LCS Week 2 Preview: The highlights

Though some of the matches came to reach our expectations, there was never a dull roar within the first week of LCS. We saw fantastic upsets such as Gambit Gaming being taken out by the GIANTS and not even reaching the top of the group. Meanwhile, North America went as expected with Good Game University putting up some really tough fights against the reigning kings and Curse ultimately showcasing the best results in week one.

In this week's games, we have Counter Logic Gaming sitting out in favor of Solomid, MARN, Dignitas, Good Game University, Vulcun, and compLexity from the North American side and Evil Geniuses, Dragonborns, Copenhagen Wolves, SK Gaming and Against all Authority representing Europe. It is sure to be an eventful weekend.

Media poll rankings
Media representatives: R. Kolev (GosuGamers), J. Candy (ESFI World), D. Steiner (GameZone), A. LeFleur (MOBAFire)

1. Team Curse
2. Evil Geniuses
3. Counter Logic Gaming
4. Fnatic
5. Gambit Gaming
6. SK Gaming
7. GIANT! Gaming
8. Team Solomid
9. Team Dignitas
10. Good Game University
11. Against All Authority
12. Dragonborns
13. Complexity
14. Copenhagen Wolves
15. Vulcun Command
16. Team MRN

ESFI World

GosuRankings

1. Fnatic (#5)
2. Gambit Gaming (#6)
3. Team Curse (#8)
4. Evil Geniuses (#11)
5. Counter Logic Gaming (#12)
6. Team Solomid (#16)
7. GIANTS! Gaming (#24)
8. Team Dignitas (#25)
9. SK Gaming (#26)
10. Dragonborns (#28)
11. Team MRN (#29)
12. Complexity (#30)
13. Against All Autority (#34)
14. Copenhagen Wolves (#39)
15. Vulcun Command (#40)
16. Good Game University (#220)

North American circuit
Written by: Drexxin

TEAM SOLOMID vs TEAM MARN
February 16th, 04:00 CET

This is definitely a match we are going to want to watch for and for very good reason. For the lengthiest period of time, Team Solomid was certainly king in Season 2 and regarded as a threat internationally as well. On the other end of the spectrum, we have Team MARN which initially saw no success up until the North American Qualifiers. Though TSM seems to be showing some signs of strength, there was a long streak during the start of the Season 2 World Championships where things were not looking so hot.

For a period, Team Solomid was losing to a lot of rather non-respected teams on a global scale while Team MARN has been pulling out some not only unexpected results, but also very exciting and invigorating games. For an up and rising underdog who's recently gained a lot of notoriety to be facing off against the kings of North America spanning across several months is most definitely a gift to viewers and the exciting match to look out for.

This weekend, we will find out if Team Solomid has gripped their flair and will champion their glory or if they will continue their descent to the up and rising Team MARN. If Team MARN takes this home, Team Solomid may have to go back to the drawing board and recollect their thoughts and strategies. Overall judging by matches we've seen recently as well as scrims, this could really be anyone's games and everyone should be prepared for a major upset in this match.

CURSE GAMING vs VULCUN COMMAND
February 16th, 02:00 CET

There's bound to be many that disagree with this one, but it will be one thrill of a ride. After Vulcan's star player 'Aphromoo' resigned from the team to play with Counter Logic Gaming, the reception from the community was that all hope was lost and that it would be very difficult for the team to re-facilitate themselves due to missing their 'hard carry'. Little did the community know that Vulcan still put up astonishing performances and some argue their performance has been at their peak ever since Aphromoo was replaced with Zuna for the bottom lane.

Though their results weren't all too formidable in last week's LCS, Vulcan is surely ready to come back with a punch and throw Curse Gaming for a loop. Curse has thematically brought their way to the top of the North American team, exceeding previous unprecedented expectations for themselves. Although once a weak team in their respective right in the days of old, Curse are coming into Season 3 with a vengeance.

Some particular matchups to look out for here are Zuna vs. Cop as some of the most underrated yet talented carries in the scene and mandatory cloud vs. Nyjacky, who have been consistently placing at the top of the ladder and dominating many players in the shadows. Both teams tend to have fantastic laning phases, but find their weakness lurking in the dances of objectives and the sweeping of wards. If these teams drop their weakpoints, they could turn out to be unstoppable. Surely they have worked on their faults and will be bringing a performance of higher standard than we've seen before from the two powerhouses.

European circuit
Written by: Nydra

EVIL GENIUSES vs SK GAMING
February 16th, 21:00 CET

It’s revenge time, boys. Or at least a worthy reiteration of last week’s best game.

EG vs SK Gaming was a game that cost a lot of people their GosuBet currency and was labeled as one of the big upsets of last week. The Geniuses came into the match the heavy favorites, sitting atop a long period of massive improvement while SK were in the exact opposite situation. It should have been a quick loss for Ocelote’s boys, at least on paper.

Yet EG were in for a treat as they allowed Kev1n to get Olaf and become the single, most dangerous threat they’ve ever seen. SK’s top laner was more than fearsome, he was a pillar that stood unopposed even in 1v5 scenarios, disrupted EG beyond all limits and pulled his team out of the early game disadvantage.

On Friday, the two rosters go against each other again, each having learnt a precious lesson. Kev1n will not be given Olaf most certainly but SK should not care about that too much. What they needed to see with their own eyes is that they can play well and actually beat people. With so many months of disappointments for them, this was the best present they could get.

EVIL GENIUSES vs GIANTS!
February 17th, 19:00 CET

In the middle of all highlight matches from last week, one team was able to sneak in unspotted and steal all the attention away. Hailing from almost miraculous victory over Gambit Gaming are the Spaniards of GIANTS! Gaming, previously known as “those guys that run AoE team comps with AD Kennen” and now as “those guys that run AoE team comps with AD Kennen and make it work against f***ing Gambit”.

This is GIANTS! second big test for the season as they go against as who were until recently regarded as the best team in Europe. Although the Spaniards are no longer looked upon as that team that is likely to finish last in the circuit, there is still the off chance that they’ve already shown all their cards. Can they diversify their playstyle (because we know EG can), can they be equally strong throughout all stages of the game (because we know EG can) and will they adapt accordingly to their opponents’ strategy, knowing full well that said opponents most likely will?

Whatever the case, this is posed to be a game rich on grandeur if it remotely resembles GIANTS vs GG from last week. And why wouldn’t it, GIANTS have nothing to lose after all, haven’t they?