The stage is set, the groups are set, and its almost time for the World Championship 2015 to start. But, before it does we would like to take a second to analyze the groups that have our very own North Amercian League Championship Series representatives in them.
Starting at the top, the number one seed from NA is Counter Logic Gaming. Drawing the easiest group of all three NALCS teams, group A features The Koo Tigers of Korea, The Flash Wolves of Taiwan, and last but not least PAIN Gaming the International Wildcard team out of Brazil. CLG struck gold with their group draw getting paired with both an international wildcard team in PAIN and landing underachieving Flash Wolves whose disappointing showing at the Mid Season Invitational was followed up by a second place finish in the summer split of the LMS. Barring the choke of the year CLG is virtually guaranteed a spot in the Semi-finals.
Who will advance?: Counter Logic Gaming and Koo Tigers
The second place team in the NALCS was Team Solo Mid and they seem to have drawn what we in the e-sports community lovingly call THE GROUP OF DEATH. Group D features arguably the best team in the world in LGD out of China, KT Rolster of Korea, and Origen from Europe. After signing a plethora of Korean pros LGD dominated the Chinese league scene winning both Spring and Summer split of the LPL. Was the Team Solo Mid's boot-camp enough to push them over the hump of being relevant on a world stage for the first time in years? My honest opinion is no. After watching the team literally fall apart at the seams vs CLG in the NALCS final and then struggle to win scrimmages during their 3 week boot-camp in Korea I have very little confidence in their chances or Origen's chances of making it out of this group.
Who will advance?: LGD and KT Rolster
The third and final representative from North America is Cloud 9. They took the hard route in having to make a clean sweep through the gauntlet round of the playoffs. For their effort the are rewarded with a shot at the cup. Group B is full of top talent starting with European juggernauts Fnatic, second place Chinese team Invictus Gaming, and first place Taiwanese team AHQ E-Sports Club. After not dropping a game in the regular season Fnatic is poised to blow their way out of this group and into the semi final round. Once their ticket is punched the waters begin to get murky. Conventional wisdom states the Invictus would be the logical choice to join them with new additions KAKAO and Rookie. Their year long struggle in the world's most competitive league scene will have them battle hardened and ready to compete. Cloud 9 will have difficulty masking their weakness in the jungle when top tier jungle players like KAKAO, Mountain, and Reignover will be looking to exploit Cloud 9's Hai from minute one of the game.
Who will advance?: Fnatic and Invictus Gaming
It looks to be another rough year for North American League of Legends as we see only one team making it out of their group and into the Semi Finals. CLG will be our last hope of bringing the championship cup home if everything goes as we see it. Good luck to all teams participating in the upcoming tournament.
Don't forget all tournament long to stop down and enjoy specials on all League of Legends drinks and watch your favorite team on one of our 25 big screen TVs!
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Your post is very detailed! Although it is a little difficult for me to follow because I have never been involved in the gaming scene you seem to be knowledgably in this area. You should make the main section of your blog a little wider so that the text is not as long.
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