MOBAFire EMEA Fantasy Tournament - Finals Recap...

[quote=Silverman43][center][img=https://www.mobafire.com/images/news/lec-winter-23-finals.jpg][/center] [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Introduction[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] Hey everyone, welcome to the concluding article of our LEC Winter split and Fantasy Tournament coverage! The final games have wrapped up and winners have been crowned. Join us in finding out who took home the final $9.4k prize pool! Similarly the first ever LEC Winter champions have been crowned, who are also the first team worldwide to qualify for the revamped Mid Season Invitational. Without further ado, let's dive into it! [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Fantasy Leaderboards[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/n1KbCmK.png][/center] And our big winner is [b]Tapkick999[/b]! Standings have still shifted significantly compared to last week. [b]Tapkick999[/b] hasn't ever been the frontrunner up until now. They made top 10 in the first week, and once again just last week. Peaked right in time, as they take home $5k prize money! Congratulations! Runner-up [b]Beer[/b] has been spotted in the top 10 for multiple weeks, and their consistent performances rewards them with a nice $2.5k! At spot 3 we find a familiar face. [b]flynnbomb[/b] won last year's World Championship Fantasy Tournament. Their expertise is apparent, netting them another $1k. No doubt we'll see them rank highly next split as well! [b]nerazzurri[/b] & [b]BloomBB[/b] complete the top 5. [b]BloomBB[/b] resided in the top 3 all split long, but ultimately lands at the 5th place. [b]nerazzurri[/b] on the other hand quietly only sneaked into the top 10 just last week. Both will still be rewarded for their solid run! Shout-out to the remaining top 10 as well, along with a massive thank you to everyone who participated. We hope you had a good time and hope to see you for the Spring split! [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Top Player In Each Role During Final Week[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [center][columns] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/w9EsS8G.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]TOP LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/e/ef/MAD_Chasy_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Chasy[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]29.3 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/tSXz5QB.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]JUNGLE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/7/71/MAD_Elyoya_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Elyoya[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]25 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/aQyqQwd.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]MID LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/07/MAD_Nisqy_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Nisqy[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]23.7 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/P5LdG0V.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]BOT LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/b/b1/MAD_Carzzy_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Carzzy[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]24.5 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XsdpYZL.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]SUPPORT[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/1/12/MAD_Hylissang_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Hylissang[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]18.7 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [/columns][/center] [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Overall Top Player In Each Role[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [center][columns] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/w9EsS8G.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]TOP LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/e/ef/MAD_Chasy_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Chasy[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]148.4 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e81f24" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/tSXz5QB.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]JUNGLE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/4/46/G2_Yike_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Yike[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]G2 Esports[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]137 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/aQyqQwd.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]MID LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/07/MAD_Nisqy_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Nisqy[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]137.6 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #ffffff" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/P5LdG0V.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]BOT LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/1/14/SK_Exakick_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#ffffff][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Exakick[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/1whtSNS.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]SK Gaming[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]136.8 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e0c061" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XsdpYZL.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]SUPPORT[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/1/12/MAD_Hylissang_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e0c061][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Hylissang[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]MAD Lions[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]104.1 PTS[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [/columns][/center] [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Playoffs Completed Bracket Overview[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [spoiler=Explanation]G2 had already secured their spot in the finals last week, so the first 2 days of the weekend had to determine the second finalist. MAD Lions started from the bottom of the lower bracket alongside SK, but advanced after a close 5 game series. The next they MAD faced off against KOI and reigned supreme once again. Though even their strong momentum coming into the finals could not help them against an incredibly dominant G2 that had carefully prepared for the moment. A 3-0 secured G2 their first trophy of the season and a ticket to MSI in London later this year. [/spoiler] [center] [table] [tr height=30][td colspan=12][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3 width=150][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=3]Upper Bracket[/size][/b][/center][/td][td colspan=7 width=350][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3 width=150][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/7/77/G2_Esportslogo_square.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]3[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=7 width=350][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3 width=150][/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=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=4]Finals[/size][/b][/center][/td][td colspan=4 width=200][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3 width=150][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/a/a5/KOI_%28Spanish_Team%29logo_square.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]1[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/7/77/G2_Esportslogo_square.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]3[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=4 width=200][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=6 width=300][/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 border="3px solid #e0c061" width=150 colspan=3 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/7/77/G2_Esportslogo_square.png height=40][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td colspan=3 width=150][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/a/a5/KOI_%28Spanish_Team%29logo_square.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]1[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]0[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=4 width=200][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]3[/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 colspan=6][/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 width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=40][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]3[/size][/center][/td][td colspan=7][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td width=50 bgcolor=#666e7d][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/1whtSNS.png height=35][/center][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=50][center][size=5]2[/size][/center][/td][td width=50][/td][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=3]Lower Bracket M2[/size][/b][/center][/td][td colspan=7][/td][/tr] [tr height=50][td bgcolor=#152034 width=100 colspan=2][center][b][size=3]Lower Bracket M1[/size][/b][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=30][td colspan=12][/td][/tr] [/table] [/center] [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Final Weekend Recap[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [table][tr][td padding=10px width=900 bgcolor=#152034][b][size=5]Lower Bracket Match 1[/size][/b][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/1whtSNS.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game One[/b][/size][/center] The first Bo5 for both teams with their new rosters, high stakes, and it did deliver. Both teams tried playing around their topside. An early dive from MAD turned south as Markoon picked up first blood. The Lions kept coming though, and a 3 man gank secured Chasy's lead, which eventually led to a solo kill by the MAD toplaner. Same story midlane with Nisqy's signature [[zoe]] killing Sertuss' [[jayce]]. MAD played it slow but steadily, making use of their strong sieging to focus down turrets while no blood was spilt for a while. Eventually both teams got sloppier and some kills were traded through picks. But Chasy was able to find a beautiful flank right before the 4th Drake, which granted MAD the Mountain soul and even more kills. SK couldn't slow down MAD's freight train any longer, starting the series 1-0. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXVQaWpFx4][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/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/1whtSNS.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Two[/b][/size][/center] SK needed to change things up to come back into the series, and so they did. SK succesfully played around their topside in an attempt to keep Chasy out of the game. MAD responded by getting Carzzy some kills in return. Though SK's comp really started to shine once we got to bigger fights. Second dragon secured by MAD, but SK picked a great fight afterwards, getting both Exakick and Sertuss crucial leads. Later on we saw more of the same. SK had drafted themselves a comfortable, easy to execute front-to-back composition, while MAD had a significantly harder comp to play out. While Nisqy was desperately couting the minutes on [[kassadin]], SK put their foot on the gas. Sertuss especially had a great game on the [[akali]] and made the game unplayable for Carzzy. This paved the way for Exakick's [[zeri]] to easily clean up those fights. SK equalised the series in a convincing way.[/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=ffffff][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjjv8fRXJak][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=ffffff][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/1whtSNS.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Three[/b][/size][/center] Different things from both teams heading into game 3, most notably [[gragas]] midlane for Nisqy. Most action revolved around the botlane however. Markoon read Elyoya perfectly and handed over first blood to Exakick. Elyoya quickly made up for his prior mistake with a flawless lane gank, securing lots of money for Carzzy's [[draven]]. More plays happened around the botside, but no matter what SK threw at them, the MAD botlane played it perfectly. The fed [[draven]] made fights very hard for SK, and the midlane [[gragas]] was perfect to create more space for him. And also a fantastic performance from Hylissang on [[nautilus]], a champion he's really known for. Just past the 20 minute mark MAD's gold lead was already around 10k. And so it's no surprise MAD could close out the game before the 25 minute mark on the back of gigafed Carzzy. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZmxEPWiPEY][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/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/1whtSNS.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Four[/b][/size][/center] As MAD had reached match point, SK went back to the things that worked, similar to game 2. A classic front-to-back comp with Irrelevant on a tank, mid and bot on hypercarries and a [[lulu]] support. Still it looked okay for MAD in the early levels, finding punishes at several insances. Though SK played a strong macro game, rotating their carries well over the map, accumulating lots of tower gold. SK capitalised at a 5v5 around the 3rd dragon, where MAD could not deal with the [[sion]] while Sertuss and Exakick were having a field day. The advantage turned into a Baron and spiralled out of control. MAD remains a strong teamfighting squad, and so teamfights were on a knife's edge despite the deficit on their side. However SK's [[azir]] and [[aphelios]] scaled too hard and MAD lacked the tools to reliably engage onto them. SK took another game back to bring us to Silver Scrapes. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=ffffff][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VQajGFQw5Y][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=ffffff][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/1whtSNS.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Five[/b][/size][/center] One last game to decide it all. MAD had another ace up their sleave with the nowadays uncommon [[tristana]] + [[rell]] botlane. They immediately tried to capitalise on their early strength in the 2v2, but their eagerness backfired and netted Exakick first blood. Elyoya continued to focus his effort topside and built up a huge lead for Chasy's [[jayce]]. MAD was even able to stabilise the botlane a bit through a smart countergank. MAD dedicated the pace, but SK played well around their midgame spike with [[lucian]] and [[zoe]] to get some picks back. [[tristana]] and [[rell]]'s (over)aggressive nature really helped in that regard. SK even got confident enough to start the Baron, but they quickly learned that chokepoints are very dangerous vs a [[rell]]. Beautiful engage by Hylissang and now Carzzy was finally able to get some resets. MAD eventually was able to claim the Baron for their own and force the end of the game thanks to [[tristana]]'s insane pushing power. Great series from both teams, but 4th place remains SK's final destination as MAD advances. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvQOR6dpBdI][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [table][tr][td padding=10px width=900 bgcolor=#152034][b][size=5]Lower Bracket Match 2[/size][/b][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/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/wQILEq6.png height=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game One[/b][/size][/center] KOI got another chance at making finals, but MAD was eager to put down a winstreak after defeating SK. MAD started off with another curveball; [[yasuo]] midlane for Nisqy alongside [[gragas]] jungle for Elyoya. The early game KOI favoured though, and then a Herald fight really sealed the deal. MAD started the objective and were even able to kill it, but they could not collect the Eye of the Herald. Meanwhile KOI collected 5 kills from the exchange, with kills going across their mid and toplaner. Larssen played out his lead masterfully on his [[tristana]]. And things went from bad to worse for MAD Lions. KOI's gold lead had already grown to 10k around the 23 minute mark. Not even a late pick onto Larssen with massive shutdown could turn the tide, KOI was simply too far ahead all across the board. Methodical domination by KOI in game one. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=581ab8][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWsV4ZbHauw][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=581ab8][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/wQILEq6.png height=75] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Two[/b][/size][/center] Elyoya really did not want to lose again. First he bullied Malrang out of his own jungle, then finished the first blood set up by Nisqy in the midlane. KOI created an advantage in the botlane in turn. Up until like 25 minutes, both teams kept going neck and neck. It wasn't clean, it was a game of picks at both sides. MAD eventually proved to be a bit more adapt in that regard, mostly thanks to their strong topside. Elyoya and Nisqy on [[vi]] and [[gragas]] respectively had so many displacements to their disposal. Meanwhile Chasy had a free lane as [[jayce]] against [[ornn]] and generated loads of gold on his own. KOI viciously held on, but as the game entered the later stages, Carzzy's [[aphelios]] scaled up to relevancy as well. KOI could never really find a great fight to claw back, and as MAD secured the Infernal soul it was over and out. 1-1. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1mMW5Op0d8][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/wQILEq6.png height=75] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Three[/b][/size][/center] MAD opted into the [[rell]] again after its success against SK the day prior. KOI responded by picking one of her hardest counters; [[janna]] for Trymbi. MAD narrowly got the first blood at the topside in a small skirmish, while KOI concentrated their efforts at the botside. Malrang put up a tent in the botlane to snowball Comp's [[Varus]]. The early game went well for KOI, and they had gold leads across all lanes except for toplane. But in the midgame MAD's teamfight comp really picked up steam. Between all the disruption and AoE from MAD, KOI had a hard time standing their ground. At the third Drake Carzzy picked up a triple kill, which gave way to the Baron as well. Despite it all KOI still remained close in gold, partly due to the [[tristana]] mid's turret taking capacities. Though one final 5v5 went over to MAD Lions with Chasy landing a huge [[gnar!]] to decide game three. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW9-yKupBs0][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/wQILEq6.png height=75] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Four[/b][/size][/center] The blind pick [[gnar]] toplane is something that has been done for ages in LoL esports. But not many times do we see teams actually punishing it. But at match point MAD was willing to bring out [[irelia]] for Chasy. Elyoya (and Nisqy) proceeded to camp the topside in a way that can only be described as cyberbullying. Szygenda was not allowed to play the game, and nothing he could do about it. MAD played with lots of confidence, a bit too much at times and KOI could capitalise on some overaggression, gifting their carries [[azir]] and [[ezreal]] some kills at least. MAD did manage to crack open KOI's base around 20 minutes in already though, and with the additional map control they could also secure a Baron. It looked pretty doomned for KOI, but yet they held on. They found a good fight while defending their base, collected shutdowns and extended the game, with a Dragon on top. But they had to play everything perfectly from that point on, but the massive [[irelia]] would not let them in the end as MAD demolished KOI in the 5v5 one last time. KOI ends their split at 3rd place while MAD joins G2 in the grand finals. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltiUFTmPiV0][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e0c061][/td][/tr][/table] [table][tr][td padding=10px width=900 bgcolor=#152034][b][size=5]Grand Finals[/size][/b][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game One[/b][/size][/center] Last series of the split, a beautiful matchup between G2 and MAD Lions to crown our new champions. Perfect time for G2 to pull out all their tricks. [[kled]] was picked for BrokenBlade while Caps got his hands on [[cassiopeia]] (which is usually one of Nisqy's pocket picks). MAD matched G2 for the first few kills, but G2's lanes are ever dominant. Insanely quickly to move and punish Elyoya, who wasn't even safe in his own jungle. G2 did a great job to completely shut down MAD's otherwise strong topside. Every objective went their way as their kills and gold lead grew. MAD got their 3rd and last kill of the game at the 8 minute mark. G2 ended the game 22-3 at 25 min in utter domination. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvTczkI-Ek4][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Two[/b][/size][/center] G2 are masters of flexible drafts. [[kled]], [[gragas]] and [[jarvan IV]] made their way into the draft, but not in the roles you would expect. [[Gragas]] jungle, [[kled]] mid and [[jarvan iv]] support with the previously hovered [[samira]] in the botlane to create an aggressive dive comp. An early botlane dive gifted Hans Sama an early 2 kills which made the game already much harder for MAD. Due to overeagerness on the side of G2, MAD did find some kills back, but they weren't left much room to breathe. Everyone moved midlane and G2 brawled their way to another 4 kills. Only Chasy was able to hold a gold lead for MAD by 10 minutes. There was no more stopping that G2 once it had picked up steam, and so it became another steamroll in about 27 minutes. [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hjw6X7lyeo][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]^[/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/wSk4dEF.png height=70] [center][size=5][b][color=transparent]^[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600][center][size=5][b]🏁 Game Three[/b][/size][/center] G2 was one game removed from picking up another title. But no big spicy picks this time as both teams opted into rather standard drafts. Elyoya focused on the topside once again while G2 tried diving the botside. MAD's botlane suffered, but MAD kept their composure thanks to leads on their topside. For the first time in the series MAD Lions could secure a Baron as it looked to become their game. But when MAD just had created themselves a solid gold lead, an overaggressive play on the topside turned into disaster and G2 could claw their way back. Just barely later Caps picked off Elyoya and G2 seized the advantage with a Baron of their own. The game went late and MAD still had a [[zeri]] and [[yuumi]] to count on, so it wasn't over yet. G2 tried closing the game out with another Baron, but Elyoya was able to get into the pit and steal the objective in a heroic play. 40 minutes in already and one final fight left over the last Mountain dragon with both teams having 3 drakes already. Elyoya found a decent engage, but there was not enough damage to finish off any G2 members. MAD's hopes all came crumbling down and G2 got a clean ace, enough to finish the game and become our LEC Winter split champions after a thriller game 3. Congratulations! [/columns] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [spoiler=VOD][columns][nextcol width=150][nextcol][embed=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6foyJotIw8][/columns][/spoiler] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Meet Your Champions[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [center] [table][tr][td vertical-align=center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/7/77/G2_Esportslogo_square.png height=75][/td][td width=15][/td][td vertical-align=center][size=7][b]G2 Esports[/b][/size][/td][td width=15][/td][td vertical-align=center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/7/77/G2_Esportslogo_square.png height=75][/td][/tr][/table] [/center] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] [center][columns] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e81f24" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/w9EsS8G.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]TOP LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/5/54/G2_BrokenBlade_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]BrokenBlade[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]G2 Esports[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$205[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e81f24" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/tSXz5QB.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]JUNGLE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/4/46/G2_Yike_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Yike[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]G2 Esports[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$206[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e81f24" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/aQyqQwd.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]MID LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/2/28/G2_Caps_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Caps[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]G2 Esports[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$207[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e81f24" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/P5LdG0V.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]BOT LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/f/ff/G2_Hans_Sama_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Hans Sama[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]G2 Esports[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$209[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #e81f24" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XsdpYZL.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]SUPPORT[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/2/26/G2_Mikyx_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Mikyx[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://i.imgur.com/TYPqpy2.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]G2 Esports[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$195[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [/columns][/center] [table][tr][td height=2 width=900 bgcolor=#e81f24][/td][/tr][/table] No matter the roster, G2 always performs. And this might as well be their strongest team since the 2019 iteration that won MSI. Only 5 losses in 21 games over the course of the split. Not the biggest sample size, but their %76.2 winrate is the highest ever in the history of the org. And the team still has a lot of time ahead to further iron out the mistakes and develop synergy. With their split title they have already qualified for MSI in May. It will be very interesting to see how they'll fare against international competition. But first the chance at setting an even stronger record during spring split. What a redemption this split was for both Hans Sama and Mikyx. Hans, coming off a horrible season in the LCS, finally obtaining his first domestic title. And Mikyx initially pushed aside on G2, somewhat bounced back on XL last year and now back in the form of his life. Do not be surprised if he picks up the MVP award for this split. Both have really soldified themselves as the top tier botlane in EU. Yike filled Jankos' massive shoes in a seemingly effortless way. A different style of play, but in a good way, like a breath of fresh air. A fun champion pool and a seemingly good mentality makes it fun to watch the young jungler. The next great EU jungler? His massive KDAs all throughout the split certainly give us confidence in Yike's career. BrokenBlade did not have an easy split despite his team's dominance. He needed some time to adjust to the new dynamic in the team. He has always been a carry-type player that required many resources, but with Yike and Hans Sama on the roster, BB has been playing way more weakside toplane. But during group stage and playoffs BB really found his footing and did a solid job for his team. Last but not least, no G2 victory without Caps, who has looked like good old 'Claps' once again. He has shown both supportive and carry style and looked fantastic either way. He has also been a big reason to why G2 could pull off so many creative drafts. Caps has flexed his massive champion pool at multiple instances. [[zac]], [[sejuani]], [[kled]]... just to name a few. And no doubt we'll see more insanity next split. Congratulations again to G2 Esports for winning the first ever LEC Winter split! The favourites delivered on all expectations and won the split in dominant fashion. They are also the first EU team to represent EMEA at MSI and we can't wait to see what they'll pull off next! [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Conclusion[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] Thank you for making it this far. The conclusion of the LEC Winter split and our fantasy tournament also marks the end of our article series. We hope you enjoyed our content, and feel free to leave any feedback below as we are always looking to improve upon our craft. Thank you so much and we hope to see you again! - Jovy & Silver 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.[/quote]