DWG.KIA put up a real statement to the rest of the teams with a resounding three-zero victory against MAD Lions.
In what was arguably one of the biggest matches of the tournament, DWG.KIA went up against MAD Lions in the quarterfinals with the winner going on to face T1 in the semis. The LEC first seed has had a rocky start to the tournament and it was obvious during the series whilst DWG have been undefeated so far at Worlds 2021. With Asia dominating the knockout bracket, the whole of the LEC was behind MAD with the hopes of taking the number one team in the world.
After two days of successive inter-region matches for both the LCK and the LPL, we were finally treated to a thrilling series between the best of the LEC and the LCK. With DWG already steamrolling their group, many expected them to take the series without much trouble.
Game One
With both teams known for being extra aggressive during the early game, it wasn't surprising to see them trade kills from the start. DWG had a slight lead transition from the early- to mid-game with MAD close behind in terms of gold and experience. But as soon as DWG hit their timings, they were able to take control of the map. 20 minutes into the game and the LCK victors had a comfortable lead, pulling away from MAD with every objective taken.
While MAD did show signs of life, they weren't able to capitalise on any gank attempts with DWG reading their moves too well. Instead, they would turn the tables over the LEC champions, showing them how it should be done. Before too long, DWG was knocking at the door of MAD's base and even as they tried to stand their ground, it was too much for them to handle.
Game Two
Heading into game two, MAD came into the game with a different game plan, proving that they aren't going to take the series lying down. It ended up working to perfection as MAD dominated the early game, capping it off with an Elyoya triple kill on the top lane. Moving to the mid-game and MAD had a strong lead over DWG, keeping the LCK squad at bay while still managing to out-farm them in the process. This is a situation that DWG isn't used to.
For most of the game, it was DWG who was playing catch up to MAD with a gold deficit of as high as seven thousand at one point. However, it all soon came crashing down for MAD as a push onto the mid inner turret as they traded away three deaths in return for only two kills. While MAD did still have the advantage, it was DWG who were making the plays. After forcing MAD into contesting the Baron, DWG eliminated all five from the blue side, thus keeping the game completely even heading into the late game.
It was team fight after team fight soon after and try as they might, MAD just could not seem to break DWG down. The LCK victors would come out on top time and time again, having greater map presence and tempo control of the game. It was an unfortunate loss for MAD as they led for most of the game but just couldn't keep their composure when things started heating up.
Game Three
With DWG now on match-point, it was either do or die for MAD. They decided to go for the same Miss Fortune and Rakan combination while for the third game in a row, DWG went with the Lee Sin jungle pick. Unlike the first two games, both teams came into game three with increased intensity. MAD was finally in their zone having come close in the previous game and made sure to not show DWG too much respect anymore.
Game three ended up being the closest game of the series with DWG eager to end the series early while MAD was hoping to mount a comeback of sorts. While DWG held the lead for most of the game, MAD was following close behind, ensuring that they don't get left in the dust. Both teams were at each other's throats constantly but it was still DWG who came out on top during the engagements.
DWG was applying constant pressure all over the map, forcing MAD into their base as we headed into the late game. With the team down in both experience and gold, it's a hard task to see them come back from the game. It all came to the last team fight for the Dragon and even with a number's disadvantage, DWG were able to outmanoeuvre and kite MAD with ease, stealing the Drake and killing all five along the way. By then, it was lights out for the LEC champs.
Credit must be given to MAD as even though they didn't manage to win a single game from the series, they put DWG to the knife in the last two games, proving that they do have what it takes to go up against the best in the world. With this being only their second Worlds appearance, they've already done far better than last year and hopefully, will go even further next year.
Gen.G Esports vs Cloud9
As DWG now move on to face T1 in the semifinals, we now look ahead to the last quarterfinal match between Gen.G Esports and Cloud9. Gen.G will be hoping to improve on their previous record at Worlds where they bowed out at this very stage last year. As for C9, their best placement was dropping out in the semifinals three years back and after missing out last year, they will be hoping to make an impression at Worlds this year.
C9 have already had to overcome one of the hardest groups at Worlds and while they do seem to have the easiest draw on paper, Gen.G is also a strong squad that still finished at the top of their group despite going through extra tiebreakers. It's hard to see who will come out on top as C9 has been known to surprise when you least expect it. Gen.G, on the other hand, will be thinking they have the upper hand in the series as C9 are also known to be consistently inconsistent.
