At the dawn of League of Legends World Championship 2019, many great stories are ready to be told... but only one will end well.
The European Dream
What if a European team could finally lift the Summoner's Cup for the first time since Season 1? Well, it's not forbidden to dream... The last time Europe was hosting the Worlds, two European teams managed to reach the semi-finals, but the defeat of Fnatic against KOO Tigers put an end to this dream — which certainly stuck in the throat of most EU fans. Since this date, Europe only got better with Fnatic reaching the finals last year and G2 Esports prevailing at the MSI.
If Splyce's hopes are slim in such a competition, G2 and Fnatic have a real chance. The European double final between these two organizations proved that both teams were of an exceptional level. Both teams are endangered within their respective groups but there is no doubt that they have the means to win against anyone. In addition, the meta brought by patch 9.19 should suit them. So let's take the dream one step further: how about a final in Paris on November 10 between G2 Esports and Fnatic? We take the bet to believe it.
Finally, a crown for Uzi
If a man knows what it's like to be second, it's Uzi. Twice second in the World Cup, five times second in LPL in China... Although considered one of the best AD Carry of his generation, Uzi spent more time lurking in the shadow of the big winners than lifting trophies. Last year, everyone was screaming his name but G2 Esports decided otherwise and Uzi was sent back home, without victory, without recognition — once again. However, he didn't give up and remained relentless. With five unsuccessful Worlds appearances, 2019 could finally be his year.
Invictus Gaming have paved the way for the Chinese teams but are not doing very well in the second half of the season. That's perhaps the signal for Uzi and his teammates to take up the torch and finally taste the international recognition... Whatever the difficulties of the past, the journey and the efforts of Royal Never Give Up would not be in vain if they were to finally return victorious. A team that probably bears its name better than any other team in the tournament.
Of course, it will be hard — and they will have to fight right at the beginning in view of the group of the death in which they were drawn. They will have to beat one of the favourites teams of the tournament. Uzi has always been Rekkles' pet peeve, so they have a chance — even if SK Telecom T1 has an unfortunate tendency to break the dreams of the Chinese botlaner.
Faker's return
Three times world champion, eight times South Korean champion, two times MSI champion. You know this list only too well, it is Faker's — considered a legend by many esports and League of Legends fans. Faithful to SK Telecom T1 from the beginning, the Korean player was not present at the 2018 edition of the World Championships. After the disillusionment in the final of the Worlds 2017, SK Telecom T1 had gone through a fairly significant restructuring phase of its workforce and 2018 sounded like a break in the avalanche of titles collected by the organization. This year, however, Faker and his team won two LCK titles and made a grand entrance into Worlds.
While the tournament will start on a high note in a group with Royal Never Give Up and Fnatic, one can only think that they will get away with it, considering their performance at MSI and the epic series against G2 Esports that will go down in history. Of the world champion squads, only Faker and the coach, kkOma, remain. However, the players accompanying them are all experienced and have a lot to show for it: Teddy, Mata, Clid, Khan and a legion of equally talented substitutes are waiting to bare fangs so they can lift the cup alongside their living legend: Faker.
SK Telecom T1 and their legendary midlaner are hungry for this Worlds' title that would sound like redemption. Ending the Chinese era and nip Europe's one in the bud is more than a goal, it is something they owe to all Korean fans.
Back-to-back victories for Invictus Gaming
Champions almost easily in 2018, Invictus Gaming must be considered as one of the favourites. However, putting the title back into play is never insignificant and the pressure on the Chinese team is stronger than ever. In terms of staff, the team is still the same as last year. So we must always be careful with the impressive The Shy and the talented Rookie.
Despite all this, it must be said that 2019 was not healthy year for the reigning champions. Winning in China at the end of Spring Split, they heavily lost to Team Liquid during the MSI semi-finals. This is enough to raise doubts in a team that was so confident before. After a poor 6th place at the Summer Split and a quick loss in the playoffs, Rookie and his teammates had to go through the Regional Qualifiers to book their tickets for Worlds. A the end of the day, their jungler Ning seems to be the one left to pick up the pieces since he was benched at the end of the competition. The road to a second title seems to be full of pitfalls...
However, let's keep in mind that the talent of this group has not diminished and that if they manage to regain their synergy, few teams will be able to stop them! The suspense is still there and everything is still largely possible for Invictus Gaming this year.
The redemption of Doublelift
As we know, North America has never had much success in the World Cup and it is often Cloud 9 that achieves the best performances in the region. However, some players like Doublelift have made a name for themselves among the greats without really achieving great results at Worlds.
However, it is high time for Doublelift to be respected in this competition in which he has already participated six times. Attending Worlds for the seventh time in nine editions, we're all waiting for the American AD Carry to lift the curse that he's carrying. This year, Team Liquid might get out of the group phase....
However, the task will not be so simple: Doublelift and his teammates will have to face IG and potentially a good team from the Play-In — such as DAMWON Gaming or Splyce. Of course, they have already beaten IG at MSI, but considering them as their pet beast may be a little hasty...
It's D-Day! The League of Legends Worlds 2019 Grand Finals just ended with the win of FunPlus Phoenix. G2 Esports failed to achieve the Grand Slam, and lost 0-3 while facing the LPL champions.
