Known for his creativity, having used unconventional picks during his career, one of SofM’s strengths is his unpredictability right from the draft phase. He was the one who brought Shen into the jungle position during the 2020 World Championship finals against one of the best junglers at the time – Canyon. Additionally, while playing for Weibo Gaming, SofM also used Kha’Zix and set a record for the maximum vision score possible in a single match, while elevating the Kha’Zix Shadow Blade meta to new heights.
Recently, in the match between Vikings Esports and Team Whales, the VKE players used a very unique strategy, with Nilah for Shogun and Lee Sin for Kati. However, instead of moving to the lanes as usual, this duo blocked minions right in the enemy’s base from the second minute. Nilah has a passive that shares experience points. So this minion blocking not only allowed both Lee Sin and Nilah to gain farm but also helped VKE’s AD carry level up faster than usual. In return, TW was completely surprised and although they managed to secure a kill afterwards, the gold and experience gap from minion farm between the two sides was very hard to close.
Streamer Caedrel himself – who is very well-known for his expertise and has followed many matches from LCK, LPL to LCS, LEC… could not explain this strategy of VKE. He could only comment based on the situation that was unfolding before him. The renowned commentator and streamer also had to admit: “I really don’t understand what this strategy is.”
Unpredictable picks have been quite rare in recent years within VCS at domestic tournaments. VKE’s innovation may be under SofM’s direction, or it could be the sudden insights of the players, bringing a certain level of excitement to the VCS Summer 2024. And surely, fans are looking forward to seeing even more unique picks in the future at VCS.