LEC-LCS Play-off Weekend

(-800) G2 Esports v FC Schalke 04 (+475)

(-425) Rogue v MAD Lions (+280)

(-170) TSM v Evil Geniuses (+130)

(-210) 100 Thieves v Team Dignitas (+165)

 

Captain

Soligo ($9,900)

I’m willing to dig deep and go cheap for captain (no pun intended) and pursue a high risk, high reward play style: 100 Thieves has not won a single match versus a play-off squad since substituting in Ry0ma, and it’s likely that won’t change: their wins don’t look cleaner, they’re just less frequent. DIG haven’t came into the post-season in the best of shape, but they still look strong enough to tear a match off 100 Thieves before proceeding and getting bopped by the later bracket teams. If you’d prefer a more consistent player with a higher likelihood of popping off, you can pay a premium for Larssen, but I have faith in Soligo and Dignitas: they’ve come this far and 100 Thieves looks like a wreck.

Alternatives to consider: Larssen ($11,400)

Top Lane

Wunder ($6,600)

Wunder versus Broken Blade is pure money; while Broken Blade has had a late split resurgence, I think G2 will be more than capable of figuring him out, especially as games leave the best-of-one stage. Wunder has proven himself capable time and time again both domestically and on the world stage; I have respect for Broken Blade, but he really can’t hold a candle to what Wunder has accomplished. For a value pick, I’d choose Odoamne who has a comfortable time against Armut. Odoamne has been in close contention with Wunder for his #1 top lane spot, and I don’t see Armut or an inconsistent MAD Lions as being capable of usurping that spot.

Alternatives to consider: Odoamne ($6,400)

Jungle

Dardoch ($6,200)

Last time DIG and 100 Thieves met, the Thieves still had Damonte and narrowly clutched a win due to a great performance from Closer. Few will remember the fact that Dardoch had solidly been controlling the early game up until that point, and without Closer’s second-in-command in Damonte, I think 100 Thieves’ jungle-mid 2v2 will be lacking against Dignitas; an area you definitely don’t want to be lacking in. I have high hopes for Dardoch, and I think he can continue his fantastic split into the post-season. For a premium option, you can’t go wrong with the best: G2’s Jankos is likely to have a comfortable time into Gilius, who’s one-note style is a disadvantage against the best jungler in the league.

Alternatives to consider: Jankos ($7,400)

Mid Lane

Larssen ($7,600)

Humanoid has been a big disappointment for me this split: he looked to be progressively climbing the ranks of the European middle lane, until he took a nosedive this split. In contrast, Larssen is actively contesting Caps for his #1 spot, and despite his trademark Azir getting nerfed, he’s more than comfortable on picks like Lucian, Orianna, Viktor, or even the recently buffed Akali. I think Larssen will smack Humanoid and end their rivalry this split. PowerofEvil is the only TSM member I’d recommend (the only player from the match-up in general, in fact) since he’s a consistent earner- I’d do my best to stick with Larssen though, if possible.

Alternatives to consider: PowerofEvil ($7,200)

ADC

Rekkles ($8,000)

The best of the best: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Rekkles was worth every penny G2 paid for them. While teams like Damwon and EDG/RNG will be hard to contend with internationally, I think Rekkles may be the final piece G2 needs to do so. The gap theoretically only extends each year, and this is the best time G2 has to seize international victory, and I highly doubt S04’s Neon and LIMIT will impede them in the slightest. For a secondary choice, I’d pair Hans sama with mid laner Larssen.

Alternatives to consider: Hans sama ($7,800)

Support

Mikyx ($5,800)

Rekkles+Mikyx is a surefire way to cash in a ton of points, especially against a relatively weak bottom lane in Neon and LIMIT in a best of 5. While LIMIT has had his moments, “moments” won’t do you good against the best in the west. I could go on for these two for a long time (and I will later), but I’d like to give a nod to rookie Trymbi, who’s been playing relatively well (albeit not exceptionally). He’s worth the cash regardless, I haven’t been big on MAD’s bottom lane and while Kaiser looks like the better of the two players, he hasn’t been outstanding.

Alternatives to consider: Trymbi ($5,600)

Team

G2 Esports ($5,800)

I want to stay away from TSM vs EG as much as possible, and while DIG is unfavored to win versus 100 Thieves, I still think they’ll take the win: the two obvious choices are G2 vs S04 and Rogue vs MAD. Either of the two work; I think G2 will crush S04 harder than Rogue will crush MAD, but neither choice is a wrong one.

Alternatives to consider: Rogue ($5,600)

Stacks:

Rekkles & Mikyx

The best in the west, the two that have a real chance to bring a victory to Europe. They’re the best in Europe and aren’t contested by anyone, Mikyx in particular has obliterated any competition he’s had from opposing supports.

Soligo & Dardoch

An unlikely duo: Soligo and Dardoch target the 100 Thieves 2v2 after Damonte’s departure. Closer is still strong, but I see little difference between Ry0ma and GoldenGlue who Damonte replaced prior.

Larssen & Trymbi

The two areas not easily filled elsewhere if you can’t afford Mikyx: Larssen will have a great time against Humanoid, and Trymbi will not be punished by MAD’s weaker bottom lane. Trymbi will be free to roam around the map, and get Larssen even further ahead.

Top Picks: Larssen, Rekkles, Mikyx

G2 and Rogue have easy games and aren’t contested unlike in the LCS. Rogue is a group of fantastic young players, and Larssen chief among them. G2’s bottom lane is world class and can contest the eastern teams in strength.

Top Value: Dardoch, Soligo, Aphromoo

I ride hard for DIG. I don’t think 100 Thieves has what it takes to knock down DIG, especially while fielding Ry0ma instead of Damonte. All of DIG come in cheap, and this is where I perceive their biggest advantages to be.