We’re on our approach from “a protracted break” within the LCS, however there are some strong video games arising in Week 4 of the LCS 2022 Summer time Cut up. We check out two matches that ought to carry simply sufficient motion to carry us proper again into the best mindset for the remainder of the break up.
Evil Geniuses and Workforce Liquid on an impressed run
From barely making it to the Playoffs with a 9-9 report within the spring, Evil Geniuses went on a giant-killing spree within the Playoffs. That they managed to elevate the trophy by an impressed run within the decrease bracket added to their aura. It’s this magic from earlier within the 12 months that they’ve channeled beautifully thus far in the summertime break up.
They got here into the match on the again of a collection of outcomes that weren’t earth shattering. However their run on the MSI made them battle prepared. Going up 1-3 in opposition to the LPL and LCK earlier than occurring a run the place they didn’t drop a single recreation in opposition to the wildcard areas acquired them into their groove and helped establish a template. It’s this they’ve carried ahead.
Evil Geniuses the early tempo setters
Desk toppers heading into week 4, Evil Geniuses at the moment lead with a 6-1 report. Their solely loss thus far got here in week two once they misplaced to Counter Logic Gaming, however have bounced again since to report two wins on the bounce in week three. Their laning and mid-game play has been commendable thus far, and are areas Workforce Liquid must be cautious of.
Enjoying on blue, Evil Geniuses beat Golden Guardians in 29 minutes, with Poland’s Kacper “Impressed” Sloma main the way in which with 7 kills, 1 loss of life and 5 assists. This offset the harm achieved by Golden Guardians’ Nicholas Antonio “Ablazeolive” Abbott who landed 3 kills, 3 deaths and a pair of assists.
Liquid is on a Bull Run of their very own
Elsewhere, enjoying on purple, Workforce Liquid took all of 27 minutes to beat Counter Logic Gaming (4-3), thereby displacing them from a tie for second place in the summertime break up standings. Denmark’s Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg stood out along with his offensive proficiency, touchdown 6 kills and 9 assists, whereas Belgium’s Gabriel “Bwipo” Rau effected 6 kills and 4 assists.
When it comes to personnel, Workforce Liquid have had it as intimidating as they arrive, particularly the bot lane duo of famous person LEC ADC Steven “Hans sama” Liv who’s paired up with multiple-time MVP help Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in. They’ve been prolific for some time now and are exhibiting no indicators of slowing down. The lock-ins earlier this 12 months allowed them to get some recreation time, with the newer members mixing in and permitting significant recreation time. This labored massively to their benefit; they’ve been on a roll since.
This could make it an engrossing contest when two of essentially the most aggressive sides within the LCS go face to face. The time for plotting and planning is over. It’s time for motion. I wouldn’t need to be on the spot right here with a prediction. It is a actually robust one. Evil Geniuses have a slight edge however don’t rely out Liquid.
Counter Logic Gaming and 100 Thieves on highway to find misplaced magic
Ever since they turned development setters in 2015-16, the place they broke obstacles and set a glowing instance for groups from North America to emulate, Counter Logic Gaming began getting observed not simply inside their area however across the worldwide circuit. Two back-to-back LCS championships, a second-placed end at MSI 2016 had been among the many outcomes that pitchforked them into the limelight. This acquired them acclaim and recognition from the fraternity and the followers, elevating expectations from stakeholders and sponsors, amongst others.
Whereas they’ve slowed down a bit, even struggled at instances to get again to these lofty requirements, they’re slowly attempting to climb the highway uphill once more. You didn’t must be an professional to have one take a look at their roster and membership them as a championship contender at first of the 12 months, not positively once they needed to compete in opposition to the likes of Cloud9, 100 Thieves, and Evil Geniuses. Sure, their gamers individually had potential however they hadn’t been capable of drop it as a staff for some time.
Sluggish Starters Attempting To Climb Up The Difficult Hill
Up in Spring, they’d be the primary to confess they underperformed, dropping twice the variety of video games they received to complete eighth. A horror present like which will have warranted structural adjustments, however CLG defied typical knowledge and made only one change – the introduction of prime laner Niship “Dhokla” Doshi. In fact, it wasn’t the identical as Felix “Abbedagge” Braun signing with 100 Thieves or perhaps a slotting in of ADC Edward “Tactical” Ra for Workforce Liquid. However the transfer appears to have labored each at a person degree and for the staff.
They appear to have banished these kind points forward of the summer season season, having fought their method to the mid-table. They at the moment have 4 wins and three loses, and are joint-fourth. Towards 100 Thieves, who’re second inside a win of the toppers, they are going to have the unenviable activity of getting to interrupt a two-match duck.
100 Thieves try to get to their third straight last. They’ve been mighty profitable of their final two splits, having made two straight finals and a first-ever trophy within the group’s historical past. This summer season, it might not be a straightforward highway to the ultimate. They began the break up as considered one of only a few groups that had no participant availability points attributable to visas or covid. They’ve needed to overcome a tough begin, following a disappointing lock-in. Within the bot lane, Victor ‘FBI’ Huang and Choi ‘huhi’ Jae-hyun shaped essentially the most prolific partnership final summer season, however the identical magic was lacking this spring, one of many greatest causes for his or her slowdown.
Can they surge their approach again to the highest? – The indicators are promising, however they will’t relaxation straightforward simply but.
