NA LCS Week 1 Recap

LMQ Shows Up

LMQ’s LCS debut went better than some had expected. A 4-0 is a nice way to start the split, but only one of their victories was against a team considered to be in the ‘big three’ (Cloud, TSM and CLG). Regardless, this team showed that they are truly capable of rising to the top. XiaoWeiXiao is clearly in contention for the best mid in NA, even earning himself Most Valuable Player of week 1. As the split progresses, LMQ will need to prove themselves against the likes of Cloud 9 and Team Solo Mid.

Shiphtur and Co. Come Up Big

While the Dignitas roster changes seemed great on paper, there is always concerns about how quickly a player will adapt to that team or if he would even fit in at all. Shiphtur smashed any and all doubts this weekend. With Dignitas finally filling the gaping hole that has been present in their solo lanes for so long, they have started out the split with a 3-1 record. With Scarra behind the team as a fully fledged coach, Dignitas will add another dynamic to the North American scene this split.

Cloud 9 Has Bumpy Start

It was unclear whether Hai’s time in the hospital would affect the team coming into LCS, but his extended absence from the team didn't reflect well this week. Hai himself states that he and the team will need time to get back in shape, but they will get there. It should be noted that Cloud 9 has only lost 7 LCS games prior to this week, and has won every playoff game. Saying the team is in a slump after two losses is quite far fetched. If anything, losses to teams that are clearly weaker have been a good thing for Cloud 9, reminding them to not fall into patterns of complacency.

CLG In An All Too Familiar Spot

The potential is real. Seraph’s debut was met with sighs of frustration from CLG fans as the Korean top laner didn’t make an the impact many were hoping for. Yet again, CLG is in scenario where they could potentially be the best team in just a few weeks time, but they will just need to fix some issues. I’m waiting with baited breath to see if CLG can work out the visible communication problems with the team new top laner and if their perceived North American dominance can come to fruition.

Curse Has Room To Improve

Curse probably had the most difficult first week, facing TSM CLG and LMQ. They may have only come out of superweek with one win, but it’s clear that this team has improved as a whole. As Xpecial and Cop hit their rhythm, Voyboy’s improved midlane skills should help the team close out more games.

EG Looks Lost

It’s a rough start for the Evil Geniuses, and it doesn't look like it will get any better from here. A lackluster performance last split called for changes within the team, but were only met with the replacement of Yellowpete for Altec. It’s too little, way too late. With the influx of talent in North America, I don’t see any way EG will keep their heads above water.

Complexity Disproves Critics

Many LCS fans ,including myself, stated that Complexity would be in 8th place by the time the split finishes. But, a win over Cloud 9 will force everyone to rethink where this team stands. They struggles versus Dignitas, LMQ and Team Solo Mid but it somehow came together versus the kings of North America. Right now, it’s pretty easy to attribute this victory to a fluke. Complexity still haven’t shown that they are anything more than bottom 3 material - but this is a good start.

TSM Makes It Work

I criticized TSM, probably too harshly, in my LCS preview. My main concerns stemmed from the mechanical downgrade in the bot lane and unknown presence in the jungle. In the first match of the week, Cloud 9 took a dominant victory over TSM. In their following matches, against notably weaker teams, TSM proved their proof of concept with the roster changes. Gleeb may end up being up to snuff with Xpecial standards after a few more weeks of training. Amazing also fit in with the team quite well for such a short amount of practice time.

Image Credit: Riot Games