Recently, Team BDS and Golden Guardians faced off in a battle for the last spot in the World Championship (Worlds) 2023. With a new format applied, the two representatives from the LEC and LCS had to engage in a “death match,” but they could only advance to the Play-In stage of the tournament. Nevertheless, both BDS and GG showed their determination. The only issue was that on a day when GG’s performance dropped and the players underperformed, BDS played convincingly better. The BO5 match ended swiftly, and BDS secured the last spot to participate in this year’s Worlds.
Of course, when a LoL team loses, the blame falls on all members, not just one individual. However, in the BDS – GG match, it can be said that the Top Lane position was the weakest link for the LCS squad. The “Golden Guardian” could not withstand an Adam who was in outstanding form. Even when BDS’s draft in games 2 and 3 seemed to underestimate the opponent (picking Garen, a champion rarely seen in professional play), extremely strong champions like K’Sante and Jax were also at a loss.
The Top Laner for GG is none other than Licorice – a name with much “fate” with VCS. The GG Top Laner is also considered a veteran in the LoL scene, but he is also famous for his shocking statements. During the Play-In stage of Worlds 2018, after defeating DetonatioN FocusMe, Licorice (then with Cloud9) posted: “It seems that this is how a Major region team plays against a wildcard.”
But more notably, was Licorice’s statement during MSI 2023. At that time, not only on social media but Licorice openly mocked GAM Esports in an interview: “Honestly, I feel a bit disappointed even though our team won. This should have been a thrilling, exciting match, but we ended up beating the opponent quite easily. But I guess we will get used to this since this is how major regions should play against wildcard teams.”
Licorice’s post from years ago was shared by BDS’s Crownie right after GG’s defeat. Indeed, the way GG suffered a crushing loss to BDS, while Licorice himself seemed invisible and… “feeding” throughout all three games was reminiscent of when C9 and GG defeated wildcard teams in the past. This left many viewers feeling quite pleased.
However, the VCS, specifically Team Whales, needs to be cautious. BDS has shown their superior strength and will be the opponent for TW’s opening match. Just one misstep, and BDS could very well contribute to ending TW’s journey right in the Play-In stage.