Worlds 2018: Four Storylines To Follow - Upcomer
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Worlds 2018: Four Storylines To Follow

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We approach the beginning of the biggest competition in League of Legends. Worlds 2018 will pit the best teams in the world against each other for the greatest glory. Every player wishes to watch the confetti drop from the ceiling, but only one team can stand tall amongst the rest.

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There are many riveting stories to follow at the World Championships. From North America’s newly developed hopes with Team Liquid to this year’s dominance of China, there are so many interesting tales to tell. Let us look at five of the most important stories to keep up with this Worlds 2018.

Will KT Rolster Fulfill Their Destiny?

KTROLSTER

The Korean superteam is finally at the top of the League world after winning the LCK Summer Split. KT Rolster has found their way to Worlds 2018 after missing the grand stage three years in a row. Now, they have a chance to solidify one of their best years by lifting the Summoner’s Cup. KT boasts one of the most mechanically talented rosters at the tournament. For starters, they still have, arguably, the best top laner in the tournament in Song “Smeb” Kyung-ho. Joining him is one of the best bottom lanes in the world in Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu and Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong.

Not only is this team made up of some of the best individual players at Worlds, but their team synergy has been some of the best. However, the KT faithful are still wary. Why? KT has built up a reputation of choking when it matters the most. They’ve always had a stacked roster, but have only found real success now. Will they continue their great run through 2018? Or will the roars of the Worlds crowd get to them once again?

Can Cloud9 Survive The Group of Death?

Cloud9 Play-ins
(Source: LOLESPORTS FLICKR)

Cloud9 would go perfectly through the Worlds Play-ins, taking down Gambit Gaming to move on to the Group Stage. However, their performances were very shaky throughout the three days. Their coach, Bok “Reapered” Han-gyu, would state, “I’m not happy at all, personally, because our performance was shaky. They are trying to improve as much as possible before jumping into the best-of-five’s and the group stage. That’s my mindset right now.”

It is clear that the bright lights of Worlds are affecting the plethora of rookies they have at their disposal. Robert “Blaber” Huang, Tristan “Zeyzal” Stidam and Eric “Licorice” Ritchie would make some uncharacteristic mistakes in their games against DetonatioN FocusMe, as well as KaBuM! Esports. They will need to steel their nerves before they face the top teams of Worlds. Also, they will need to rely on the consistent play of veterans mid laner Nicolaj Jensen and ADC Zachary “Sneaky” Scuderi to guide them to success.

G2 Esports and The First Blood King

G2Playins
(Source: LOLESPORTS FLICKR)

Meanwhile, perennial European champs G2 Esports would place into what some are considering the Group of Life. They may have the best chance out of the Western teams to make it to Playoffs, besides Fnatic. However, their success may rely on two players on the team: Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski and Luka “Perkz” Perković.

Jankos needs to channel the same performance he had in the European Regional Gauntlet. He must become the First Blood King for G2 Esports, with great jungle pathing and ganks. Additionally, Perkz must continue his consistent play for G2 Esports and stay a focal point for the team moving forward. In their group, the two teams they must really worry about are Afreeca Freecs and Flash Wolves. Afreeca Freecs will be a tough time, as they should be. However, Flash Wolves are completely beatable, if the aforementioned players show up on game day.

Team Liquid and North America’s Hopes

TLDLWORLDS
(Source: LOLESPORTS FLICKR)

It’s undeniable that Team Liquid is the best team from North America. They would dominate the NA LCS in 2018, taking both split championships with ease. Even though they would stumble a little during the Summer Split, they would breeze through the Playoffs again. All-Star Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng has been playing some of the best League of Legends in his career. He was also making a great case for the best North American player of all time.

The hopes of North America are squarely on Team Liquid’s shoulders. However, although they would get through the NA LCS, Worlds is completely new beast. These are some of the most talented rosters in the world, with teams who have some of the best coachings in the world. Team Liquid’s midlaner, Eugene “Pobelter” Park, has been underperforming in a meta where mid laners are needed more than ever. Jake “Xmithie” Puchero has been reliable, but Team Liquid will need to rely on Doublelift more than ever if they are to find any success at the World Championship.


What are your thoughts on the Group Stage of Worlds 2018? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more Worlds coverage, check us out here!