Easyreal6 votesThe only problem i have with the whole dispute of TSM vs C9 is how while TSM was on top they tried out different comps and strats beforehand. Losing a few games that way, trying to define more ways to win the game, while C9 were just trying to catch back up and stay with the pack. This SHOULD give TSM a huge advantage having more tools in their arsenal not to discredit C9 at all just throwing that point out there. Now I think this Bo5 leans towards TSM, but thats not to say C9 hasnt FINALLY returned to their old self (I feel like ive heard this before)
Ssataniko3 votesThat FreeSM only lost because they were "trying new comps" is a BS excuse that Loco perpetrated and the casters parroted. Oh, Bjergsen playing Cassi mid once is such a wild and innovative "comp." Teh fact is that when C9 went 24-4 last season (after 25-3 in their first split) they did play new strats and do some things to prep for international competition and they STILL won. And this season even when back in 3rd place Hai pulled out Kennen Mid, Corki Mid (he did it before it caught on), and finished w/ J4 Mid! And of course Lemon was the first to use both Veigar and the now ubiquitous Nautilus Support. Meteos was first to give his old fave ZAC another go around this split as well, and Sneaky pulled out the rarely picked Draven. And the standard for C9 being their "old selves" is too insanely high. They can't go 25-3 again (not only because there are only 18 games a split now) but because NA has improved massively. And where C9 were simply more skilled and much smarter than every other team in the past, now every team (particularly these corporate clubs like FreeSM, CLG, and LIquid) have imported coaches and armies of analysts to close the gap, while C9 basically has Charlie and a few remote analysts...and themselves. FreeSM may win a Bo5 but C9 will always put up a fight and they've already taken a huge step to their ultimate goal...another Worlds.
Benyec1 votesThe problem I have with C9 is that i feel they aren't as interested in international events as they should be.
They show beatiful performances time after time, i especially loved Sneaky beating Deft in lane at Worlds. They got into quarters but it felt they are okay with that, and they don't have the motivation to actually believe they can win.
Everyone knows that asian teams have the upper hand at winning those international events, and as a fan you might be confortable at rooting for them and not believing in your own region, many many westers fans do that and it's natural. As a team and sportsmen, however, your mentality should be focused on winning even if the odds are against you. I don't mean being delusional and cocky like Gambit at 2014 Katowice, i mean true confidence and hope, like KT Arrows at 2015 OGN summer finals.
I will root for them as far as they play the foreigners, i just feel they should be more motivated. What TSM is a lot better than them is definitely in motivation.
Feel free to correct me if i'm feeling it wrong.
Cripple Oracle2 votesI think TSM is gonna take this one. #C9FOREVER!
The Lexer1 votesBjergsen has way more champions than Hai does, and that might make the difference. Hai can barely play most champs, while meanwhile Bjergsen learns Urgot in one week and wins an LCS game.