League of Legends Worlds 2019: Top 3 Narratives From The Semi-Finals


The League of Legends World Championship is in its penultimate stage, with semifinals right around the corner. If you haven’t tuned in so far, then we’re here to give you the down low on the best storylines of Worlds so far!

 

Europe Bringing it Home

With all three of the European teams breaking through into the playoffs, it’s been a great tournament for EU. Unfortunately, Fnatic and Splyce weren’t quite able to keep up and were eliminated - though G2 still remains in contention. G2, the top dog of the event, have been tearing it up and going past team after team looking untouchable.

G2 now are looking to face off against the most successful League team of all time, SK Telecom, in the semifinals to determine who will make their way to the finals.

 

Faker in Home Territory

Faker’s home is not Korea, Faker’s home is the World stage - in front of thousands of roaring fans. The World stage is where the Korean overlord himself shines brightest. We’ve not seen Faker at a Worlds since 2017, which was his worst performance ever at the tournament - finishing in second place.

His legend however goes on, and the real question that’s being asked is whether he can continue his streak of finals appearances at World finishes. Earlier this year, G2 was able to beat SK Telecom in the semifinals of MSI, being the first team to ever knock Faker out of an international tournament before the finals. Whether or not Faker continues his record at Worlds is not something that will mar his legacy in any way, but it’s something to keep an eye out for regardless.

 

Dark Horse Back-to-Back

Invictus Gaming, the defending world champions, has made it this far into the semifinals. They’re going to be facing off against FPX - FunPlus Phoenix, in a domestic matchup against the LPL champions this season. Despite having poor performances, IG’s star players Rookie and TheShy have come into their own this Worlds already. Considering how stable and effective JackeyLove - their ADC - has historically been, it would be no surprise to see them go ahead and defeat their own local champions.

If they’re able to do so and go all the way, then it would be the first time since Faker that a player had managed to win back-to-back Worlds. Rookie was the original “Faker-junior” type player, with everyone hyping him up to be the one to inherit the mantle of the king. Although he’s had significant international success, the previous year’s Worlds didn’t have Faker playing, so this could be a chance for them to go up against each other in the finals.

The semifinals will be played out on the 2nd and 3rd of November, at Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid at 11AM BST, 12PM CEST, and 3AM PDT. You can catch them online on the Riot official stream!

Written byMamoon Sabri@ggTeaTime

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