League of Legends World Championship 2015

[Fat Hippo]

Spoiler: FNC vs AHQ

Man, that sucks. I was really rooting for AHQ there. They should've pulled back after getting all 3 inhibs, no reason to rush in like that. Still, I'm gonna root for C9 in the next match, go underdogs.

Spoiler: FNC vs AHQ Post Game Interview

Man, Hai's got some balls, that was hilarious.

Spoiler

Haha, I did not catch Hai giving the middle finger there. Febiven wasn't wrong though. Let's see if C9 can prove otherwise.

 

[RJ 17]

Spoiler: Well that turned out about how I expect.

And just like that, C9 goes 0-4 on the day. They needed one...just a SINGLE win and they'd advance, but they couldn't pull it off. And quite frankly they looked absolutely atrocious, back to the C9 we had been seeing all summer long. They had a few tricks to pull out in Week 1, but much like a crappy NFL team: C9 proves they cannot make adjustments. They likely went with an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality considering how they went 3-0 in Week 1, but you have to be more diverse in this game. You can't keep bringing the same tactics to the field and expecting to win. Frankly, a lot of their wins in Week 1 were more do to opponent mistakes more-so than C9 making any particularly spectacular plays.

Oh well, at least now all the C9 fans will finally quiet down and stop acting as though C9 had found that golden "something" that was going to make them gods of LoL. I was getting pretty sick of seeing all the "C9 TAKE MY ENERGY!" posts going around.

Onto more serious matters: I'm pretty sure SKT is going to roflstomp anyone unfortunate to get into match with them. There might not be a SSW anymore, but SKT looks to be the ones to fill that void quite easily. As I said before: they're the only team that hasn't shown any real weakness, soundly defeating everyone in their path.

 

[Fat Hippo]

Spoiler: Well that turned out about how I expect.

And just like that, C9 goes 0-4 on the day. They needed one...just a SINGLE win and they'd advance, but they couldn't pull it off. And quite frankly they looked absolutely atrocious, back to the C9 we had been seeing all summer long. They had a few tricks to pull out in Week 1, but much like a crappy NFL team: C9 proves they cannot make adjustments. They likely went with an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality considering how they went 3-0 in Week 1, but you have to be more diverse in this game. You can't keep bringing the same tactics to the field and expecting to win. Frankly, a lot of their wins in Week 1 were more do to opponent mistakes more-so than C9 making any particularly spectacular plays.

Oh well, at least now all the C9 fans will finally quiet down and stop acting as though C9 had found that golden "something" that was going to make them gods of LoL. I was getting pretty sick of seeing all the "C9 TAKE MY ENERGY!" posts going around.

Onto more serious matters: I'm pretty sure SKT is going to roflstomp anyone unfortunate to get into match with them. There might not be a SSW anymore, but SKT looks to be the ones to fill that void quite easily. As I said before: they're the only team that hasn't shown any real weakness, soundly defeating everyone in their path.

Spoiler: C9

I think C9 is facing a dilemma. They need Hai as a shotcaller to not fall apart completely. But Hai is not a very good player, mechanically speaking, and I think his performance as a Jungler really held them back. So either way, they were hosed. Oh well, it probably won't matter now, as Hai is retiring, right? I mean, he wanted to do so once already before they pulled him back in, this seems like a good time to do it. They need a new Jungler, someone with the experience and confidence to lead the team as a shotcaller...if there's anyone like that just floating around, heh. Ain't gonna be easy for them in the future, I think.

Spoiler: Quarterfinal matchups

SKT will be facing AHQ, and everyone will be expecting the aforementioned roflstomp in that match-up for sure.

Origen will be facing the Flash Wolves, and I think Origen has a shot, though nothing is guaranteed. And if they beat the Flash Wolves, they will be facing SKT, which should be the end of their road at Worlds, realistically.

EDG is facing Fnatic, and EDG will probably take it, though I still have some hope for FNC. (EDIT: Spawn on the Riot analyst desk boldly predicted that EDG will most definitely defeat Fnatic. Given his predictions thus far, this gives me some hope that Fnatic can actually win.)

KT vs KOO could go either way, I'm not very well versed in the Korean teams though to be honest, so I'm not too sure with that assessment.

 

[McElroy]

Well, EDG looked so bad versus SKT that I have all faith in a Fnatic-SKT final.

 

[RJ 17]

Snip.

Spoiler: Regarding C9

If Hai does end up sticking around for one more season then I think they need to rotate him to a new position as JG is incredibly important. Granted, all roles on a team are important, but there's still priorities. I think he should be moved to either top lane or perhaps support. One thing's for certain: one way or another C9 is going to have to make some roster changes if they're going to want to be competitive. Though from what I recall during one of the summer splits: from the sound of things the team might be on the verge of disbanding completely. If that's the case then it really won't matter what Hai decides to do. =P

Spoiler: Quarter finals.

KT vs Tigers: I think KT has put up better performances, so just based on what we saw during the group phase I'm going to go with them.

FNatic vs EDG: I'm going with FNatic on this one. For one: they're a Western team so I have to at least stick with my hemisphere.

But beyond that I think that EDG has shown that they're fully capable of making a lot of mistakes. If Week 2 FNatic is the team that shows up to the Quarter Finals as opposed to Week 1 FNatic, then I can see them beating up on EDG pretty solidly.

Wolves vs Origen: This is my "toughest to call" game. Both teams have had their ups and downs so far, showing both brilliant moves and mistakes. I'll go with Origen, though, since Peke picked Anivia and that was one of my favorite games of the tournament so far. :3

SKT vs AHQ: Yeah, everyone already knows the outcome to this one. SKT is going to crush AHQ, as they've crushed everyone else. If AHQ somehow manages to beat SKT, I think we can safely call it the biggest upset in the history of League of Legends.

 

[Fat Hippo]

SNIP

Spoiler: Regarding C9

C9 has had remarkable stability in its Roster, and Meteos more or less stepped down of his own volition to let Hai back into the team as far as I know. I think shifting Hai to yet another position to chuck someone else would be very harmful for the team's morale. It would probably be better to just replace him altogether at this point, especially if he doesn't want to keep playing long-term anyway. And if not, I suppose they disband and their players spread to plant new seeds. Especially Incarnation has a lot of potential as midlaner if he lands in a good team. He's fantastic mechanically, but he needs a team to channel that strategically...kind of like Bjergsen. I feel those midlaners are kind of wasted on the current NA teams to be honest.

Spoiler: Quarter Finals

If we're going by sympathies, then I'm predicting an Origen vs Fnatic Finals game! Get hyped everybody, woooohhh! I think Deficio would cry tears of joy if it actually happened.

 

[RJ 17]

Snip.

Spoiler: C9

I just remember seeing a bit during the summer where the C9 crew was talking about internal struggles. Apparently they were in a bit of depression and that's starting to manifest in them not exactly getting along with one another. If I recall correctly, they were saying they almost broke up before the season even started due to the slump they've been in. After such a crushing week 2 in Worlds where they looked abysmal, I can see that being the final nail in the coffin for C9 that sends their players going their separate ways.

I do agree that Incarnation and Bjergsen are kinda in the same boat. Both are probably the best players on their team. Well, Bjergsen is, without a doubt, the best player on his team. I don't remember the exact number but in terms of the games they played here at worlds he did something like 45% of all damage for his team. Plug him into a team with better players around him and I think that whatever said hypothetical team might be could be very dangerous. Same with Incarnation, though to a lesser degree as I do think Bjergsen is better than Incarnation.

Oh well, I'm off to play some ARAM...because aparently I'm a masochist.

 

[Fat Hippo]

Interesting PC Gamer article on why the group stages developed the way they did:http://www.pcgamer.com/taiwans-lol-worlds-triumph-comes-at-north-americas-cost/

His reasoning on the collapse of the LPL teams makes a lot of sense to me. The current meta is quite volatile. There aren't as many tanks, and there are lots of double teleport summoner spells, in addition to champion teleports like Shen, Twisted Fate and Tahm Kench. All of this requires a high degree of coordination and the ability to react quickly. If the Chinese teams are composed of players that don't even speak the same language, that's going to have consequences for their teamplay. And to be honest, I don't think that's a bad thing. League at a professional level should be won through teamwork and not merely the individual skill of the players, in my opinion.

 

[Fat Hippo]

Spoiler: OG vs FW Game 1

Ooof, that could've gone either way. The teamfights were getting scary in the midgame. Love how Origen ended the game though: just saunter in and kill the nexus, lol.

Spoiler: OG vs FW Game 2

Man, even if I wasn't an OG fan, I'd still want the Flash Wolves to leave this tournament. Goddamn, they are so BORING and passive. They really deserved to lose this one, I don't think I've seen them make a single interesting play. I pretty much ignored them in the Group Stages, so I hadn't realized what a lame style they have. OG isn't even playing that well (except for Niels, he's been a badass) and other teams would be punishing and tearing them apart. But FW just...waits...and waits...and waits...

Spoiler: OG vs FW Game 3

Blergh

Spoiler: OG vs FW Game 4

Fuckin' Niels man! MVP, no doubt. He had fantastic support through the Lulu and Morgana, but still, he performed so well.

Spoiler: OG vs FW Game 5

PSYCHE!

 

[RJ 17]

Snip.

Spoiler: Just finished up game one...

Wow, what a barn-burner. OG comes out ready to fight and takes the early game, but FW has a fantastic mid-game, keeping it very close. Then there was "The Return of the Revenge of the Chronicles of the Dunk Master: Darius Strikes Back, The Dunkening."...2nd Penta Kill for Darius in the tournament right when OG needed it the most. If that baron fight ended up being a loss for OG, I'm pretty sure they lose the game. It allowed them to completely take over the late game and start making some pretty good plays again.

Where FW really screwed up was letting OG get to 4 dragons pretty much uncontested. Getting that 4th dragon pretty much gives you complete control over the game, as the threat of the 5th dragon is just too big to ignore. And I love how OG used that threat to bait FW on over to the dragon pit then just walk right on into the base and take the Nexus unopposed. Beautiful shot calling from OG.

Now onto Game 2. According to the channel I'm watching these on, the series only goes to Game 4, so in that way I'm already half-way spoiled in that I know that the first team to win 2 games is going to win the series. I picked OG to take this one, so I'm hoping it's them!

 

[Fat Hippo]

Snip.

Spoiler: Just finished up game one...

Wow, what a barn-burner. OG comes out ready to fight and takes the early game, but FW has a fantastic mid-game, keeping it very close. Then there was "The Return of the Revenge of the Chronicles of the Dunk Master: Darius Strikes Back, The Dunkening."...2nd Penta Kill for Darius in the tournament right when OG needed it the most. If that baron fight ended up being a loss for OG, I'm pretty sure they lose the game. It allowed them to completely take over the late game and start making some pretty good plays again.

Where FW really screwed up was letting OG get to 4 dragons pretty much uncontested. Getting that 4th dragon pretty much gives you complete control over the game, as the threat of the 5th dragon is just too big to ignore. And I love how OG used that threat to bait FW on over to the dragon pit then just walk right on into the base and take the Nexus unopposed. Beautiful shot calling from OG.

Now onto Game 2. According to the channel I'm watching these on, the series only goes to Game 4, so in that way I'm already half-way spoiled in that I know that the first team to win 2 games is going to win the series. I picked OG to take this one, so I'm hoping it's them!

Spoiler: On the Quarterfinals thus far

Damn, two European teams in the semifinals. *single tear rolls slowly down my cheek* I always knew they could do it. Even if the finals end up being two Korean teams, I would still be content. And if one of them makes it to the finals, I'd already be overjoyed. And if Fnatic wins...

 

[RJ 17]

Snip.

Spoiler: The way I see it...

I think FNatic has a fair chance at beating either KT or KOO. Both of them had their stumbles in the group stage. That's not to say that FNatic didn't also stumble, but they looked amazing in Week 2 and played very solid games against EDG. It's definitely not a given, but my bracket has FNatic vs SKT for the finals.

OR, I love ya...especially Peke...but let's be honest: SKT is going to beat you. Sad, but true. The thing that sucks about SKT is that it looks like they've shown signs of weakness against...Westdoor being able to straight-up 1v1 Faker and win in that Kassadin vs Fizz match. But the question is: was SKT even taking it all that seriously? 2 games already under their belt, I think they were half-way just dicking around. And of course when they decided to get serious they came back and won it.

I dunno, maybe they're not unbeatable...but they're still looking too damn good for me to think that anyone could take them in a Best Of 5.

 

[Fat Hippo]

Snip.

Spoiler: The way I see it...

I think FNatic has a fair chance at beating either KT or KOO. Both of them had their stumbles in the group stage. That's not to say that FNatic didn't also stumble, but they looked amazing in Week 2 and played very solid games against EDG. It's definitely not a given, but my bracket has FNatic vs SKT for the finals.

OR, I love ya...especially Peke...but let's be honest: SKT is going to beat you. Sad, but true. The thing that sucks about SKT is that it looks like they've shown signs of weakness against...Westdoor being able to straight-up 1v1 Faker and win in that Kassadin vs Fizz match. But the question is: was SKT even taking it all that seriously? 2 games already under their belt, I think they were half-way just dicking around. And of course when they decided to get serious they came back and won it.

I dunno, maybe they're not unbeatable...but they're still looking too damn good for me to think that anyone could take them in a Best Of 5.

Spoiler: General Agreement

FNC definitely has a good shot at making it to the finals, their games vs EDG were extremely clean. In fact, if anyone can beat SKT in the finals, I think it's Fnatic. I believe SKT even mentioned that they didn't want to face Fnatic. I mean, I'd still give the edge to SKT, but it's maybe like 70-30. Origen, on the other hand, is closer to 90-10. I mean, I like the team and xPeke, but I just don't think they have the necessary coordination.

But for now, the EU vs EU finals match dream is still alive. More alive than it's ever been, actually.

 

[RJ 17]

Snip.

Watching Game 1 of KT vs Koo...this was the hardest game for my pick'em cause I really don't know all that much about the teams other than what I was in the group stage...both looked strong, but both also made clear mistakes. Basically came down to a coinflip for me to call this series, but I went with KT.

I want that cute Poro summoner icon!

 

[Fat Hippo]

Snip.

Watching Game 1 of KT vs Koo...this was the hardest game for my pick'em cause I really don't know all that much about the teams other than what I was in the group stage...both looked strong, but both also made clear mistakes. Basically came down to a coinflip for me to call this series, but I went with KT.

I want that cute Poro summoner icon!

Yeah, me too, I've got no clue, I didn't watch much LCK, they may as well be the same team to me: "FNC Roadblock 1" and "FNC Roadblock 2". Though watching the first game, they're actually pretty entertaining to watch. I love the current meta. Global ults everywhere! You get a teleport, and you get a teleport, everyone gets a teleport!

 

[RJ 17]

Snip.

Watching Game 1 of KT vs Koo...this was the hardest game for my pick'em cause I really don't know all that much about the teams other than what I was in the group stage...both looked strong, but both also made clear mistakes. Basically came down to a coinflip for me to call this series, but I went with KT.

I want that cute Poro summoner icon!

Yeah, me too, I've got no clue, I didn't watch much LCK, they may as well be the same team to me: "FNC Roadblock 1" and "FNC Roadblock 2". Though watching the first game, they're actually pretty entertaining to watch. I love the current meta. Global ults everywhere! You get a teleport, and you get a teleport, everyone gets a teleport!

Spoiler: Just finished Game 1

And that's exactly what I'm talking about with why this match is so hard to call. For the first half of the game, it looked like KOO had the clear advantage. They seemed to be everywhere on the map at once thanks to double teleport, Rek's ult, and Tahm can even teleport with Ashe in his belly...so literally their entire team can just show up completely out of nowhere. What this really came down to, though, is what one of the commentators pointed out towards the end of the game: the real failing was Kuro burning his Event Horizon way too early in the fight. He basically just ended up zoning out KT for a couple seconds and delaying the fight when he should have been using the EH to control the fight.

Really this game came down to "who's going to screw up last?" And this time it happened to be KOO. That said, KOO is clearly capable of making plays against KT, so this might be the first series we get to see taken to five games.

With all that said, just on a side-note: I really do think that Tahm is now my favorite support to watch. During one of the games this tournament one of the commentators said "All he does is waddle around and annoy the enemy team" which I think is a perfect description. "Oh, what's that? Think you've got a perfect pick on one of our guys? Nope! NOM-NOM-NOM!" People say that he's basically a 2nd Thresh in terms of rescue potential, but there's a very key difference that makes him better: the person needing rescuing still needs to be able to click the lantern themselves, meaning they can be chain-cc'd and burst down. Tahm can just gobble someone up even while they're cc'd.

Edit:

Spoiler: Game 2

And that's why I said it's such a hard match-up to judge. This time KOO was getting stomped in the early game, one team fight later and KOO is steamrolling KT and there's absolutely nothing KT can do. As I said: it's really a coinflip with these two. Here's hoping that KT wins that flip!

Edit:

Spoiler: Finished the series.

And it looks like my coin-flip came up wrong. However I'm still very confident in my SKT vs FNatic for the finals. That was one hell of an ugly series between KOO and KT with terrible calls on both sides. That's what I was talking about with regards to why this match-up was so hard to call: neither one of them have looked all that great throughout the tournament. KOO was absolutely decimating KT with Fiora in every game and KT did absolutely nothing to stop it. You'd think they'd ban Fiora in game 4, but nope! Just give it right on over to KOO and surprise-surprise: Fiora kicks their asses...again.

As I said previously though, this match-up wasn't really about one team outplaying the other so much as it was about one team screwing up worse than the other. In all honesty, this series looked liked like a match-up between two NA teams...kinda a comedy of errors. Considering the fact that FNatic has been playing very solid games since Week 2, I think they should come out on top over KOO.

And here's just a random stat that I hadn't noticed until one of the casters mentioned it in the breakdown of the quarter-finals/discussion of the semi-finals: apparently SKT hasn't lost a single 2nd tier turret in this entire tournament.

O.O Damn.

 

[McElroy]

Rolster!!! My pick'ems gone and done again! I really hope it won't come to that, but if Fnatic loses it could be argued the three strongest teams in the tournament were all Koreans.

 

[Fat Hippo]

Enjoy this breakdown of the big EDG vs FNC fight, before the games start again tomorrow: