Cloud9 Perkz on NA at Worlds 2021: ‘NA is the worst major region, that’s just a fact … but it’s not that bad’

After a solid victory in his first game at the 2021 League of Legends World Championships, Cloud9 mid laner, Luka “Perkz” Perković went on the Riot Games broadcast and shared his opinions on NA at international competitions.

Cloud9 Perkz on NA at Worlds 2021

“We are from NA, so we have to work a bit harder to be better than other teams in some other regions,” Perkz said. “NA is the worst major region, that’s just a fact.” But he then pushed back against the common narrative that a large gap exists between NA and other powerhouse regions, like China, Korea and his home region, Europe. “It’s not that bad, NA teams can beat other regions’ teams,” he said. “You’re definitely on an uphill battle, but you can hike the mountain.”

With an 8/0/2 Kill/Death/Assist ratio in their opener, Perkz helped lead Cloud9 to what Laure Valée described as a “revenge victory” over DetonatioN FocusMe, referencing their loss against DFM at the Mid-Season Invitational just five months ago. Though Cloud9 secured a ticket to the Rumble stage and DFM bowed out after a 2-4 record in groups, DFM did manage to upset Cloud9 in their first matchup. So far for Worlds, Cloud9 hasn’t allowed DFM to get even a glimpse of victory.

8/0/2 #Worlds2021 pic.twitter.com/X7LGjQOAXE

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 5, 2021

In response to their previous history with DFM, Perkz challenged the notion that he and Cloud9 had a regrettable performance at MSI earlier this year. “Why is MSI ‘such a bad memory?’ We beat DWG KIA, Royal Never Give Up, and MAD Lions,” he said. “Sure we lost to the worst team there, but it’s fine. I actually believe in us.”

Cloud 9’s plans for Worlds

Perkz has assured fans that he and C9 have worked extensively on their early game and their plans around objectives in their preparation for Worlds, even mentioning the cursed scuttle crabs by name. They’ve only played one game so far, but Perkz seems primed and ready to fight whoever stands in his way.

Cloud9 are still fighting for their place in the group stage, with the rest of the week dedicated to play-ins. They have upcoming matches against Beyond Gaming, Galatasaray Esports, and Unicorns of Love. Depending on their record, they’ll either qualify for groups directly or face off against other play-in teams in a best of five series to continue their run.