The first legs of the Worlds groups are generally more than difficult for the LEC representatives. It was so marked that at one time, week 2 was called European week, because it was during the return matches that hope was reborn for the formations of the Old Continent. Only two teams have ever managed a perfect first leg, and these performances are relatively recent.
The Rogue ended the first leg 3-0 at the end of the first round, after a very solid game in which they managed to get back into the game after a slight dominance of Top Esports, thanks in particular to Trymbi. This performance bodes well for the rest of the competition, as the teams that succeeded at least reached the semi-finals. A little nostalgia.
Origin, Worlds 2015
In 2015, the Origen are the stuff of dreams all over Europe. Composed mostly of former Fnatic, the team has already won the hearts of part of the public. This is the advantage during these Worlds, which are played in Europe. After Fnatic’s performance at MSI in the same year, and that of Origen during the Summer Split, expectations are quite high on the part of the public. The players did not disappoint, and achieved a perfect first week with in particular a victory against LGD, which was then one of the big favorites (even if in their case, they were more of a wet firecracker) and above all a victory against KT Rolster , third best team in LCK (behind SKT T1 and KOO Tigers).
Unfortunately, the second week was more difficult. The team lost two games out of three, and finally finished second in the group. Fortunately, for the European team, they pulled the most “affordable” group leader: Flash Wolves. This allowed them to advance to the semi-finals of the Worlds, where they were crushed by SKT T1.
G2 Esports, Worlds 2019
With 2018 , Europe had a golden opportunity to win the Worlds. The G2 samurai were looking for the MSI+ Worlds Grand Slam, a feat only achieved by SKT in 2016. G2 Esports had the potential to do it, with one of the best teams in the game’s history, and not only at European level.
As with Origen, the event was taking place in Europe, which may have boosted player confidence. Even though they had a better second week, they still lost two games against Griffin: the return match and the tiebreaker. Much like Origen, the G2s failed to finish first in their group. They got their revenge by eliminating DAMWON and then SKT, but ultimately lost in the finals to FPX.
For now, achieving a 3-0 in the first leg of the group stage is synonymous with going far in the competition. Let’s hope Snape doesn’t break this virtuous cycle. However, this may also need to be qualified. If Rogue loses in the quarter after an epic match, where both teams have outdone each other, it will be hard to blame them. Let’s trust the players of Freddy122 to give us a great time in front of their matches.