From second-best to first: LGD Gaming
LGD Gaming were expected to make Worlds, but not like this.
LGD rode a dominant wave in LPL Spring, having acquired World Champion AD carry Imp as well as dominant Samsung Blue top laner Acorn. However, throughout the split, it was clear that the biggest obstacle standing between them and Worlds was Edward Gaming, the perennial king of LPL.
LGD had avoided meeting their toughest opponent until the Finals in 2015 LPL Spring, subsequently losing that match 2-3. LGD was unconcerned with their Playoff seed in LPL Summer, provided they could avoid EDG until the Finals yet again. The mostly apathetic scrim culture in China leads teams to try out new strategies in professional matches, and LGD is no exception. LGD used the early part of Summer to shore up their weaknesses -- that is until the Playoff format changed, and it became apparent that their low Playoffs seed would be more significant than they originally thought.
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Following the Playoffs format announcement, LGD rose through the regular season ranks to secure a higher seed, but still finished 5th. The lower seed guaranteed an EDG vs. LGD Semifinals match, and most expected that China's second best team would have to qualify in the Regional Qualifier.
In a shocking turn of events, LGD Gaming swept EDG in the Semifinals, and due to their Circuit Points, clinched China's first seed to the 2015 World Championship.
The Play
As confetti rained down and the team excitedly ran to the trophy, tears began welling up in support Pyl's eyes and teammates were quick to hug their captain.
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The current LGD Gaming would be nothing without Pyl, as shown in their dismal Week 1 performance, when they went 1-3 while their support was out of the lineup for jaw surgery. Two of their players -- mid laner GODV Wei and AD carry Imp -- joined LGD specifically for Pyl.
Pyl's genius comes through his shotcalling. LGD knows the map better than any team in China, and if you give them an inch, they'll use it to take your Nexus -- often to a fault. In the video above, LGD preps for Dragon by pushing out all of their waves, and using Imp's Kog'Maw to take mid. The end result over a minute of gameplay is two turrets, a Dragon, and a four-for-zero team fight.
However, what Pyl truly brings to LGD, according to teammates and staff, is the rare personality of a mediator, allowing him to guide the team through high-pressure situations and facilitate communication.
Always the Bridesmaid, Finally the Bride
While others may look at the 2015 LPL Summer Finals as meaningless -- LGD had already guaranteed themselves the first seed in their Semifinals victory over EDG -- the title of LPL Champion had eluded LGD for years. The team failed to qualify for the first two seasons of LPL in 2013. In the following seasons, they edged ever closer with different iterations of players -- a 5th place finish, then a 4th, then narrowly missing the World Championship in the 2014 Regional Qualifiers. Pyl was there through it all.
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Taking 2nd place to EDG in the 2015 LPL Spring Playoffs was LGD's highest finish to date until the Summer Finals. As the final Nexus fell against the Qiao Gu Reapers in the Summer Finals, Imp was hailed as the first "Triple Crown" winner: now owner of an LPL title, an LCK title, and a World Championship. It was only Pyl's first title, but one would be hard-pressed to find a more deserving player than China's beloved support.
Talk of the Rift
In interviews, the members of LGD always attribute their success to the efforts of the team, reflecting their results on the Rift.
"Today I played pretty so-so. We won because we worked well as a team," Pyl said, following their Semifinals win over EDG.
"I feel the same as Pyl. Even though I performed less than my usual standard, my entire team was really strong," GODV added. "So it was a natural win."
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GODV in particular has become a fan-favorite as well, and gathered international acclaim for his play throughout 2015. Most notably, his less-selfish, more team-oriented playstyle has allowed LGD to thrive, ironically thrusting the mid laner into a larger spotlight as a primary carry and one of the best in his position.
“[My playstyle] certainly has been more team-oriented since then," GODV said in a recent interview about his days on his former team, Vici Gaming. "At the time, my team [Vici] was not strong, so someone had to step up and carry. Nowadays, I pick according to the team comp.”
He may be more team-oriented, but he remains incredibly confident about his own play.
"It’s okay -- give them five bans, and they still can’t stop me.”
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Interested in learning more about the other teams competing at Worlds? Check out the whole lineup, now.
