LCS – Team Liquid
It may seem a bit awkward to make too many early judgments about the LCS tournament, especially when the teams in this region have just completed the Lock-In preseason matches. In fact, similar to the Demacia Cup in the LPL, most LCS teams also limited the use of their strongest lineups. The players are competing primarily to scout one another and regain their form. However, this does not diminish Team Liquid’s achievements.
In the recent off-season transfer window, TL was one of the most aggressive teams in the market. They brought in Bwipo, a player who performed well under Fnatic during the 2021 season, especially at Worlds 2021. The mid-lane features veteran player Bjergsen, who returned after a period of retirement to become a coach. And the AD carry position is filled by the highly regarded Hans sama from the European and American League of Legends scene.
Although the LCS has not started yet, with a perfect start in the Lock-In and their investments during the recent transfer window, TL is currently the top contender for the LCS Spring 2022 championship.
LEC – Rogue
Not MAD Lions or the “national circus” G2 Esports, but Rogue is currently the team with the best record in LEC Spring 2022, boasting 8 consecutive unbeaten matches (LEC plays in a BO1 format). With such a perfect record, RGE only needs about 2-3 more wins to secure a spot in the playoffs.
It might be a bit early to say RGE will win LEC Spring 2022, but their current performance is incredibly impressive. Especially considering they have parted ways with top AD carry Hans sama and jungler Inspired in the recent transfer window. However, newcomers Malrang and Comp are showing excellent synergy with their new team. On the morning of February 6, RGE will face a very tough opponent in G2. This will be their biggest challenge and the most accurate measure of RGE’s championship potential in LEC Spring 2022.
LPL – EDG/RNG/LNG/WBG/BLG
This is arguably the tournament that makes it most difficult for fans to make predictions right now, with 4 to 5 names competing for the championship but no team standing out significantly. EDG and LNG remain undefeated, but the opponents they face are rather weak, such as Oh My God and ThunderTalk Gaming… Meanwhile, RNG has yet to inspire confidence as Bin and GALA have shown inconsistency, placing extra pressure on Xiaohu.
Meanwhile, WBG and BLG are the two teams that invested the most in the recent off-season transfer window and they are currently performing well. However, both teams have yet to provide fans with 100% reassurance. SofM and his teammates can win at any time, but they can also encounter difficulties at any moment. As for BLG, Doggo has performed well in replacing Uzi, but he is still a young rookie. The LPL is an incredibly harsh environment, and it’s possible that the pressure will cause Doggo and BLG to “run out of steam” during critical moments.
LCK – T1
Among the 4 major tournaments in the League of Legends scene, it’s perhaps the LCK where the frontrunner for the Spring 2022 championship can be most clearly identified. That team is none other than T1. Faker and his teammates are on a 6-match unbeaten streak. Notably, during their journey, they have defeated strong names like DWG KIA and Nongshim RedForce – both of whom are also in the top 4.
As a team that also experienced many personnel changes, T1 has shown incredible stability. Even though young names like Oner and Zeus occasionally stumble, the composure of these 18-19 year old players is truly commendable. Oner is improving with each game while Zeus is proving that T1 made no mistake in placing their trust in him. Meanwhile, Faker continues to demonstrate the truth of the saying “the older the ginger, the spicier the taste”. The bot lane duo of Gumayusi and Keria truly deserves to be recognized as the strongest pair in the LCK at this time.
In the first week after the Lunar New Year, T1 will face Gen.G Esports – a team that is directly competing for the championship with them. A victory against Gen.G could not only help T1 extend their unbeaten streak (if they win against Hanwha Life Esports) but also affirm that T1 is indeed the “heavenly mandated” team in LCK Spring 2022.
