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‎‎Introduction

Hi everyone! The Swiss Stage has begun but today we'll be taking a quick look back at play-ins. If you're wondering why a favourite team of yours isn't on the big screen, or wondering how GAM and BDS are... our recap below will catch you up on what's been happening at Worlds 2023 in the past week! As a sum up, the play-ins featured eight teams which were drawn into two double elimination brackets. They played best-of-three matches until it boiled down to only four teams standing. Then, the remaining teams engaged in best-of-five games, and two winners advanced to Swiss Stage, joining the 14 pre-qualified teams. Our winners were, of course, Team BDS from Europe and GAM Esports from Vietnam. Without further ado, there’s a lot of series to cover, so let’s jump in!

Bracket Overview


Match 1					Group A
	0
VS	-	↘	Match 3
	2			0
			VS	-	→
	2			2	↘
VS	-	↗					0
	0			2		VS	-	→
Match 2			VS	-	→		2
				0		Match 5
			Match 4

Match 1					Group B
	1
VS	-	↘	Match 3
	2			2
			VS	-	→
	2			1	↘
VS	-	↗					0
	0			2		VS	-	→
Match 2			VS	-	→		2
				0		Match 5
			Match 4

Qualifiers

→

←

Play-In Recaps

Worlds 2023 debuted with a showdown between PSG Talon and Movistar R7. The gold difference throughout the whole match was rather even, but PSG held the tiniest of leads throughout. In spite of how slow and even the game was, after PSG secured Baron 26 minutes in, they found an avenue to push out R7's base and end the game rather unceremoniously 28 minutes in. Game 2 was quite a bit more explosive. PSG secured an early lead and snowballed from there. 30 minutes in, when the game was nearing its end, PSG held an 8k gold lead. Most of the gold went straight to Maple, who showed off some truly amazing Jayce gameplay.

LOUD and GAM took to the stage next. Most probably expected GAM Esports to take this series clean, but LOUD came to Worlds ready to knock some heads. The Brazilian representatives showed us a clinical Game 1, with more than a 10k gold lead by the end, all four Dragons and Ocean Soul secured, and an extremely stylish pentakill for Route right at the end of the game. Game 2 was not quite so quick and clean, as LOUD had a very fed Levi to contend with, and Slayder was having a great Kai'Sa game in the bot lane. However, neither champion could stand tall to Robo's K'Sante this game, who ultimately led his team to victory, destroying GAM's Nexus just before the 40th minute mark. A clean 2-0 start for CBLOL!

We kicked off Day 2 with a match between Japan's finest, DetonatioN FocusMe and PCS' Flying Oyster, a relatively new team with one Worlds appearance already behind 'em. CFO drafted Jayce, certainly a pick to watch this Worlds, and JimieN showed us why. 30 minutes in, his Jayce was 9-3 with an Infernal Soul to boot. After CFO was able to secure Elder Dragon, it was lights out for DFM in Game 1, and onwards to Game 2. CFO was able to secure Jayce once again, though it was the Oyster's bot lane that popped off in Game 2. Both Shunn and ShiauC had 3 kills 20 minutes in. The game didn't go on much longer than that, as CFO was able to ace DFM 27 minutes in and secure their second win.

Next up, Team BDS, Europe's 4th Seed, played against Vietnam's 2nd seed, Team Whale. After such a great performance against Golden Guardians to secure play-ins, the pressure was on for BDS to prove they're meant to be here. Game 1 started off extremely favourable for BDS. 20 minutes in, they had secured 3 Dragons and were en route for Mountain Soul, while being 4k gold ahead and 9 kills in the lead. It didn't take long for the Swiss team to close the game out and go next. Game 2 was a lot closer. 20 minutes, Team Whales was in a small gold lead, and had 7 kills to BDS' 4, but BDS was still on track to secure Cloud Drake very soon. When it was denied, thrice over, fans knew it was probably over for BDS. After acing the team in their own base, Team Whales was able to push out the Nexus Turrets and equalise the score. Game 3 was the longest game of the series, and yet, it felt fairly one-sided all throughout. Team Whales secured their mini reverse sweep, ending the game 41 minutes in with a 10 gold advantage, and sending BDS into the lower bracket.

PSG Talon and LOUD, having won their previous bo3s, clashed in the first match of Day 3. In Game 1, the two teams seemed evenly matched until one excellent fight 28 minutes in. PSG was able to secure Infernal before Maple’s sudden Pop Blossom took LOUD by surprise. Having won that fight, PSG found themselves firmly in the lead and, one Baron later, were able to ace LOUD and take their first dub. Game 2 was far more explosive. PSG was feeling confident and it showed, as this game was done and dusted in just over 30 minutes. By the end, PSG was a whopping 16k gold in the lead, with exemplary performances from Azhi and Wako in particular.

Another two 2-0 teams clashed in the next match of the day. CFO held a clear advantage from the start in Game 1, largely in thanks to an excellent performance from Rest on Gnar top lane. By the time it was game over, CFO had nearly 10k gold on Team Whales, in addition to Baron and Cloud Soul. Luckily, Team Whales didn't let the first game deter them too much, and started Game 2 off very well. Midway in they had Chemtech Soul, while CFO hadn't been able to secure a single Dragon. Worst yet, the only two kills CFO had managed to grab went to their Blitzcrank. After executing another great team fight, this time in CFO's base, Team Whales set their sights on the Nexus and equalised the score 1-1. Unlike the first two, Game 3 was slower and much more even. The gold lead never exceeded 3k gold, and was usually just 1k in favour of CFO. The two teams were going blow for blow before one team fight crippled CFO's numbers too much. Having already been able to take down most of CFO's base in a previous fight initiated by Bie, Team Whales was able to push into the CFO's Nexus after taking down four members of CFO at the Dragon pit.

In the lower bracket, we met GAM Esports and Movistar R7 once again on Day 4 of the play-ins. R7 started off hort in Game 1, securing both a First Blood double kill for Mireu early on. Mireu continued to have an applaudable performance, but, unfortunately, the rest of R7 fell apart at the seams at the sight of Slayder and Levi, both exceptionally powerful in Game 1. In Game 2 it was GAM who held an early lead, and were eventually able to snowball it into a great mid and late game. Thanks to superior Dragon control, GAM was able to secure Infernal Soul 30 minutes in. After that, and considering how fed each and every one of GAM's members were, it was just about game over for R7, who were, sadly, the first team to be sent home.

Also in the lower bracket, we have Team BDS and DetonatioN FocusMe. While they did, perhaps unexpectedly, lose to Team Whales, Team BDS showed up big on Day 4. The first game was pretty much flawless from BDS, with nuc and Sheo being in top form especially. BDS had an 8k gold advantage and Mountain Soul as they closed out the first game. Unfortunately for DFM, Game 2 showed that BDS didn't have any intention of slowing down. The game was over 28 minutes in, right around the time Crownie scored the second Pentakill of Worlds 2023 and his tenth kill of Game 2.

On our final day of best-of-threes, we watched GAM Esports take on LOUD, a rematch from Day 1 when LOUD took down GAM 2-0. The early game was very much déjà vu, but little by little GAM started to catch up, eventually overtaking LOUD in kills and gold alike. Those kills added up, and eventually LOUD found themselves having to wrestle with a 10 kill Kai'Sa and 9 kill Viktor. While preparing to take Infernal Soul, GAM was able to take out four members of LOUD instead, and they secured the win. In Game 2, Croc ganked Robo early on, taking First Blood but dying under the turret to Kiaya. After that, it was GAM's top laner who snowballed, not LOUD's. 25 minutes in Kiaya had 6 kills and was playing his part perfectly in team fights. After securing Chemtech Soul, GAM was able to ace LOUD in their own base and inch themselves closer to the Swiss Stage.

Also looking to secure Swiss Stage, Team BDS and the Flying Oysters, who played each other next. Game 1 was a long one. Both teams were relatively even in gold all throughout, but BDS had the Dragon Soul. As ever, the tough game came down to a Baron call. BDS was able to quickly take down the Nashor 40 minutes in, in plain sight of CFO, and then they rotated bot. All three minion waves were pushing into CFO's Nexus Turrets when Gemini went for a hail Mary play, flashing into the very fed Crownie and pushing him into his team. Unfortunately, the gamble didn't pay off, as BDS were able to clean up CFO and take Game 1. CFO grabbed the lead in Game 2, however, with First Blood going to Shunn bot lane, while Rest was able to solokill Adam in the top lane shortly after. Their luck changed, again, after BDS took Baron. Though behind in gold, BDS was able to kill JimieN, take Baron, and then clean up the rest of CFO, acing them at the 23rd minute mark. BDS didn't take much longer to close out the game, and they secured themselves a fight against PSG Talon to advance to the Swiss Stage.

We've seen some impressive games from both Team Whales and GAM, but only one of them could advance to the main stage. While GAM did have a misstep in their first game against LOUD on Day 1, they've actually gone undefeated since, and they clearly wanted to continue that streak on Day 6. After a super clean Game 1, GAM was thrown off in Game 2 as BeanJ's Viego took control of the game. It was over within 27 minutes and hinted at a more exciting series to come. However, GAM retook the wheel, and finished the series 3-1 with each game subsequent being clean and essentially one-sided. Keep your eyes on Slayder, Kiaya and Levi in particular during the main stage!

Game 1 and 2 were some pretty devastating games for EU fans, PSG Talon giving nary an inch to the Swiss team. Maple was having an incredible series in particular, ending Game 1 with a 4k gold lead on his mid lane opponent, and ending Game 2 9-0 on Akali. However, after a 40 minute slog in Game 3, BDS were able to wrestle a mid game lead, secure Hextech Soul and Baron and push out PSG's base unexpectedly, opening the door to a reverse sweep. In Game 4, BDS was clearly feeling themselves, with Adam 7-1 on Garen and Crownie playing out of his mind as Kai'Sa, it was down to silver scrapes. Well, it wasn’t pretty, it certainly wasn’t clean, but damn if it wasn’t an exciting and satisfying conclusion for EU fans.With this series in the rear view mirror, we move on to the main stage and start to get ready to crown our next champions!

Main Stage Overview

Whether you're a new fan or old, Silverman43 has got you covered with everything you need to know about the main stage and the participating teams!

.

Conclusion

That wraps up our play-ins recap! Now that you're all caught up, head on over to your streaming platform of choice, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the rest of the main stage. Also, while you're at it, head on over to E-GO and make sure your fantasy team is the best it can be for what's to come!

Credits go to LoL.fandom Wiki for their collection of player portraits, up-to-date statistics, overviews and all-around fantastic work documenting LoL esports. Additionally, the incredible bracket overview table was designed by Silverman43!

[quote=Jovy][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/Q6BYsx9.png border="5px outset #dd821a"][/center] [table] [tr] [td border="5px outset #dd821a" padding=20 width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎Introduction[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] Hi everyone! The Swiss Stage has begun but today we'll be taking a quick look back at play-ins. If you're wondering why a favourite team of yours isn't on the big screen, or wondering how GAM and BDS are... our recap below will catch you up on what's been happening at Worlds 2023 in the past week! As a sum up, the play-ins featured eight teams which were drawn into two double elimination brackets. They played best-of-three matches until it boiled down to only four teams standing. Then, the remaining teams engaged in best-of-five games, and two winners advanced to Swiss Stage, joining the 14 pre-qualified teams. Our winners were, of course, Team BDS from Europe and GAM Esports from Vietnam. Without further ado, there’s a lot of series to cover, so let’s jump in! [table] [tr] [td border="5px outset #dd821a" padding=20 width=900 bgcolor=162645] [Anchor=Format][size=6][b]Bracket Overview[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [center][table][tr height=30][td colspan=12][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 1[/size][/b][/center][/td][td colspan=3][/td][td width=150 colspan=4 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px outset #dd821a"][center][size=6][b]Group A[/b][/size][/center][/td][td width=150 colspan=3][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=35][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][td width=500 colspan=10][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]↘[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 3[/size][/b][/center][/td][td colspan=7 width=350][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/6hc3fkE.png height=27][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/6hc3fkE.png height=27][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]→[/size][/center][/td][td width=150 colspan=3 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/PJrhbqy.png height=34][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/PJrhbqy.png height=34][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/PJrhbqy.png height=34][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]↘[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]↗[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=3][/td][td bgcolor=#162645 width=50 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/6hc3fkE.png height=27][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/1JnXYtB.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=35][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]→[/size][/center][/td][td width=150 colspan=3 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=35][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 2[/size][/b][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]→[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=35][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/1JnXYtB.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][td][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 5[/size][/b][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 4[/size][/b][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=12][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 1[/size][/b][/center][/td][td colspan=3][/td][td width=150 colspan=4 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px outset #dd821a"][center][size=6][b]Group B[/b][/size][/center][/td][td width=150 colspan=3][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]1[/size][/center][/td][td width=500 colspan=10][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]↘[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 3[/size][/b][/center][/td][td colspan=7 width=350][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/Y9TdvFx.png height=38][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/Y9TdvFx.png height=38][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]→[/size][/center][/td][td width=150 colspan=3 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/Y9TdvFx.png height=38][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/8g6sz6P.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/8g6sz6P.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]1[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]↘[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]↗[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=3][/td][td bgcolor=#162645 width=50 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/8g6sz6P.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/3v4YtZb.png height=33][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]→[/size][/center][/td][td width=150 colspan=3 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png height=40][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 2[/size][/b][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]→[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#162645 border="2px solid #dd821a"][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/3v4YtZb.png height=33][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][td][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 5[/size][/b][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Match 4[/size][/b][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=30][td colspan=12][/td][/tr] [/table] [/center] [center] [table] [tr height=50][td width=150 colspan=3][/td][td border="2px outset #dd821a" width=200 colspan=4 bgcolor=#162645][center][size=6][b]Qualifiers[/b][/size][/center][/td][td width=150 colspan=3][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=10][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td border="2px solid #dd821a" width=50 bgcolor=#162645][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/PJrhbqy.png height=34][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=6][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]1[/size][/center][/td][td border="2px solid #dd821a" width=50 bgcolor=#162645][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/Y9TdvFx.png height=38][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]→[/size][/center][/td][td border="2px solid #00ff00" width=150 colspan=4 bgcolor=#162645][center] [table][tr][td vertical-align=center][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png height=40][/td][td width=10][/td][td vertical-align=center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=35][/td][/tr][/table] [/center][/td][td width=50][center][size=6]←[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]-[/size][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]VS[/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50] [td border="2px solid #dd821a" width=50 bgcolor=#162645][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png height=40][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]3[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=6][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]3[/size][/center][/td][td border="2px solid #dd821a" width=50 bgcolor=#162645][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=35][/center][/td][/tr] [/table][/center] [table] [tr] [td border="5px outset #dd821a" padding=20 width=900 bgcolor=162645] [Anchor=Format][size=6][b]Play-In Recaps[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [img=https://i.imgur.com/XBCW6yX.png] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/1JnXYtB.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/PJrhbqy.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Worlds 2023 debuted with a showdown between PSG Talon and Movistar R7. The gold difference throughout the whole match was rather even, but PSG held the tiniest of leads throughout. In spite of how slow and even the game was, after PSG secured Baron 26 minutes in, they found an avenue to push out R7's base and end the game rather unceremoniously 28 minutes in. Game 2 was quite a bit more explosive. PSG secured an early lead and snowballed from there. 30 minutes in, when the game was nearing its end, PSG held an 8k gold lead. Most of the gold went straight to Maple, who showed off some truly amazing Jayce gameplay.[/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/6hc3fkE.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]LOUD and GAM took to the stage next. Most probably expected GAM Esports to take this series clean, but LOUD came to Worlds ready to knock some heads. The Brazilian representatives showed us a clinical Game 1, with more than a 10k gold lead by the end, all four Dragons and Ocean Soul secured, and an extremely stylish pentakill for Route right at the end of the game. Game 2 was not quite so quick and clean, as LOUD had a very fed Levi to contend with, and Slayder was having a great Kai'Sa game in the bot lane. However, neither champion could stand tall to Robo's K'Sante this game, who ultimately led his team to victory, destroying GAM's Nexus just before the 40th minute mark. A clean 2-0 start for CBLOL![/columns] [columns][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j4ZiZpjikY width=450][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE2C5PZ0ib0 width=450][/columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/tLfrv8g.png] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/3v4YtZb.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/8g6sz6P.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]We kicked off Day 2 with a match between Japan's finest, DetonatioN FocusMe and PCS' Flying Oyster, a relatively new team with one Worlds appearance already behind 'em. CFO drafted Jayce, certainly a pick to watch this Worlds, and JimieN showed us why. 30 minutes in, his Jayce was 9-3 with an Infernal Soul to boot. After CFO was able to secure Elder Dragon, it was lights out for DFM in Game 1, and onwards to Game 2. CFO was able to secure Jayce once again, though it was the Oyster's bot lane that popped off in Game 2. Both Shunn and ShiauC had 3 kills 20 minutes in. The game didn't go on much longer than that, as CFO was able to ace DFM 27 minutes in and secure their second win.[/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/Y9TdvFx.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Next up, Team BDS, Europe's 4th Seed, played against Vietnam's 2nd seed, Team Whale. After such a great performance against Golden Guardians to secure play-ins, the pressure was on for BDS to prove they're meant to be here. Game 1 started off extremely favourable for BDS. 20 minutes in, they had secured 3 Dragons and were en route for Mountain Soul, while being 4k gold ahead and 9 kills in the lead. It didn't take long for the Swiss team to close the game out and go next. Game 2 was a lot closer. 20 minutes, Team Whales was in a small gold lead, and had 7 kills to BDS' 4, but BDS was still on track to secure Cloud Drake very soon. When it was denied, thrice over, fans knew it was probably over for BDS. After acing the team in their own base, Team Whales was able to push out the Nexus Turrets and equalise the score. Game 3 was the longest game of the series, and yet, it felt fairly one-sided all throughout. Team Whales secured their mini reverse sweep, ending the game 41 minutes in with a 10 gold advantage, and sending BDS into the lower bracket.[/columns] [columns][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8_DpKnFSN8 width=450][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8_DpKnFSN8 width=450][/columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/KansfDV.png] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/PJrhbqy.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=green]2[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/6hc3fkE.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]PSG Talon and LOUD, having won their previous bo3s, clashed in the first match of Day 3. In Game 1, the two teams seemed evenly matched until one excellent fight 28 minutes in. PSG was able to secure Infernal before Maple’s sudden Pop Blossom took LOUD by surprise. Having won that fight, PSG found themselves firmly in the lead and, one Baron later, were able to ace LOUD and take their first dub. Game 2 was far more explosive. PSG was feeling confident and it showed, as this game was done and dusted in just over 30 minutes. By the end, PSG was a whopping 16k gold in the lead, with exemplary performances from Azhi and Wako in particular.[/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/8g6sz6P.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/Y9TdvFx.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Another two 2-0 teams clashed in the next match of the day. CFO held a clear advantage from the start in Game 1, largely in thanks to an excellent performance from Rest on Gnar top lane. By the time it was game over, CFO had nearly 10k gold on Team Whales, in addition to Baron and Cloud Soul. Luckily, Team Whales didn't let the first game deter them too much, and started Game 2 off very well. Midway in they had Chemtech Soul, while CFO hadn't been able to secure a single Dragon. Worst yet, the only two kills CFO had managed to grab went to their Blitzcrank. After executing another great team fight, this time in CFO's base, Team Whales set their sights on the Nexus and equalised the score 1-1. Unlike the first two, Game 3 was slower and much more even. The gold lead never exceeded 3k gold, and was usually just 1k in favour of CFO. The two teams were going blow for blow before one team fight crippled CFO's numbers too much. Having already been able to take down most of CFO's base in a previous fight initiated by Bie, Team Whales was able to push into the CFO's Nexus after taking down four members of CFO at the Dragon pit.[/columns] [columns][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9knii5ufA0 width=450][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xntKgth-_pw width=450][/columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/fhQtUWA.png] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/1JnXYtB.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]In the lower bracket, we met GAM Esports and Movistar R7 once again on Day 4 of the play-ins. R7 started off hort in Game 1, securing both a First Blood double kill for Mireu early on. Mireu continued to have an applaudable performance, but, unfortunately, the rest of R7 fell apart at the seams at the sight of Slayder and Levi, both exceptionally powerful in Game 1. In Game 2 it was GAM who held an early lead, and were eventually able to snowball it into a great mid and late game. Thanks to superior Dragon control, GAM was able to secure Infernal Soul 30 minutes in. After that, and considering how fed each and every one of GAM's members were, it was just about game over for R7, who were, sadly, the first team to be sent home.[/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/3v4YtZb.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Also in the lower bracket, we have Team BDS and DetonatioN FocusMe. While they did, perhaps unexpectedly, lose to Team Whales, Team BDS showed up big on Day 4. The first game was pretty much flawless from BDS, with nuc and Sheo being in top form especially. BDS had an 8k gold advantage and Mountain Soul as they closed out the first game. Unfortunately for DFM, Game 2 showed that BDS didn't have any intention of slowing down. The game was over 28 minutes in, right around the time Crownie scored the second Pentakill of Worlds 2023 and his tenth kill of Game 2.[/columns] [columns][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aliz4qyFaVA width=450][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhraOLG9wPs width=450][/columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/ckvhnhJ.png] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/6hc3fkE.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]On our final day of best-of-threes, we watched GAM Esports take on LOUD, a rematch from Day 1 when LOUD took down GAM 2-0. The early game was very much déjà vu, but little by little GAM started to catch up, eventually overtaking LOUD in kills and gold alike. Those kills added up, and eventually LOUD found themselves having to wrestle with a 10 kill Kai'Sa and 9 kill Viktor. While preparing to take Infernal Soul, GAM was able to take out four members of LOUD instead, and they secured the win. In Game 2, Croc ganked Robo early on, taking First Blood but dying under the turret to Kiaya. After that, it was GAM's top laner who snowballed, not LOUD's. 25 minutes in Kiaya had 6 kills and was playing his part perfectly in team fights. After securing Chemtech Soul, GAM was able to ace LOUD in their own base and inch themselves closer to the Swiss Stage.[/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/8g6sz6P.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Also looking to secure Swiss Stage, Team BDS and the Flying Oysters, who played each other next. Game 1 was a long one. Both teams were relatively even in gold all throughout, but BDS had the Dragon Soul. As ever, the tough game came down to a Baron call. BDS was able to quickly take down the Nashor 40 minutes in, in plain sight of CFO, and then they rotated bot. All three minion waves were pushing into CFO's Nexus Turrets when Gemini went for a hail Mary play, flashing into the very fed Crownie and pushing him into his team. Unfortunately, the gamble didn't pay off, as BDS were able to clean up CFO and take Game 1. CFO grabbed the lead in Game 2, however, with First Blood going to Shunn bot lane, while Rest was able to solokill Adam in the top lane shortly after. Their luck changed, again, after BDS took Baron. Though behind in gold, BDS was able to kill JimieN, take Baron, and then clean up the rest of CFO, acing them at the 23rd minute mark. BDS didn't take much longer to close out the game, and they secured themselves a fight against PSG Talon to advance to the Swiss Stage.[/columns] [columns][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIZ2HhrDOCM width=450][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNGAOSZiCj0 width=450][/columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/fwBYuO8.png] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/XkDgsfo.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=green]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/Y9TdvFx.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]We've seen some impressive games from both Team Whales and GAM, but only one of them could advance to the main stage. While GAM did have a misstep in their first game against LOUD on Day 1, they've actually gone undefeated since, and they clearly wanted to continue that streak on Day 6. After a super clean Game 1, GAM was thrown off in Game 2 as BeanJ's Viego took control of the game. It was over within 27 minutes and hinted at a more exciting series to come. However, GAM retook the wheel, and finished the series 3-1 with each game subsequent being clean and essentially one-sided. Keep your eyes on Slayder, Kiaya and Levi in particular during the main stage![/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/PJrhbqy.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]2[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/vAs9ybG.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Game 1 and 2 were some pretty devastating games for EU fans, PSG Talon giving nary an inch to the Swiss team. Maple was having an incredible series in particular, ending Game 1 with a 4k gold lead on his mid lane opponent, and ending Game 2 9-0 on Akali. However, after a 40 minute slog in Game 3, BDS were able to wrestle a mid game lead, secure Hextech Soul and Baron and push out PSG's base unexpectedly, opening the door to a reverse sweep. In Game 4, BDS was clearly feeling themselves, with Adam 7-1 on Garen and Crownie playing out of his mind as Kai'Sa, it was down to silver scrapes. Well, it wasn’t pretty, it certainly wasn’t clean, but damn if it wasn’t an exciting and satisfying conclusion for EU fans.With this series in the rear view mirror, we move on to the main stage and start to get ready to crown our next champions![/columns] [columns][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBK6bxSin4M width=450][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhuSi3R3gx0 width=450][/columns] [table] [tr] [td border="5px outset #dd821a" padding=20 width=900 bgcolor=162645] [Anchor=Format][size=6][b]Main Stage Overview[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [columns width=450][url=https://www.mobafire.com/league-of-legends/forum/news/mobafire-worlds-2023-fantasy-tournament-main-stage-preview-46553][img=https://i.imgur.com/JIev5dN.png width=450][/url][nextcol width=10][nextcol]Whether you're a new fan or old, [url=https://www.mobafire.com/profile/silverman43-792409]Silverman43[/url] has got you covered with everything you need to know about the main stage and the participating teams! [color=transparent].[/color][/columns] [table] [tr] [td border="5px outset #dd821a" padding=20 width=900 bgcolor=162645] [Anchor=Format][size=6][b]Conclusion[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] That wraps up our play-ins recap! Now that you're all caught up, head on over to your streaming platform of choice, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the rest of the main stage. Also, while you're at it, head on over to [url=https://mobafire.egoapp.gg/]E-GO[/url] and make sure your fantasy team is the best it can be for what's to come! Credits go to [color=#97bbff][url=https://lol.fandom.com/wiki/League_of_Legends_Esports_Wiki]LoL.fandom Wiki[/url][/color] for their collection of player portraits, up-to-date statistics, overviews and all-around fantastic work documenting LoL esports. Additionally, the incredible bracket overview table was designed by [url=https://www.mobafire.com/profile/silverman43-792409]Silverman43[/url]![/quote]

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MOBAFire Worlds 2023 Fantasy Tournament -...

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