Which Teams Are Competing in the 2017 World Championship?

Riot·Aug 21, 2017·3 votes·55,998 views

The battle for a place at Worlds has begun in regions around the globe. We’ll update this article with the qualifying teams as they’re locked in. For information on how teams qualify and seed placement, check out this article.

Now, on to the teams!

Korea – LCK

1st Seed: Longzhu Gaming
2nd Seed: SK Telecom T1
3rd Seed: Samsung Galaxy

China – LPL

1st Seed: EDward Gaming
2nd Seed: Royal Never Give Up
3rd Seed: Team WE

Europe – EU LCS

1st Seed: G2 Esports
2nd Seed: Misfits
3rd Seed: Fnatic

North America – NA LCS

1st Seed: TSM
2nd Seed: Immortals
3rd Seed: Cloud9

Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau – LMS

1st Seed: Flash Wolves
2nd Seed: ahq e-Sports Club
3rd Seed: Hong Kong Attitude

Southeast Asia – GPL

1st Seed: GIGABYTE Marines
2nd Seed: Young Generation

Brazil – CBLoL

Team oNe eSports

Commonwealth of Independent States – LCL

Gambit Esports

Japan – LJL

Rampage

Latin America North – LLN

Lyon Gaming

Latin America South – CLS

Kaos Latin Gamers

Oceania – OPL

Dire Wolves

Turkey – TCL

1907 Fenerbahçe Espor

To see which teams are playing against one another, tune into the Group Draw Show on Lolesports at 5AM PT on September 12.

66 Comments

Virgin RayAug 22, 201715 votes

Who's competing in Worlds 2017? -SKT T1 -Other teams we don't care about

yoboseoAug 22, 201723 votes

More like SKT T1 and everyone else TBD (To be defeated)

Virgin RayAug 22, 20174 votes

https://68.media.tumblr.com/ade12db96cd30f9a0ef4167d72252616/tumblr_nlsy5w9dvj1u5ysmwo1_400.gif

woodvsmurphAug 31, 20179 votes

Except that longzhu has beaten SKT fairly consistently. And as LCK casters have said, longzhu doesn't even have the most stacked roster in Korea - weaker than the Rox/Koo tigers of last year on paper. And we have flashwolves. If teams play to their strengths, don't lose their head (respect, don't fear), and play what works for them rather than follow the Korean meta like sheep (meanwhile Korea has practiced it to perfection and is perfecting their counter to the meta) I see no reason why someone other than LCK vs LCK can't be in the finals.

AleksaTeemoSep 1, 20172 votes

Lobnzghu gaming vs skt t1 finals calling it.

DC NATION 101Sep 2, 20171 votes

Samsung Galaxy has consistently beaten both teams the entire season

KinjishiSep 4, 20172 votes

lol, false... SKT beat Samsung in the playoffs. That's why Samsung ended up in the Regional Qualifier to begin with.

woodvsmurphSep 3, 20172 votes

SKT vs IMT so Huni can lose to his former team. And everyone will sound like they are in a Taco John's commercial chanting Olleh, Olleh, Olleh, Olleh.

But in reality, there is actual threat of a Korean team getting knocked out in group stages or quarter finals this year. Sure, the most predictable/safest bet is what you say; however, plenty of other possibilities are much more probable than in seasons past.

AleksaTeemoSep 3, 20173 votes

Lonzghu gaming,skt t1,samsung are not gonna get knocked out by other teams,but other KR seeds.

KinjishiSep 7, 20172 votes

None of the Korean teams look invincible right now. Longzhu had Khan shut down in one game and then they just fell apart. Expect teams to punish that weakness at worlds. SKT has looked shaky ever since Rift Rivals was over - top and jungle are huge question marks for them. Samsung sort of has a consistent roster now. If they start Haru, they lose. If they start Ambition, they win. (was the opposite in Spring split) ...this is the least confident in Korean teams anyone should be going into Worlds.

AleksaTeemoSep 7, 20171 votes

But are NA/EU/CH/TW/BR teams able to capiliaze on their weaknesses like for example skt t1 shut down khan in game 3 etc.

KinjishiSep 9, 20174 votes

I hope so. I want this to be the closest Worlds yet. : )

AleksaTeemoSep 9, 20171 votes

Same.But remember.In 2015 we had 2 EU teams in the semis,while last year we had 3 KR and 1 EU.Seems the gap is getting bigger,not closing..

BigBellBruteSep 10, 20171 votes

{quoted}

None of the Korean teams look invincible right now. Longzhu had Khan shut down in one game and then they just fell apart. Expect teams to punish that weakness at worlds. SKT has looked shaky ever since Rift Rivals was over - top and jungle are huge question marks for them. Samsung sort of has a consistent roster now. If they start Haru, they lose. If they start Ambition, they win. (was the opposite in Spring split) ...this is the least confident in Korean teams anyone should be going into Worlds.

All the talk last year was exactly the same. Oh the Koreans are vulnerable. SKt is coming in as a two, this is the year another region is going to break through. And look what happened. Korea absolutely dominated and SKT won an all Korean Final. Not saying it can't happen but I'll believe the Koreans are vulnerable when I genuinely see them getting beat consistently at worlds.

LandreinSep 11, 20172 votes

Every year, I hear the same thing about korea, then when you call them out for it people say "Back in season 2". We Korea didn't win in season 1 either. Those were a long time ago, with different rules, and different teams. They have no relation to league now. About that, have the Koreans lost at worlds since the second season?

woodvsmurphSep 12, 20171 votes

Of course they didn't win season 1 - they weren't even playing league then and they didn't have a Korean server.[zombie-brand-facepalm]

As for season 2 - they were fully expected to win and the high possibility of a full Korean v Korean final. Instead some "no name" region smashes everyone.

This does have full relevance to today. We know other teams outside Korea have the individual skill. And not just from Korean imports. Tons of Chinese pro's, LMS region - the top 3 teams have plenty who can go toe-to-toe with the best in Korea, top players from (Na & Eu) LCS, and the star players from lesser-known regions too. So micro-play other teams can 100% match them; not all of them on a TEAM-WIDE basis, but some of them can.

Then we have MACRO play and champ select. Rotations, shotcalling, teamfighting, etc. Again, a number of teams can and regularly do build a healthy lead in the early game (but tend to fail to build on that lead through intelligent rotations and pressuring) - but they are improving in this; just look at LPL this year as proof. Others don't get an early lead, but actually win mid game or late game teamfights, yet tend to fail to end the game off that. This can happen from overstepping without a decisive enough win and reaching for too much too fast. Or from not pressuring enough. But again, in their best moments, these teams have shown they are more than capable of executing properly in such situations.

It is only a matter of time.

LandreinOct 9, 20171 votes

Of course the Korean's didn't play in season 1. That was my whole point. Going back to the second season, an entirely different time, to justify your desperate and wishful thinking for an upset is silly cause the second season was a long time ago with a very different set of circumstances. My point was you can always find "a time back in season x" where what you want to happen happened. But that doesn't mean it has any relevance to the current season. It's hilarious actually to see you try to justify believing the absurd like other regions will win this year by selectively choosing what seasons to refer too. "Forget season 3+ cause Korean's won that. Season 2 is the only season that matters"

As far as the LPL, are you sure you want to use them as an example of Korean failure?

woodvsmurphOct 10, 20171 votes

Nope - no season where clg or tsm "wonnered" the whole thing lol. Also, saying something isn't LIKELY and that it ISN'T POSSIBLE are 2 very different things. Is it not likely for a non-Korean team to win worlds or for 2+ non-Korean teams to make it to semi-finals? Sure. Is it impossible? Hell no. Tons of other players have the same or comparable individual skill - some are even better than some of their Korean counterparts. Some teams have equal macro play or better. Same for shotcalling, teamfighting, splitpushing; everything. It is merely putting everything together and doing so consistently for an entire series to win the series. It's a matter of IF not CAN - contrary to what you suggest. Korea CAN be beat; IF they will is the question. IF their opponents will show up and play their best for the whole series, for the whole game.

And the best way for something like that to happen was summarized nicely by Froskurinn - teams have tried for too long to copy Korea. When what they best need to do is to play their game to the best of their ability.

Because a fake/copy of the Mona Lisa is never going to be as good as the original right?... But if you do what you do best and become the best at that, then you don't need to beat the Mona Lisa by painting a copy of the Mona Lisa; you beat it by making composing the song Clarity and becoming an international music star. Not literally of course, but you see what Froskurinn means by her comment. I've said it for over 2 seasons now, and it seems like it's finally sinking in to some teams' minds.

LandreinOct 19, 20171 votes

You've said it for 2 seasons now and yet, you still have to go back to season 2 to find a time Korea can't win. You are Charlie Brown to Leagues Lucy. My point still stands though, your wishful thinking aside, "back in season 2" is not a reason for believing anything. I did notice your attempt to change your reasoning from, "we can do it because season 2" to "there is a non-zero chance another region could win worlds" good try, ill even concede that point. All the Korean teams could suddenly realize there is no real competition in league outside korea, get bored, and quit before the final. That is probably more likely than a team beating a Korean team in the final. In case I don't see you after worlds end by the way, the words you are looking for are "good grief".

KinjishiSep 7, 20171 votes

"Except that longzhu has beaten SKT fairly consistently." In the last half of summer, sure. Not the entire year. SKT dominated summer until Rift Rivals and won Spring Split as well as MSI.

Longzhu isn't weaker than the Tigers of last year. 2 of the Tigers are even on their roster (PraY/Gorilla). At the beginning of summer, Longzhu went and got talent others didn't know/thought about (Khan, Cuzz), put Bdd on starting roster, then a new Longzhu appeared. They didn't dwell in the bottom of the bracket like they did in Spring.

woodvsmurphSep 7, 20172 votes

Their toplaner isn't the best toplaner in Korea. Their mid and jungler - I don't know if they are as highly regarded. If you want to argue each of them are rated higher than the Tigers mid and jg from last season - take it up with the LCK casters themselves - they've said Longzhu doesn't have as stacked a roster and I'm pretty sure they have a good feel for the Korean scene.

RunninNakedSep 11, 20172 votes

The mid and Junglers are highly regarded in Korea. Both have hit rank 1 ladder in Korea. Jungler hit rank 1 in Korea and China ladders. Bdd had the best KDA in 2017 split. Granted best kda doesn't mean everything...he is still highly regarded in Korea.

JamesDailyVlogsSep 11, 20171 votes

At the end of the day SKT T1 has always been a playoff team. No matter how good or bad their seasons were they show up at worlds and prove they are the best all stats aside. No other team has more experience at worlds than them.

LandreinSep 11, 20171 votes

People say that every year, and yet. . .

TrollFan01Aug 22, 20179 votes

I can see TSM sitting at their house, watching DIG win, and having a party afterwards lol.

ArkøAug 28, 20176 votes

Mock my words... TSM will get past group stage this year... lol nahhh rip NA

BigBellBruteAug 30, 20174 votes

[{quoted}](name=Pöst Up,realm=NA,application-id=9hBQwnEU,discussion-id=ghjJ37WN,comment-id=0002,timestamp=2017-08-28T03:05:30.801+0000)

Mock my words... TSM will get past group stage this year... lol nahhh rip NA

The Gigabyte Marines have already called them out. HAHA.

PC DaveAug 31, 20174 votes

I mean, they did well at Rift Rivals...... which probably means they've used up all their 2017 luck

Morgan ArcAug 30, 20176 votes

It's kinda sad that the lMS finally has 3 slots and the team who was 3rd nearly every season, J-team, didn't make it this year.

S2 700 ELOAug 31, 20173 votes

How have Immortals clinched? Doesn't C9 have 110 points with IMT only having a max of 90 if they get 2nd?

S2 700 ELOAug 31, 201710 votes

Nvm, I can't do math.....

ThunderspamSep 8, 20171 votes

I honestly dont know why IMT is going, but i do know that the teams going to worlds are TSM, IMT, and C9. All C9 have to do is win either a single game or a single best of 5 to go to worlds. I think the only way that they wont go is if C9 gets knocked out in the first game without winning a single game(so an 0/3) and CLG wins all of their games and the finals.

Trumpsta4LyfeSep 11, 20173 votes

Gambit?Shouldn't they be in the EU instead of sneaking a worlds spot in the LCL. Come on now.

Sneaky FastSep 6, 20172 votes

SKT is not the best this year. Just because a team wears the SKT mask doesn't mean one can ignore their losing streak or them being taken apart in the finals. Samsung won't win like they did in 2014, but Longzhu will.

Nepyon08Sep 10, 20171 votes

Everytime people doubt SKT they win. Worlds SKT forgets about playoffs and regionals and every other event. They decide they enjoy money and win again and again. They didn't win season 4 because they didn't play. The faker era SKT is unbeatable at when they play at worlds.

BigBellBruteSep 10, 20171 votes

[{quoted}](name=Sneaky Fast,realm=NA,application-id=9hBQwnEU,discussion-id=ghjJ37WN,comment-id=0009,timestamp=2017-09-06T01:20:58.188+0000)

SKT is not the best this year. Just because a team wears the SKT mask doesn't mean one can ignore their losing streak or them being taken apart in the finals. Samsung won't win like they did in 2014, but Longzhu will.

Recall SKT was a #2 last year. Everyone said the same thing about em. Don't ever count SKT out until they are out.

OtastaAug 31, 20171 votes

Will the play-in group draw be tiered similar to how it was at MSI? For example, lets say the EU #3 seed gets grouped in the play in with the team from Brazil and Turkey. Both of those international regions have had much more success, and would be a more powerful group. I am just curious if it will be like MSI for the draw (NA,EU,LMS,LPL Pool 1) (BR, TR, GPL, LCL as pool 2) (LLN,CLS,OPL,LJL as pool 3). Or something like that

BigBellBruteSep 1, 20173 votes

{quoted}

Will the play-in group draw be tiered similar to how it was at MSI? For example, lets say the EU #3 seed gets grouped in the play in with the team from Brazil and Turkey. Both of those international regions have had much more success, and would be a more powerful group. I am just curious if it will be like MSI for the draw (NA,EU,LMS,LPL Pool 1) (BR, TR, GPL, LCL as pool 2) (LLN,CLS,OPL,LJL as pool 3). Or something like that

Pool 1 Korea 1, EU 1, LPL 1 LMS 1 Pool 2. NA 1, NA 2, Korea 2, Korea 3, EU 2, LPL2, LMS 2 Southeast Asia 1.
Pool 3. Play in qualifiers.

Play in round 1 will be four groups of three double round robin, top two in each group advance.
Play in round 2. Group winners vs Group 2nd place best of five. Random redraw.

Play in teams NA 3, EU 3, LPL 3, LMS 3, Southeast Asia 2, Brazil 1, Japan 1, Oceana 1, Turkey 1, Latin America North 1, Latin America South 1, Russia #1.

KinjishiSep 4, 20171 votes

Kind of hope Fnatic make it for 3rd EU seed. But Rekkles needs to stop thinking he has to always carry the team. :/

Buento BoxSep 7, 20171 votes

but rekkles is pretty much the main carry. can't deny that. Caps is still a rookie, and they need broxah, jesiz, and Soaz to be more of a supportive style to aid him and caps. and since caps is a newer face on the scene, he will need rekkles to carry him

KinjishiSep 7, 20172 votes

Rekkles' style can't carry the team in the way they need. Period. What Fnatic is trying to do won't get them very far on the International stage. Soaz, Caps, or Broxah need to be more of a carry... they need multiple threats to go far. Fnatic really messed up when they dismissed Deilor.

AleksaTeemoSep 7, 20171 votes

Exatcly,rekkles is always your I never feed and deal dmg in teamfights but i cant solo carry type.

Buento BoxOct 3, 20171 votes

deilor wanted to step down

Erook22Sep 5, 20171 votes

I want TSM or SKT T1 to win everyone else is worthless

iEthan3Sep 10, 20172 votes

Wow we got a bandwagon on our hands

Womp123Sep 6, 20171 votes

As a TSM fan, I have no problem proclaiming: GIGABYTE MARINES!!!!!!!! Glad to see em not even have to play in to get into the group stage. It would be amazing if TSM, SKT, and GBM all got into the same group if that's even possible. Hyped for Worlds!

BigBellBruteSep 10, 20171 votes

{quoted}

As a TSM fan, I have no problem proclaiming: GIGABYTE MARINES!!!!!!!! Glad to see em not even have to play in to get into the group stage. It would be amazing if TSM, SKT, and GBM all got into the same group if that's even possible. Hyped for Worlds!

It can't happen. SKT is group 2. TSM is also group 2. And GBM is also group 2. Only two group 2s per group.

GIFT OF LOVESep 12, 20171 votes

what?

LandreinSep 12, 20171 votes

I kind of have mixed feelings about the new rules. One the one side, NA only getting to send 2 teams to worlds group stage means NA fans only have to be disappointed twice instead of three times. However, we get the privilege to be embarrassed by our teams before worlds even start. Either way, we already know who is going to make it out of groups as well as the finals. Korea, china, and if the EU is as lucky as usual and gets to face all the bad teams in worlds, maybe they get a team in there. Maybe worlds isn't exactly scripted, but besides the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow, the outcome of worlds is probably the most predictable thing we will see out of worlds.

GwynderSep 12, 20171 votes

Ok, first of all, anyone else hyped to see Flame finally make it to Worlds after all these years!! Just like Ambition last year, it has been a long time coming :) Now, as to how teams will go, it won't be the dominant Korea like in the past... I am an avid LCK watcher, and this year they do look a little shaky (damn Afreeca for not making it!!) Next on the tier (by past performances) would be EU. If G2 make it out of groups, they will be a serious threat to any team, they seem to peak in best of series. Not sure if I can rate Misfits, but I feel Fnatic could turn some heads though. In regards to the LPL, they always seem strong, but I feel as usual their aggressive play will come back to bite them later in the tournament. Now on to NA... This could be their best Worlds yet, if they show up? I mean on paper TSM has a very strong squad, and I actually think they have a very real chance of doing better than an EU squad, and that is a first. It is not a dig at NA, but apart from CLG, NA's overall macro play has never really stood up too well at Worlds, whereas EU nearly always have it over any region apart from LCK. Immortals could do well and C9? Well, they will probably just do C9 things... LMS? If they show up, I expect them to get to quarters at the very least. Seriously, if Flash Wolves peak, they will be a real contender. I am not overly familier with the other regions, although I have been following my old favorite team in Gambit and believe they could cause quite a surprise. By the end I think it will be an extremely entertaining tournament :)