Power Rankings 1/20/2016
For an in-depth look at every team, and context on our panel and process for ranking, take a look at our novella about every team in professional League -- the Preseason Power Rankings.
One week in, and already nothing makes sense.
Alright, "nothing" is a bit of an exaggeration, but we've already seen regional champions from all over the globe falter in the opening week, leaving room for newly created super teams, and rookie squads to stake their claim among the top teams.
Skip ahead to your region of choice:
A quick note about the rankings.
We will still be indicating movement in the rankings despite not having a 1-20 list. Because tiers are somewhat fluid, and the number of tiers, and relative positioning can change depending on how many teams we assess as "even", we'll be indicating which teams' stock are rising and which are falling. But this shouldn't be looked at from the perspective of "this team rose a tier," since the number of tiers will change based on how many teams share the same tiers.
Hopefully that clears it up, but it should make sense. Please keep giving us feedback on the Power Rankings and let us know your thoughts in the comments. We try to read them all. We promise.
With that, on to Week 1.
NA LCS
Written by Carlos "h0tsawce" Bravo
- A Tier: IMT (2-0)
- B Tier: (-) C9 (1-1), (-) TSM (1-1), (+) NRG (2-0), CLG (1-1)
- C Tier: (-) TL (0-2), DIG (1-1), EF (1-1), REN (1-1)
- D Tier: TIP (0-2)
With the first week of NA LCS in the books, it’s predictable that we didn’t learn much beyond Immortals are pretty good and Team Impulse are going to struggle. A lot of teams looked more like a Solo Queue squad than a professional team. With that in mind, you will notice that this week’s Power Rankings fairly clustered.
[[{"fid":"21477","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/immortals_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D0czSGeoC","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"662","width":"992"}}]]
A Tier: Immortals (2-0)
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Immortals look so cohesive and synergized already – with two veterans in Pobelter and WildTurtle alongside well established teammates Huni and Reignover, there was a distinct professionalism already established. Adrian appears to have built off his 2015 performance as one of the best supports in NA, and is arguably the best disengage support in the West. However, let’s temper our excitement; Saturday Immortals played a Hai-less Cloud9, and Sunday the hapless Team Impulse. Let’s see what happens after this weekend, where they face TSM and NRG.
[[{"fid":"21478","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/nrg.jpg%3Fitok%3DhK4eZa-7","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"662","width":"992"}}]]
B Tier: (-) Cloud9 (1-1), (-) TSM (1-1), (+) NRG (2-0), Counter Logic Gaming (1-1)
The biggest slide this week comes from TSM, who played atrociously. The talent is undeniable, but one persistent issue from last season has already arisen -- indecisiveness. Yellowstar should be able to shore up the shotcalling issue, but let’s all hope we don’t see much more of his cringe-worthy Bard play.
Meanwhile, the story of Cloud9 is the same as it ever was -- scary with Hai, meek without him. The differences in play from Saturday to Sunday were stark, and yes, so was the level of competition, but C9's play was more crisp and decisive on Sunday. NRG is a high riser this week, and although they are 2-0, were the wins really impressive?
[[{"fid":"21479","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/sneaky_3.jpg%3Fitok%3DPn1Y-3PX","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"662","width":"992"}}]]
NRG lucker-dogged their way to a victory on Saturday (albeit with subs Cris at top and Shrimp looking more like krill in the jungle), and although the win on Sunday was more decisive, questions still remain. GBM did not play well in the laning phase either game, but more than made up for the lackluster early game with S tier macro and micro play in the mid and late game.
As for CLG, they appear to be a solid macro-oriented team that might be a little too one dimensional. Playing Jax at top both games seemed less of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, but instead a limitation or indicator of over-reliance by Darshan. CLG fell behind early on Sunday vs. Team Dignitas and were unable to utilize their split push strategy that proved effective vs. TSM.
[[{"fid":"21480","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/team_dignitas_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DndVZRCBT","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"662","width":"992"}}]]
C Tier: Team Dignitas (1-1), (-) Liquid (0-2), Echo Fox (1-1), Renegades (1-1)
Alright, let’s just get it out of the way -- Baron > Dignitas. Baron throws aside, Dignitas looked decent this weekend. In particular, the instant synergy between Kirei and Shiphtur is a shining light and gives Dignitas playoff aspirations. Liquid, on the other hand, is in an interesting place. After a nonplussed performance by IWDominate and Smoothie and Saturday, TL quickly, and wisely, pulled the plug. Liquid looked much more decisive and cohesive on Sunday, save for an atrocious performance from Fenix. Piglet in particular looked in his SKT form, and with the addition of Dardoch and Matt, Spring Split is looking brighter for Liquid.
[[{"fid":"21482","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/renegades_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D94tYRlfM","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"662","width":"992"}}]]
Echo Fox had a roller coaster of a weekend, with an easy win on Saturday and then crushing defeat on Sunday. Given their lineup, we expect many more weekends like this for FOX.
Renegades also had an uneven weekend, with a win over the lackluster Liquid on Saturday, and a thorough beating at the hands of Impact and NRG on Sunday. Remi’s champ pool continues to be a concern, as well as RF’s capability to play at this level. The bright spot has to be Freeze, who might already be the best ADC in NA after hard carrying his team on Saturday, and looking incredibly impressive on Sunday.
D Tier: Team Impulse (0-2)
Oh, boy. Well, TIP have already made the record books in Week 1, although not for the right reasons -- they suffered the fastest loss in LCS history to Immortals. What more can we expect in the future? And sure, we can say they are playing with subs and someone in an off role position, but that was not an acceptable performance at any level. TIP fans just need to take a breath, it's only Week 1. There is hope. I promise.
EU LCS
Written by Frank "Mirhi" Fields
It's too early to tell whether there's a true power shift in Europe, but there is already the makings of a very interesting season with new teams and overhauled rosters making most of the noise. Of the three 2-0 teams, 9 of the 15 players are either new to the roster, or weren't even in the EU LCS last split.
[[{"fid":"21483","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/forg1ven_forgiven.jpg%3Fitok%3DL4d7icG1","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]
S Tier: (+) H2K (2-0)
First off we have the best team in the EU LCS, by far.
H2K always had the potential to be the best team in Europe, if they demonstrated teamplay in addition to talent. They've done all that in spades. Not only does H2K look like a complete team, but the most complete team in Europe. As we'd hoped, Jankos and Vander controlled the early to mid game, and with FORG1VENGRE and Ryu playing near their peak capacity, H2K look to be the early frontrunners for the EU LCS title. But so much can happen over the course of a Split, and the Season isn't over in a Week.
[[{"fid":"21484","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/origen_8.jpg%3Fitok%3DAddA6i6d","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]
A Tier: (-) Origen (0-2), Fnatic (1-1), Vitality (1-1)
Despite Origen's 0-2 start to the Spring Split, they faced defending champion Fnatic as well as the aforementioned H2K -- there's still a ways to go before they hit the panic button. But it will be interesting if they decide to move back to xPeke in the mid lane to try to right the ship, even though PowerOfEvil's individual performance was strong. Most noteworthy, the SoaZ tilt was very real in Week 1.
[[{"fid":"21485","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/spirit.jpg%3Fitok%3DYmekAlr3","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]
Meanwhile, Fnatic and Vitality both came out 1-1 after lopsided losses and impressive wins. We're confused simply because the strength of opposition, on paper, mismatches the results, so it's too early to move them very far. The players on each team, particularly Spirit and Febiven, as well as Hjarnan and KaSing, all had decent individual performances, even in losses, but they didn't play well as a squad overall, and lost control of the match in the mid game. Both teams' Week 2 performance could drastically shake our confidence, or reaffirm their strengths, depending on the result.
[[{"fid":"21486","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/diamondprox.jpg%3Fitok%3DEXFSqJFm","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]
B Tier: G2 Esports (2-0), Unicorns of Love (2-0)
These two teams surprised us the most, and probably most fans as well. Why are they not ranked higher? Strength of opposition. Elements, Giants, Splyce, and ROCCAT aren't exactly teams we expect to be monsters of the EU LCS -- though it's certainly too early to tell that they aren't. We were impressed by G2 and UOL's play, but it's hard to discern how much was their playskill vs. skill of their opponents, especially in BO1 situations. Trick looked outstanding (and won Week MVP for his play), and the teamplay of both teams was incredible, considering how recently these rosters were assembled in the offseason. We'll be checking in on these teams and see how they play against other quality opponents.
[[{"fid":"21487","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/rallez_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DhLsMPHfH","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]
C Tier: Roccat (1-1), Elements (1-1)
*Editor's Note: This article previously incorrectly listed Fnatic as Roccat's Game 2 opponent, but it was actually G2 Esports. This has been corrected, and we apologize for the error.
It's not that these teams are…. bad. It's that we don't quite know what to make of them. Roccat had a very impressive win over Vitality in their first game, but then fell flat against G2 Esports* in their second. Simultaneously, Elements had much weaker competition, but still ended up with a single win over Splyce. Again, it's a long season, but if these were truly cream of the crop, we'd expect them to be 2-0 at this point, and they'd at least be a tier above with G2 and UOL. There are still chances to impress, but right now we're holding off.
[[{"fid":"21488","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/trashy.jpg%3Fitok%3DX1hulYBX","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]
D Tier: (-) Splyce (0-2), (-) Giants (0-2)
This may be a bit pre-emptive for Giants, given that both of their Week 1 opponents are 2-0, but quite frankly, they did not look very good in their games. Splyce on the other hand has no excuse. They handed Elements their sole win, and looked out of sorts throughout both of their matches. The good thing for these teams is that there's still time to adapt.
LMS
Written by Clement Chu
- S Tier: (+) AHQ (2-0-0)
- A Tier: TPA (1-0-0), (-) FW (0-1-0)
- B Tier: HKE (2-0-0), (-) M17 (0-2-0)
- C Tier: (-) XG (0-0-1), MSE (0-1-1)
- D Tier: (-) CGE (0-1-0)
Record format: (Win-Loss-Tie)
The first week of LMS reignited fan’s hopes for a broader competitive tier. With the loss of all but Olleh in terms of Korean imports, the LMS looked lacking outside of the top two teams (AHQ and FW). Now, a new class of previously never seen-before trainees and improving veterans look to shake up the league. Taipei Assassins began a renaissance with 17 year-old FoFo, while Machi were beaten but unbowed. The coming weeks will only be more fierce as more names like Rins and jeffeRy join the fray -- all looking to challenge ahq for a chance at owning a split title.
[[{"fid":"21489","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/chawy_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3D4YqYqUwC","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"704","width":"992"}}]]
S Tier: (+) ahq e-Sports Club (2-0-0)
ahq surprised us by showing no growing pains with integrating Chawy. It has been Coach Backstair’s stated goals to create an Eazyhoon/Faker-esque rotation mid, and so far they are succeeding. By playing westdoor on blue side, ahq are patching up westdoor’s shallow pool, while Chawy on red sides strikes with unorthodox picks such as Zilean. Chawy plays a mid-tempo poke/siege comp, while westdoor provides the familiar assassin skirmish composition. A 4-0 week shows that ahq is both flexible and deadly in the new split.
[[{"fid":"21491","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/fofo_resize_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DFBezNccg","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"674","width":"992"}}]]
A Tier: Taipei Assassins (1-0-0), (-) Flash Wolves (0-1-0)
To those that say old dogs can’t learn new tricks, well, TPA might have just bitten your face off. Taipei Assassins looked oddly rejuvenated, with and decisive calls and massive ultimates coming from BeBe (AD), Morning (Top) and Jay (Sup). They’ve never lacked a tactical understanding, but the boldness at which they've executed this Season is something new. It can perhaps be traced to rookie midlaner FoFo, as he currently holds the highest single-game kill count with a 10/1/6 debut performance on Ryze. Game of the Week will be between FW and TPA as their young Mids battle it out January 22nd.
[[{"fid":"21492","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/maple_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3Dd0ic27Ay","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"741","width":"992"}}]]
Flash Wolves fielded both of their newcomers MMD (Top) and Breeze (AD), however new faces couldn’t avoid old problems. Ziv demolished MMD on Tahm Kench, and then proceeded to face tank the entire FW team. Flash Wolves hang on to the third spot since Maple showed up as always on Zed, and Breeze made a statement by winning his lane versus AN. They will not be in contention for a title though, unless they can stop the bleeding from top lane.
[[{"fid":"21493","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/maplesnow_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3DLT47HtD2","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"648","width":"992"}}]]
B Tier: Hong Kong eSports (2-0-0), Machi (0-2-0)
Hong Kong eSports was the other team to score a 4-0 week, however they rank lower as their two opponents sit at the bottom of the rankings. Olleh was magically able to slip wards into the enemy jungle through pushing lanes, while MapleSnow was completely unopposed top. Olleh will start this week with a league-high 26 KDA, but neither conditions mentioned above are likely to repeat themselves versus AHQ. Again, despite great supporting positions in Olleh and Dinter, it's doubtful if their carries can hold up against the top teams.
[[{"fid":"21494","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/bobo_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3DD1KHMite","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"684","width":"992"}}]]
Machi are the opposite to HKE, they played the best two teams in ahq and TPA, going 0-4.
Gameplay wise, however, they showed much potential. Top laner BoBo was probably the most improved player, dueling his way against Ziv to a winning lane on Poppy. Dreamer was stellar as always, leading kill participation this week at 82%. Where they faltered was lane swapping and baron calls, strategical weaknesses that allowed teams to outsmart, rather than outfight them. Realistically, Machi looks to be a stronger team than HKE, but potential is a dirty word in League, and it’s difficult to place them higher than 5th when they have no points to show for.
[[{"fid":"21495","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/suwako_w_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3DZtw2d7fh","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"765","width":"992"}}]]
C Tier: (-) XGamers (0-0-1), Midnight Sun (0-1-1)
XGamers’ debut showed a team with a number of surprising talents, but incredibly sloppy performances. SuwaKo continued his reputation as an emerging mid laner by dumping over 63k points of damage on MSE, and LBB won bot lane comfortably. However, constant mistakes prolonged games that should have been snowballed. XG has shown that they can see enemy tactical errors with veteran Yo at the helm, now they’ll be looking to capitalize on them.
[[{"fid":"21496","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/m1ssion_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3DLp9KBRuH","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"753","width":"992"}}]]
Good moments for MSE were far and few between. Their current strategy revolves around putting M1ssion on Kassadin (a champion that he was never allowed to play last season) and hoping the enemy slips up. While M1ssion certainly did deliver on a 9/0/3 performance vs. XG, it’s difficult to see how teams will make the same mistake by leaving the Void Walker open when there are no other threats on the roster.
[[{"fid":"21497","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/never_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3DzXCpkGS4","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"597","width":"992"}}]]
D Tier: (-) Cougar E-Sport (0-1-0)
Star player jeffeRy sat out the first week tending to personal arrangements. In his place, support Never showed up with some real fire, roaming the map and attempting to ignite a comeback. However, an utter collapse in teamplay and morale towards the end of games makes it doubtful if CGE can last through their amateur phase as a team (guys, we can see your pings). They should remember that obtaining glory requires one to live through humiliation.
For a closer look at the highlights in LMS, you can check out LMS Spotlight, a weekly English segment featuring the stars, games to watch, and meta-trends.
LPL
Written by Indiana "Froskurinn" Black
- S Tier: (+) QG (2-0)
- A Tier: (+) RNG (2-0), (+) VG (1-1)
- B Tier: SS (1-0), WE (1-1)
- C Tier: (-) LGD (0-2), iG (0-0), (-) EDG (0-1), EPA (1-1)
- D Tier: OMG (1-1), (-) HYG (0-1), M3 (0-1)
The circus came to town for Week 1 of the LPL. Amidst the fire breathers and clown fiestas, the magicians of the league weren’t fast enough to hide their false promises of change with habitual slight of hand. This week, the ring leaders have been thrown to the lion pit. No more safety net. No more excuses.
Perform, or be eaten alive.
[[{"fid":"21498","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/qg.png%3Fitok%3DecGF8EZq","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"558","width":"992"}}]]
S Tier: (+) The QG Reapers (2-0)
The LSPL youngblood team turned pro are hungry, and while their competition in LGD and EDG fumbled, QG kept a formula (and roster) that works. They hit hard and they hit once. A normally lax early game has been tightened and reformed this "maybe" team into the team. There’s a new strategic maturity in the swift precision of their map movements that puts them in control at every stage of the game. And with talent like UZI and Dade still riding the bench, chances are that the LPL hasn’t seen QG’s final form.
It’s time to give QG the benefit of the doubt and confess: they’re the real deal and here to stay.
[[{"fid":"21499","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/vici.png%3Fitok%3D2OyOlUMF","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"558","width":"992"}}]]
A Tier: (+) Royal Never Gives Up (2-0), (+) Vici Gaming (1-1)
Despite QG and LGD having the headliner match, VG and RNG’s series was by far the highest level of competition in the LPL this week. Helmed by DanDy and Mata respectively, both these teams have defined themselves by their macro-oriented style; taking advantages by beating opponents around the rift and making progressive actions.
Mlxg continues to perform on an upswing out of his rookie season, and although DanDy outmaneuvered him in the early game, he held his own and is quickly becoming the breakout of the year. RNG best VG this time around because their roster has a higher competitive ceiling and -- like QG -- haven’t revealed their hand.
[[{"fid":"21500","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/snake_0.png%3Fitok%3DdZA-uzCd","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"558","width":"992"}}]]
B Tier: Snake Esports (1-0), Team WE (1-1)
Middle of the pack and still cut short by roster limitations. Due to SS’s light week against a gutted LGD, the jury is still out if they’re old news compared to upcoming RNG and VG, or if they can make a run for the top. Meanwhile WE show signs of growing pains with their new talent, but Condi continues to be an undervalued Jungler that keeps their dreams alive.
A larger sample size will be needed to push these teams in either direction, but for now, they’re safe for playoffs. And nothing is on fire.
[[{"fid":"21501","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/edg_0.png%3Fitok%3DrIK8p9Ye","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"558","width":"992"}}]]
C Tier: (-) LGD Gaming (0-2), Invictus Gaming (0-0), Edward Gaming (0-1), Energy Pacemaker.All (1-1)
Speaking of fires.
Welcome to the Lion Pit. iG and EPA retain their tier but new tenants are the fallen kings: LGD and EDG who are suffering from a long vacation. While Clearlove visits the bench, EDG lose all pressure and direction; meanwhile, MaRin isn’t enjoying his camping trip with the enemy team any better.
Jokes aside, both these teams suffer from the exact same problem: no Jungle pressure. Clearlove is the spine of EDG and without his support they look to collapse. Across, Eimy’s inexperience has left MaRin exposed, and his rotations are slow, meaning that LGD’s laners are playing a man down in every instance.
[[{"fid":"21502","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/omg_1.png%3Fitok%3DC6cSaZ-F","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"558","width":"992"}}]]
D Tier: OMG (1-1), (-) HY Gaming (0-1), Masters3 (0-1)
At the bottom of the pyramid are the new kids. These fresh rosters and undeveloped talents are outclassed in every avenue. Salvageable parts like OMG’s FishBall and HYG’s Gosu aren’t enough to stand on, and unfortunately what these rosters need most is time.
LCK
Written by Frank "Mirhi" Fields
- S Tier: ROX (1-0), (+) KTR (2-0)
- A Tier: LZ (1-1), (-) SKT (1-1)
- B Tier: (+) SSG (3-0), (+) JAG (2-1)
- C Tier: (-) SBENU (0-1), (-) CJ (0-2), (-) Afrecca (0-2)
- D Tier: (-) EMF (0-2)
Editor's note: These rankings were created following the conclusion of Week 1, and does not take into account the Week 2 game between Samsung and Longzhu.
[[{"fid":"21503","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/0104_lol_profile5903_size.jpg%3Fitok%3Da_238VOv","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"637","width":"992"}}]]
S Tier: ROX Tigers (1-0), (+) KT Rolster (2-0)
It shouldn't come as a huge surprise that ROX Tigers top the rankings after their 2-0 win over CJ Entus. They upgraded their jungle position by recruiting Peanut, and retained the core of the World Championship runner up team from 2015. Granted they only played a single match so far, this roster looks solid and should continue to see success. We were a little less sure about KT Rolster considering their slight roster upheaval, but so far the team hasn't felt much recourse after the loss of Piccaboo and Nagne from last year's squad. Fly has shown incredible prowess on control mages, and Hachani has been playing solidly in the bot lane to compliment Arrow. Thus far, this team looks like a force in the LCK.
[[{"fid":"21504","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/0104_lol_profile6283_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3DXRThfrLV","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"779","width":"992"}}]]
A Tier: Longzhu Gaming (1-1), (-) SKTelecom T1 (1-1)
We expected Longzhu to be a force in the LCK at some point, but maybe not right away. The team won two incredibly clean games against the Jin Air Green Wings, surrendering a total 12 kills in over 75 minutes of gameplay, looking especially dominant running a poke composition in Game 2. Lord Flame still has yet to grace us with his presence, and even without him, this super team looks like it can get even better. What has been most surprising is SKT's early trouble against Jin Air. Considering Longzhu's relative ease in their win over Jin Air earlier in the week, and the World Champions only suffering a minor setback in top lane, we would expect SKT to at least grab a game. But Faker and Friends (or... Scout in friends in Game 1) fell to Jin Air as they were squeezed out of two pretty long games -- with Faker's game actually being more lopsided. It's too early to panic in SKT's camp as they looked pretty good in Game 1, and in their earlier match against CJ, but we expect more from a roster this talented.
[[{"fid":"21505","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/1231_lol_profile3932_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3Dr91I30r9","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"645","width":"992"}}]]
B Tier: (+) Samsung Galaxy (3-0), (+) Jin Air Green Wings (2-1)
If you had told me that the team with the best record in LCK right now is one of last year's most ridiculed teams, I might not have believed you, but here we are with Samsung undefeated after Week 1. They weren't tested much in Week 1, having faced Afreeca and the inept e-mFire, but a win over Longzhu will have teams quickly trying to adapt to the surprise of the LCK so far. For Jin Air, we just have to wait and see -- they played two of the favorites in LCK in Week 1 and came out even. Not bad, considering. The truly elite teams will come out of such a week undefeated, but for now, we think Jin Air still has some growing to do, and if they can already take games off of top teams, then all the better. Their progress is promising, though, especially jungler Winged's control of the game throughout.
[[{"fid":"21506","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/1_top_shy_bagsangmyeonf_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3Dd3d2wadC","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"861","width":"992"}}]]
C Tier: (-) SBENU Sonicboom (0-1), (-) CJ Entus (0-2), (-) Afreeca Freecs (0-2)
It doesn't get much better from here. We didn't expect these teams to contend for the championship, but we expected better than this. None of these teams have played particularly inspired League of Legends, with no wins between them through a full week of play.
CJ Entus has a bit of a disclaimer as they faced both of the 2015 World Championship finalists in Week 1, but Afreeca and SBENU have no such excuse, and will need to step up as the season progresses if they wish to remain in the Playoff race by the second Round Robin.
[[{"fid":"21507","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/3_mid_roach_gimganghyir_resize.jpg%3Fitok%3D22P_1vTW","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"601","width":"992"}}]]
D Tier: (-) e-mFire (0-2)
e-mFire is basically the Team Impulse of the LCK. The organization didn't do a lot to secure their success in 2016, and even though they played decently in Game 1 vs. Samsung, they were completely blown out in Game 2. A lot of work to do here.
What are the biggest surprises of the Season so far? Will the Preseason favorites rebound, or will the new organizations and rosters over take them and lead a revolution in the competitive scene?
Let us know in the comments or on Twitter who you think are favorites to win the Spring Split.
Frank Fields is a Senior Editor for Lolesports.com. He has worked in esports as a player, manager, owner, and content creator in multiple game titles and various organizations since 2003. Feel free to talk to him about Power Rankings, Smash, Magic: The Gathering, League or anything else on Twitter.
