Photo credits go to flickr.com/lolesports ?
As Day 4 comes to an end, the saying “#faithage” not only applies to just one team, but instead, an entire region.
The NA region has been on the receiving end of many harsh jokes and criticism whereas their competitors have been praised and were expected to dominate Worlds. Throughout the competition, NA began to show everybody what they truly have to offer, making those who lacked faith in the region second guess themselves.
Photo credits go to flickr.com/lolesports ?
Counter Logic Gaming
After being in front of the screen rather than behind it for many seasons, Counter Logic Gaming finally earned their spot at worlds. When you thought that winning first place in the NALCS was hard enough, the team also had to go through a visa issue, where many believed that their jungler, Jake "Xmithie" Puchero , wouldn’t have been able to play. This visa issue made many believe that it would affect CLG's performance negatively, but as things were resolved, CLG proved them wrong. The team had a tremendous start, going 2-0 in their first two matches in the group stage. Although they lost their first game against KOO Tigers on Sunday, October 4th, there is still high hopes for this team as the competition progresses.
Photo credits go to flickr.com/lolesports ?
Team Solomid
Coming into worlds, many people expected Team Solomid to go 0-6, especially when comparing them with the other teams in their group: KT Rolster, LGD Gaming, and Origen. Their first match against KT went as it was expected to be, with KT being victorious. Their second match in the group stage didn’t change the audience’s expectations either, with OG showing dominance and earning the victory. As things started to look grim for one of NA’s favorite teams, TSM made a comeback as they defeated LGD, a match that they were not expected to win, and secured their first victory. This was considered a big upset for most, especially for those who did not “baylieve” at all.
Photo credits go to flickr.com/lolesports ?
Cloud 9
There is one constant variable within the NA region and it happens to be Cloud 9. After receiving harsh criticism throughout the Summer Split, C9 continues to keep us all in awe. They started off as the 7th place team, fought their way through the gauntlet, and secured the very last spot for Worlds. Many people assumed that it was all pure luck and that their luck would run out at Worlds. To our surprise, they are currently 3-0 in the group stage and will continue their Cinderella story.
Conclusion
As the first week of Worlds come to an end, we should start reevaluating the teams according to their performance so far.
For CLG, I hope that they take their first loss and turn it into a lesson learned.
For TSM, they should not let their first victory get into their heads because one victory doesn't mean that all their problems that they have had been solved. Instead, look at it as motivation.
As for C9, just keep doing you. They should not let the hatred from various people affect their gameplay. Many people assume that their success is pure luck, but I believe it's due to motivation and perseverance.
