2021 has been the year of the MAD Lions in the LEC. The squad won their first domestic title back in Spring, becoming only the fourth team to do so. MAD Lions had a respectable performance at MSI and returned to the LEC to repeat their championship winning season. Undoubtedly one of the best units in LEC, and potentially contenders internationally, MAD Lions have claimed sole possession the European first seed. Unfortunately, Fnatic’s impressive lower bracket run came to a sudden end at the final hurdle.
How MAD Lions came out on top (again)
Similar to their first championship run, MAD Lions saw incredible performances from all of their players. MAD’s top side of the map, in both Javier “Elyoya” Batalla and Irfan “Armut” Tukek, had the most impact throughout the course of their final series. Armut’s Gangplank saw one of the largest individual gold leads of the post-season, as he found +2,688 gold at 15 minutes.
Elyoya similarly enabled as three of MAD’s wins, putting up incredible stats and plays on Viego and Lee Sin. Though Fnatic managed to take one game off of the champions, MAD Lions held firm control of this series.
Will 2021 continue to be the year of the MAD Lions?
2021 has undoubtedly been MAD Lion’s best year since their inception into the LEC two years ago. Previously, this squad of rookies was entirely built around Marek “Humanoid” Brazda however every member has now proven their merit. After becoming the third team to win consecutive titles, MAD will get another shot at international competition.
MAD put an impressive showing at MSI, keeping up with some of the best teams in the world despite their eventual loss in the semi-finals. MAD Lions’ ability to adapt and learn as the event went on bodes well for their 2021 Worlds run. Formerly dropping out in Play-Ins, we can expect a totally different version of the team going into this Worlds.
Read More:
- Confirmed: Riot Games moves Worlds 2021 from China to Europe
- LCS Championship location changed to LCS Arena with no live audience
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Image Credits: Riot Games