Play-Ins for Worlds 2021 was just as historic as it was dramatic. For the first time, an LJL team, DetonatioN FocusMe, escaped Play-Ins and made it to Groups. LNG swept through Play-Ins without dropping a game while Cloud9 almost bowed out early. Beyond Gaming was engulfed in controversy just hours before the final series that sent Hanwha Life Esports to the main event.
After the dust has settled, the final groups of Worlds 2021 have been cemented. With the main event looming and only one day of rest between, these are the groups.
Group A – The Group of death
Every year has one, a group with two unimaginably strong teams paired together seemingly destined to at least make quarter finals. Cloud9 will join the fray against FPX and Damwon Kia. After a shaky play-ins, Cloud9 are clear underdogs along with Rogue. The chances of escaping groups seems slim for Cloud9, and their weaker players will have to step up to show that the team is not simply prolonging the inevitable.
Group B – Will DFM defy expectations?
Group B has one clear leader, Edward Gaming, and a team expected to end last with the addition of DFM. Despite having a historic Play-Ins with their star shining like never before, DFM are still expected to be outclassed. With heavy hitters like EDG, T1, and 100T between them, it seems unlike that the DFM Cinderella story will go any farther.
Group C – Hanwha Life poised to shake up groups
Group C is one of the more ‘open’ groups in Worlds 2021. RNG have emerged as clear favorites with the race between Fnatic and PSG Talon being split down the middle. Hanwha Life’s presence complicates this group significantly, as the team has one of the strongest midlanes and bottom lane duos in Worlds. Hanwha Life could claim one of the two available spots, though they are almost just as likely to crash and burn.
Group D – LNG, the Worlds sleeper pick
LNG may be the best team to ever compete in Play-Ins. The LPL fourth seed did not drop a single game and were the first squad to advance on to groups. Play-Ins have given the team time to learn the meta before continuing their journey into the most competitive group at Worlds. Though competition is stiff in Group D, as Team Liquid, Gen.G, and MAD Lions stand in their way, LNG could be a sleeper pick to win the entire tournament.
Also read:
- BYG Midlaner Maoan suspended from Worlds 2021 for leaking draft picks
- LNG Esports Ale: “We may try some more interesting picks before this play-ins stage is finished”
- 2022 LoL preseason will see new mage, assassin, and tank items
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