Photo: LoL Esports
Europe no longer has a representative at the Worlds. After MAD Lions (Play-In), G2 and fnatic (hens of the Main Event), it is Snape who was eliminated in his quarter-final match against JD Gaming. The defeat came as no real surprise, given that the Chinese champions are among the competition’s favorites. But we might have hoped for a little better… the Europeans bit the dust without winning a single round in the Bo5. Unable to revolt, the LEC players have shown questionable limits. The level gap between Asia and the old continent does not seem to be closing at all.
fredy122 is aware of the balance of power which settles a little more each year and in the post-match interview he seemed a bit fatalistic. But despite this dry defeat, he remains proud of his players. While there were many doubts at the start of the year after the departures ofHans-Sama and by Inspired, Rogue had a great season. We can only agree with him on this point.
Video interview (English)
We obviously thank the coach for Snape for accepting this interview despite the defeat and elimination. Even if the interview took place at a distance, we sent him a maximum of good vibes. Europe’s record at Worlds is bleak, but luckily the reigning LEC champions saved the day.
For Snape, it’s also time to turn the page and open the chapter KOI. A priori, fredy122 will still be in charge next season, his contract runs until the end of 2023 and he is already planning for the future. But the Briton remains vigilant, the off-season can always surprise.
Europe, a systemic problem?
After having said a few sweet things, however, we must ask ourselves… For the 2nd year in a row, Europe places onlyone teame in the top 8. And as in 2021, our representative did not win a single game in Bo5. May this be KIA DWG Where JD Kidg, the Asian team was too strong. If we take the West (LEC + LCS) as a whole, the balance sheet is even more critical. Our North American neighbors are doing worse than us: united in rivalry. China and Korea are destroying us indiscriminately.
For fredy122, there is a problem that he has trouble explaining. When the end of the year comes, European teams can no longer improve to raise their level of play. Is this linked to fatigue, format pressure? He doesn’t have a definite answer to offer and it’s not necessarily in his interest to light up his own region. He still pointed a lack of discipline that will have to be corrected quickly to avoid seeing the gap continue to grow.