In the match of the 6th week of the LCK Summer 2021 group stage, DWG KIA and Nongshim RedForce delivered an exhilarating chase for the audience. In the end, NS defeated the reigning world champion with a score of 2-1.
Notably, with this victory, NS has defeated DWG KIA in both the first and second halves of this season. In the overall standings, NS is showing excellent form, with 8 wins and 3 losses after 11 matches, placing them third on the leaderboard.
In the match against DK, NS players showcased an incredibly impressive performance, defeating their opponents with their own strengths. NS’s laning ability is not too inferior compared to DK, while their team fighting capability is significantly better.
One of the reasons NS successfully overcame the challenge posed by DK is that they currently possess a much stronger duo lane than their opponents. Overall, considering the LCK Summer 2021 group stage so far, NS has achieved a balance of three factors: favorable timing, advantageous location, and harmonious teamwork.
Regarding favorable timing, the increase in LCK slots for the World Championship has encouraged strong teams like NS to focus more seriously on this goal. Although NS has not made many blockbuster signings in the transfer market, the conditions for their players have undoubtedly improved, as long as they can achieve their goal of qualifying for the World Championship.
This will definitely serve as a major motivation for Peanut and his teammates to perform better than in the spring split. Looking at their advantageous location, NS’s competitors in the LCK have noticeably weakened; HLE and DRX have almost eliminated themselves from the top 4 competition, and even T1 and DK have been quite inconsistent, leaving only Gen.G to maintain a relatively fragile stability.
Next is the “harmonious teamwork”; NS may not be a team with too many stars, but their lineup provides a perfect balance between experience and youth. In NS’s impressive performance streak, mid-laner Gori and AD carry Deokdam are the two standout names, and they are promising young talents in Korean League of Legends who are on their way to proving their skills.
Additionally, they have Peanut – a star with extensive experience competing in various arenas. Although he has not been able to reach the peaks he once achieved with ROX Tigers, the rich competitive experience of “Little Peanut” is crucial in harnessing the strengths of NS’s youth.
With these factors, it is clear that Nongshim RedForce has the potential to compete for the championship, emerging as a dark horse in the LCK Summer 2021.