Photo by LoLesports
After a very interesting Spring Split, teams are gearing up for the last leg before Worlds. While many teams had no roster changes, some look almost completely different now. Momentum also plays a huge factor, and we have seen teams like Team SoloMid, who had a great showing at the end of the last split, get off to a solid start. After CLG's performance at MSI 2016, they looked to be one of the favorites to win the Summer Split until their sub-par start.
Without any further ado, we will now get to the teams most likely to surpise, disappoint and stagnate.
Teams to Surprise:
Team SoloMid had a very strong showing at the end of the Spring Split, and they could very well continue that form this split. With a 6th place finish last split, they could improve on that immensely in the summer. So far this year they have had a perfect start to their season, and have gievn no indications of slowing down. There is a lot of time left in the split, but as of right now they are looking very good. Compared to last split this one has been very surprising for TSM, but in the context of their history as a team it is not so unbelieveable. They have always been an organization who fought for the top spot, and now they are back at it again.
Team Envy is a team who has already made a huge splash in the scene. Starting off the split at 5-1 in their first ever NA CS is very impressive, especially with a team less comfortable with each other than many of the other NA teams. Their team is made up of players all around the world, and clearly their diversity is paying off in a big way. As we look into the weeks to come, the spotlight will be on Team Envy to see if they can keep up with the other top dogs of North America.
Teams to Stagnate
Immortals is a team that has not changed much in their roster or in the standings. And for them, stagnating may be good. For this entire split, it is very possible that they will not fall below third place, and will continue to play a top level. Barring a couple questionable losses last split, they were far and away the best team in North America for most of the split. Unfortunately they came crumbling down when it mattered, but this split they will aim to keep up their form for the entire split.
Echo Fox has gotten off to a lackluster start again this year, with no signs of improvement from last split. As of now it looks like they will remain in the bottom 2-3 spots for most of the split. Unless they make some momumental changes, this split does not look promising for them.
Teams to Disappoint
Counter Logic Gaming had a great showing at MSI 2016 and were almost crowned champions over SKT. Unfortunately, the start of the Summer Split has not gone so well for them. Sitting at 7th place with a 2-4 record is not where anyone would have placed CLG 3 weeks into the split. There is plenty of time left in the split for CLG to figure out what is going on, but the sooner the better for them.
Phoenix1 was not expected to be at the top of the NA LCS standings this split, but this 0-6 start is bad even for them. They have showed some minor signs of positivity, but for the most part this is a team that has already disappionted, and may do so for the rest of the split.
Overall, this split should bring a lot of surprises for the viewers at home as the North American teams prepare for Worlds.
