Hello Summoners, Mento here, and I’m bringing you 3 teams for you to watch in the MSI 2019 Play-In Stage. With most viewers only paying attention to the 4 major regions, I will be giving intricate breakdowns of the top three teams that I believe have the ability to make a name for themselves at this tournament, in addition to having the best chance to upset Team Liquid or Flash Wolves in the Play-In Knockout Stage.
Phong Vu Buffalo
Phong Vu Buffalo are coming into the play-in stage as heavy favourites to make it out, and compete with Team Liquid or Flash Wolves in the knockout stage. They beat EVOS in the VCS Grand Final 3-1 and held a 13-1 record during the regular season. They held the best gold differential at 15 in their league with a whopping positive 2789. They also have international experience with going 2-4 last year at Worlds Group Stage picking up wins against the likes of G2 Esports from LEC and Flash Wolves from the LMS.
Look for them to play carrys in the top lane, and play around that side of the map with their MVP top Zeros who led the VCS with 31 solo kills. With their existing international experience from last year’s World Championships look for them to pass the group stages and have their eyes on the knockout stage.
1907 Fernabaçhe
Due to the rising power of the TCL which is the best non-major region, 1907 is another team to watch in the play ins. TCL rising in the power rankings is due to world class player imports such as Wolf, who is a former World Champion for SKT. Additionally the development of the region itself being able to produce homemade talent such as Broken blade who was developed in the TCL, before taking his talents to North America powerhouse TSM.
1907 beat Supermassive in the grand finals, and held a 16-2 regular season record. They have two former LCS players in Kirei who played for Team Dignitas and splashed around a bit in Europe before making a home in the TCL, and Ruin their top lane carry who played previously for Giants Gaming. Something to watch out for is Kirei’s pocket pick Elise which he is known for playing even if not being in the meta. 1907 haven't played at a international event since Worlds 2017 so expect them to take a few games to adjust to the meta other teams have in the first few games.
Vega Squadron
Vega Squadron is my final team everyone should be watching out for. Vega eliminated Gambit Esports in the semifinals who has notable Russian legend Diamondprox, before beating Elements Pro Gaming 3-1 in the LCL finals. They went an 10-4 in the regular season which doesn't make them all real interesting, but it's more their picks to watch out for. Two players to watch out for is their mid laner Nomanz who led the LCL with 11 solo kills for mid laners, and also their marksman player Gadget who has pulled out Neeko, Karthus, Mordekaiser, and Veigar in the bot lane. With Vega’s crazy playstyle expect some off meta picks which will leave teams guessing in picks and bans.
Watch out for explosive games between 1907 and Phong Vu as they battle to see who makes it out of the group of death, while Vega should have an easier time in the group of life. Even though they are play-in teams they can still cause a shock for any team in the tournament, because if we learned anything from previous international events it is to not underestimate your opponent *cough* Kabum vs Alliance *cough*.
Comments