In the decisive match for a spot in the Main Event of Worlds 2021, both Beyond Gaming and Hanwha Life showed immense determination. However, while HLE had the advantage of rest, superior skill, and a more relaxed mentality, BYG was not so fortunate. After being drained in a BO5 match against Galatasaray Esports, the BYG players received another shock when mid laner Maoan was discovered to have engaged in cheating by the team’s owner and was immediately kicked. This loss was significant as Maoan had been a key player for BYG throughout the domestic league.
BYG entered the decisive match with a tremendous loss in both personnel and morale.
With Maoan absent, the burden on the shoulders of 18-year-old AD Carry Doggo became even heavier. Doggo’s skill is undeniable, and many hoped he would give 100% in this match as everyone knows that “one swallow does not make a spring.”
The match unfolded as most spectators had anticipated. HLE, with their superior level, faced no difficulties in controlling all three games. With a patched-up lineup, BYG was already weaker than HLE, and Doggo alone could not make a difference. Even in all three games, the 2003-born AD Carry outperformed the experienced Deft in farming stats. At one point, Doggo had a lead of 30 CS over Deft even as BYG crumbled under the pressure.
All three games followed the same script: HLE lost to BYG in the bot lane but won in all three other lanes, then the Korean team won team fights, snowballed, and took the game. BYG showed some resistance, but it was only enough to leave fans feeling regret for… Doggo.
With the victory over BYG, HLE became the third team to secure a spot in the Main Event of Worlds 2021. The representative from Korea will be in Group C alongside Fnatic, Royal Never Give Up, and PSG Talon. As for BYG, they can leave the tournament with their heads held high. Doggo, in particular, is expected to be a hot name when the transfer market opens after Worlds 2021.
In the final match of the play-in stage, as predicted, Cloud9 also easily secured a 3-0 victory against what was considered the weakest opponent among the four teams involved in this decisive BO5. However, it can be said that the road ahead for C9 will be extremely challenging as they fall into Group A, which includes two former Worlds champions, FunPlus Phoenix and DWG KIA.
Thus, except for DetonatioN FocusMe, all the other names that passed the play-in stage were not surprising to the majority of the League of Legends community. At this point, everyone is looking forward to the Main Event with matches that promise to be even more exciting, showcasing greater professionalism and strategy, all aiming for the ultimate glory of the Worlds 2021 trophy.