was terrible alliance just stunk all over the place and Kabum wasn't even that much better. The game wasn't Kabum outplaying Alliance it was Alliance just thinking they had the game in the pocket and just playing like shit, I never saw them play as bad as they did that day even when they just started up as a team. But in the end the game had such an impact on the group stage that it probably deserves to be on this list only for that reason and all the commotion that was made around it. But the way the game was played was just terrible.

DraztrazzDec 10, 20144 votes

Alliance vs Millenium with the troll picks? Ashe summoner 11 Rammus summoner 4 summoner 12

Magus MistDec 10, 20144 votes

I think MIL vs ALL troll game was entertaining aswell.................... and if you didnt want to put NWS vs ALL because game wasnt entertaining to watch because of NWS poor performance, why would you put KBM vs ALL .. wasnt it.. poor performance aswell? :P

ZeroAnarchyDec 9, 20143 votes

Brazil #1 Kabum

J to the RocDec 9, 20143 votes

What about the C9 vs SSB quarterfinals game?

AughtzoDec 9, 20143 votes

Rito, care to explain why the best game all year is not on this list. Did someone merely forget or look over the 82 minute thriller of Complexity vs Curse? It has to be the most exciting game I've ever watched.

serupikoDec 9, 20142 votes

Rookie was a freak on yasuo in that kt vs blue game

tau43Dec 9, 20142 votes

What about the double ace between Curse and Coast?

Smart KittyDec 9, 20142 votes

I'm pretty sure Kabum vs Alliance is going to win, just cuz it was the biggest upset and not the best game. I personally think most of the other games were more exciting, and Fnatic vs OMG was definitely the best.

RóótDec 9, 20142 votes

for kaBum

Fe XayahDec 10, 20142 votes

As a diehard Fnatic fan, the Fnatic vs OMG game will forever be remembered. Even tho I was bitter at the loss and our elimination from worlds, it was such an epic game to watch, i'll surely never forget it.

TacticCarrotCakeDec 9, 20141 votes

When I read "VOTE FOR THE BEST GAME OF 2014" the first impression was that I thought it was talking about games (not matches) released in 2014 compared to LoL, until I read the link properly ("lolesports"). :v

D3veZOneDec 9, 20141 votes

ITT: people that didn't watch OGN finals.

KrreeDec 9, 20141 votes

Alliance-Kabum was indeed a big upset but... In my opinion, there is no match on this list that can match the Fnatic-OMG game. For me, that was by far the most exciting, thrilling and nerf wrecking match I have ever seen. The clutch moments were real. #1

KrreeDec 9, 20141 votes

The commentary in the AHQ EDG game deserves an oscar .. Joe <3

DPRK Rammus RamDec 9, 20141 votes

's too bad the KT/SS game doesn't have the English casting available

M3resinDec 9, 20141 votes

Copenhagen Wolves vs Alliance | S4 EU LCS Summer 2014 SuperWeek 7 Day 3

One of the matches I still remember and I am not a fan of none of them

magic poleDec 9, 20141 votes

all biases aside, i love the theme of this article!

I'm not really a fan of any team, just love watching skilled players/teams go at it.

These are certainly all great games, games i might not have otherwise seen were it not for the article. More like this please! Highlights, outplays, skill / strategic outplays. These are all entertaining and also informative for the average player.

KaxiDec 10, 20141 votes

I definitely have to give the tip to the Coast-TSM game. While I thoroughly enjoyed the Dignitas-TSM game and nearly punched my screen during the Fnatic-OMG game, I was dazzled by Coast's superstar play and TSM's determination to hold on. The reaction of the Coast squad after that final auto-attack was so beautiful; I couldn't help but cheer alongside them with a big goofy smile. :)