The tradition of G2 Esports going to Worlds will continue, after their victory over Schalke 04 today. G2 would manage to find their form throughout the EU LCS Regional Gauntlet, which was in question leading up to the Finals.
Congratulations to @G2esports on winning the 2018 #EULCS Regional Qualifier and qualifying for the 2018 World Championship! #Worlds2018 pic.twitter.com/3idFtoFMeP
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) September 16, 2018
G2 Esports was able to get their game together after Misfits would sweep them in the EU LCS Quarterfinals. They were able to take down Splyce in the second round of the Regional Gauntlet. One of the big X-factors of G2 is the performance of jungler Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski. After replacing four members from their 2017 roster, Jankos was going to be important for the success. However, during the summer season, he was not living up to his nickname of “First Blood King”. Coordination was lacking, especially in the final weeks of the split. However, after a great game against Splyce, hopes are now high again for the perennial European champs.
However, G2 Esports is looking at a mountain of a challenge in Schalke 04. The lineup of Schalke 04 has made a huge splash this season after reaching the EU LCS Summer Finals. Unfortunately, they would run into the Fnatic powerhouse that has terrorized the region this split. Still, Schalke 04 has proven themselves as one of the best teams in Europe. The addition of veteran jungler Maurice “Amazing” Stückenschneider has been a huge boon to their success. The resurgence of Erlend “Nukeduck” VÃ¥tevik Holm in the mid lane and the growth of young ADC Elias “Upset” Lipp has made Schalke 04 into a European team to watch.
G2 Strikes First…
The first match of the series was a great sign for G2 Esports fans. Jankos was looking a bit more active and like his old self. Some early ganks would put his lanes ahead, setting them up for a great mid game. Meanwhile, Amazing was not looking as good, struggling to find any success in the early game. G2 Esports would also manage their macro quite well, putting pressure on all fronts against Schalke 04. G2 mid laner Luka “Perkz” Perković would scale hard into the game, collecting six kills and leading the team. Overall it was a strong team win for G2 to set the tone for the rest of the series.
… Schalke 04 Counters
Fortunately, Schalke 04 would strike back with a good game two as they would manage to find an early lead. G2 Esports would not be able to get a foothold during any part of the match either. Nukeduck would become a monster on Urgot, a champion that has found its way into the current meta. His overall damage and survivability have made him a great pick for any team composition. Schalke also had a great pick/ban as well. Their team composition had the perfect balance of disengage with Maokai and Gragas while maintaining some aggressiveness with Rakan. They would not take their foot off the gas and would take game two in dominating fashion.
… And History Repeats.
However, G2 Esports would not be denied their chance at representing the EU LCS at Worlds. Schalke 04 simply could not find the same early game success in games three and four. For some reason, they were not able to play slowly and for the late game today. This would prove to be their downfall, as G2 would take advantage of every little mistake Schalke 04 would make. Jankos and Wadid would play exceptionally throughout the whole series. For example, their ability to catch multiple Schalke members off guard would press the envelope in their aggressive wins.
For Schalke 04, its back to the drawing board for the EU LCS Summer Finalists. I am not sure if they will replace any members, or if they will give this lineup another chance next season. This was their first season together as a full squad, so maybe one more split could be good for their synergy. As for G2 Esports, they continue the tradition of G2 representing the EU LCS at the World Championships. They join Fnatic and Team Vitality as the three teams to fight for Europe in South Korea.
What do you think of G2 Esports’ win against Schalke 04 in the EU LCS Regional Finals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! If you want more EU LCS coverage, check us out here!
