A Flamers Guide to Rift Rivals

Last year’s Rivals gave us WTF is Aatrox. I have no idea what sort of BS will rear its ugly head at this event. Let’s look at the teams from the west.

NA Team Liquid: After a successful venture in Vietnam at MSI. They have their eyes set on returning the bragging rights back to NA. Jensen throughout the year has been performing as advertised, Xmithie pulling off baron heists on a weekly basis, Impact returning to 2016 form. This has put less strain on the bot lane of Doublelift and CoreJJ though they can still pop off at any moment. They also have the benefit of going to Rift Rivals with real contenders to help weaken their opposition.

TSM: After a disastrous 2018, TSM look to avenge for last year’s failure. However, it’s been over a year since they got to complete internationally. Hopefully Bjergsen should be able to shave off the rust as he is a man on a mission. The cast of characters around him are equally as dangerous. One the most important keys to TSM’s resurgence has been the prevalence of an identity. A game plan consisting of aggressive early game, methodical mid game macro, and ruthlessly efficient team fighting.

C9: After letting a series win against TSM slip through their fingers, the boys in blue have a chance to redeem themselves on the big stage. While C9 might not be the strongest in one single position. They make up for it by being a complete unit and winning through creativity and teamwork. Just don’t go for full cdr Ashe that worked out terribly. If their going to win, it’s through Sneaky surviving in lane with either Nisqy or Licorice popping off. Not that Sneaky is a bad player, it’s just that he makes most of his impact after the laning phase. If C9 does get a lead, they are usually able to close it out cleanly with aggressive vision control. C9 will need all of the meme power they can get to thrive in this event.

EU G2: The perennial Kings of Europe have one obstacle on their conquest of World domination. This would be Fnatic, however, to the dismay of NA fans, they are temporarily setting their differences aside for regional pride. G2 now get to release their frustration of the Fnatic loss onto NA. Their early game is super explosive looking to get lane kills and assert their dominance in as many lanes as soon as possible. However, this can be a double edged sword as G2 are used to playing with a lead. This leads to them being greedy when behind due to their inexperience from a deficit. Fnatic was able to exploit and expose this weakness.

Fnatic: As I said earlier they have a temporary truce with G2 just for this event. With a full Spring Split to rebuild, Fnatic have fully developed Nemesis as an elite midlaner who has not only replaced CAPS, but has gone toe to toe with him with and possibly has more potential than him. This roster is very hungry and looks to average for last year’s embarrassing world finals performance. Their first target on their revenge tour is NA.

Origen: In my opinion, this team is the most dangerous dark horse going into this exhibition. The team has possibly a bigger chip on their shoulder than even Fnatic. Players like Nukeduck, Alphari, Kold, and Patrik are hungry to prove that the LEC is more than just the G2 and Fnatic show. In addition they are tired of playing little brother to G2. Mithy also has a score he needs to settle as he wants to make TSM regret releasing him. In order for this narrative to happen however, Nukeduck will need to outperform the likes of Bjergsen and Jensen to have a chance. Fortunately he has the supporting cast to share the burden.

Prediction: To be fair, each team has a valid reason to make it to the finals. However, I predict that it will be a rematch of the MSI finals TL vs G2. In that matchup I believe that G2 will win as their early game and talent is too good right now and Liquid will be overwhelmed by it.

Now watch as this prediction blows up in my face.