LEC Summer Split schedule released with G2 against MAD in opener

The 2021 LEC Summer Split is set to begin on June 11, and the schedule has officially been released. The split will start with a familiar matchup between G2 Esports and MAD Lions.

Although the past few openers between these two teams always go in the favor of G2, MAD have shown that they have what it takes to take down G2 regardless. All teams will be looking to start their Summer Split on a positive note to build further momentum.

An absolute banger to kick off Summer: @MADLions_EN vs @G2esports!

The #LEC Summer schedule is now available: https://t.co/JiGisuRkUp pic.twitter.com/MaoKEvilYx

— LEC (@LEC) June 3, 2021

G2 versus MAD Lions a must watch game

After missing out on the 2021 Mid-Season Invitational, G2 will look to exact revenge on MAD for kicking them out of the LEC Spring Playoffs.  During the offseason, G2 welcomed Sng “Nelson” Yi-Wei as their new strategic coach. Nelson has worked with several League of Legends teams in Hong Kong, Brazil and China. Furthermore, G2 ended their Spring Split with a disappointing third-place finish and also failed to win their fifth successive LEC trophy. The addition of Nelson to the team offers a new approach to their game and it will be interesting to see what changes they have planned for Summer.

Meanwhile, MAD Lions made no changes to their roster or coaching staff after their MSI debut. In the Spring Split, both teams took a game off each other, but MAD had the final say in the LEC Playoffs. Heading into the LEC Summer Split, MAD will look to achieve the double and lift another trophy. However, depending on which G2 shows up on the first day of the split, their task may be difficult to complete.

Other notable fixtures in the LEC Summer Split

Asides from the G2 versus MAD opener, there many interesting games to watch throughout split. One is MAD versus Fnatic in week 2, as the top lane matchup between Irfan “Armut” Tukek and Adam “Adam” Maanane is definitely one to keep an eye on. MAD Lions convincingly defeated Fnatic throughout the Spring Split, but if Fnatic hope to qualify for Worlds, they must defeat the likes of MAD Lions to strengthen their chances.

Fnatic also face Rogue in the first week followed by Vitality in week 2. All these games are also a must-win for Fnatic, especially the game against Vitality. If they are unable to come out on top there, then the question of their off-season gamble will resurface once again.

Additionally, G2 also face Rogue in week 2. Rogue will have the challenge of defeating G2 for the first time ever in the regular season and establishing themselves as strong contenders early on. The first game between Rogue and MAD Lions does not take place until July 3.

Other games that could potentially decide the direction of split standings include:

• Vitality vs. G2 (June 25, 4 p.m. ET)
• Vitality vs. MAD Lions (June 26, 2 p.m. ET)
• G2 vs. Fnatic (June 26, 3 p.m. ET)
• Vitality vs. Fnatic (July 9 3 p.m. ET)
• Rogue vs. G2 (July 10 3 p.m. ET)

All in all, the season will end on August 1 with Schalke versus Fnatic closing the split. Depending on where all teams are placed, the last week of the LEC may end up determining playoffs spots and seeding like in Spring.