With many of League of Legends competitive regions taking a domestic break to enjoy the high production value of the Intel Extreme Masters in Katowice, it seems entirely appropriate to examine the state of League of Legends as a whole. Understanding the critical importance of unfounded Global Power Rankings, we surveyed our panel of experts to determine who the contenders are for the World Championship at this point in the season.
Pointless power rankings are the bread and butter of eSports journalism, conveniently collaborated and circulated during lulls in domestic competition. Though international tournaments provide the only genuine opportunity to compare teams from different regions, inevitably in the build up to the event, analysts will gather around a desk and attempt to validate their opinion that Europe’s G2 eSports are World Championship contenders:
“I had G2 predicted for 3rd place overall at MSI and I feel like they’ve only improved their roster since then.
“I think they are taking Worlds very seriously this year and Zven and Mithy have the international experience to make it work.
“No more vacation memes, I think G2 is going to take 2nd in Group A.”
Joshua “Jatt” Leesman, Pre-Worlds predictions
Source: lolesports
Well we all know how that panned out. ESPN eSports actually ranked G2 eSports as 6th favourites to win the entire tournament… Team SoloMid were ranked 4th, just a single place behind comfortable victors SK Telecom T1. Given the inane nature of unfounded international power rankings, we thought we may as well give it a shot.
While many of the names may be familiar, there are always bound to be a few surprises in the rankings – hell, it wouldn’t be a power ranking without at least one team being grossly overrated. So without further ado…
CLICKON eSports Totally-Legit Global Power Rankings Top 10:
10. Misfits
Misfits would've exploded on to the European LoL scene in an unprecedented fashion... had G2 eSports not done it better last year.
An immediate contender on the international stage despite never playing on the international stage, Misfits have quickly become a fan favourite behind the play of their charismatic Jungler, Lee "KaKao" Byung-Kwon.
9. Cloud9
Second place in NA, accounts to 9th in a global power ranking. Despite consistently struggling international, Cloud9 qualified from the group stages of the last World Championship, a sign of their emerging global dominance.
8. Edward Gaming
When looking for a World Championship contender in the LPL, the best place to start is to look for a team with two Koreans. Currently tied at the top of the Standings, EDG wisely avoided embarrassment at IEM Katowice by feigning visa issues and hid their “always fighting” strategy that has carried them to the top of the Chinese LoL scene. No power ranking is compete without EDG - no one even watches the Chinese league anyway... they could be insane for all we know.
7. Flash Wolves
The kryptonite to the Korean Supermen, Flash Wolves looks poised to once again make a deep run in the World Championship Group Stage. Although admittedly overrated by one of our experts, Flash Wolves may have the best Jungle/Mid pairing outside of Korea. "What are we basing that on?" Shut up.
6. KT Rolster
Rumour has it that just a whisper of the name “KT Rolster” is enough to make Christopher “Montecristo” Mykles turn red in the cheeks and begin to perspire. The new Korean super team, KT Rolster have the ability to conquer the world of League of Legends... you know, if they actually qualify this time.
5. SK Telecom T1
After losing one series to the Afreeca Freecs, it’s tempting to drop the reigning World Champions SKT completely from the rankings. You think ranking them 4th is insulting ESPN!? We've gone one step further. Recent video of star Mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok dominating solo queue on Teemo may show a return to form, and what will likely be another another must-ban champion moving forward.
4. Team Liquid
A team loaded with talent, Team Liquid is a clear favourite to challenge for that elusive spot in the NA Promotion Tournament. With a rumoured role swap of Chae “Piglet” Gwang-jin to mid lane, look out for a dramatic surge by Liquid towards the middle of the NA standings on the backs of their Korean superstars. If they qualify for an international event, it's a given that they will finish 4th - that's just how the world works.
3. BBQ Olivers
Any team passing fried chicken to their fans before a game clearly knows what it takes to win a World Championship. After seasons toiling near the bottom of the LCK as Ever, a name change proved to be the key difference in their recent rise in performance; a model others may look to as they search for ways to reach the pinnacle of eSports.
2. G2 eSports
As the undisputed number one team in what is arguably the strongest region, it is hard not to have G2 anywhere other than the top of the Global Rankings. With NA’s Counter Logic Gaming unlikely to make the World Championships this year, the door is finally open for G2 to dominate on the international stage.
1. Team SoloMid
Team SoloMid is clearly the best team in the world right now, just ask any TSM fan. The only question for a team loaded with talent in every position, is if they could ever drop a game at the World Championships with Peter “Doublelift” Peng back in the roster - it just wouldn't be fair on the competition. TSM will likely make a spectacle of it by playing WildTurtle, it will please their sponsors.
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