Worlds 2024 are not just around the corner – they are already in full swing: the Swiss round kicks off in Berlin tomorrow. Europe’s elite are also competing to secure the throne. But the competition from Asia is fierce.
Last year, Asia was the measure of all things: China had three teams in the semi-finals – an absolute show of force. But all roads eventually led to the “Immortal Demon King” ‘Faker’ and T1. The team, which has been playing together for four years, stopped China’s winning streak. The Koreans were considered invincible – but this year the fire is only flickering weakly. They almost missed out on Worlds, with only a victory against KT preventing the embarrassment. Instead, Korea’s hopes rest on Gen.G, who came out of the summer season with a fabulous 17-1 record.
MAD Lions KOI: World Cup ticket hard-won
Europe’s favorite is G2, just like last year, and they also recently won the LEC final. Like last year, the Spaniards from MAD Lions KOI had to go the arduous route through the play-ins. Two groups, eight teams, two merciless best-of-three rounds. Only the best quartet could advance. The Lions fought hard against Vikings Esport from Vietnam and PSG-Talon from the Asia-Pacific region to reach the Swiss round.
They were not alone in this: GAM Esports from Vietnam, paiN Gaming from Brazil and PSG-Talon also made it into the main field – none of them start as favorites in the upcoming series. The North American team 100 Thieves, on the other hand, was eliminated. This means that for the first time, North America will only receive two starting spots instead of three this year.
Korea and China as invincible giants?
As mentioned, the Play-Ins are followed by a Swiss round at Worlds, which will take place in Berlin: those who win three times will advance. Those who lose three times are out. After that, the World Champion title will be awarded in the knockout rounds. In Swiss, the teams initially only play one game against each other. As soon as the game is about the quarterfinals or elimination, however, Riot has the teams play a best-of-three. Then, in the knockout phase, two more games are added to each clash.
Gen. G will first face last year’s vice world champion Weibo Gaming. But MAD Lions KOI also face a brutal test: 2023 semi-finalists Bilibili Gaming await them, a true bulwark. And what about the legendary ‘Faker’? His team T1 has to face TOP Esports. After a rather mixed season, the question arises: does the king still have what it takes to win the title?
G2 have an easier start on paper. They face paiN Gaming, who have not been on the big stage since 2015 and have little experience. And then there is the third European team: Fnatics’ glory days at Worlds are long gone. In the LEC, they are fighting neck and neck with G2. But with the Koreans from Dplus, they have drawn an opening opponent at Worlds that could cause them serious problems.
Skarner dominates the meta, Aurora causes a stir
Ingame, Skarner is the champion of the moment: the scorpion-like fighter rules the jungle. This is mainly thanks to his ability to hold opponents and pull them away mercilessly. In 24 play-ins games, he was banned 17 times and played 6 times – a real force on the Rift. Jhin, the sniper, is also doing well, having been taken to the Summoner’s Rift 10 times already, with 8 wins.
But the real highlight is the new champion Aurora. The MAD Lions KOI used her in their last game of the Play-Ins to beat PSG-Talon. Even though Riot Games had recently toned her down. Other champions like Corki – a once popular pick – have disappeared from the scene after a severe nerf.
The big World Cup final in London
Quarter- and semi-finals will be held in Paris after the Swiss Stage in Berlin, before the grand final on November 2nd in London will rock the LoL world. At 4 p.m., the curtain will fall on the most important game of the year. This time, European fans have luck on their side: no early morning games, instead the Swiss matches start at 2pm and run into the evening. Winning will again be financially rewarding in 2024: the prize pool totals $2.25 million – with the winner alone taking home $450,000.