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The dust is still settling from some of the best playoff League of Legends we would ever witness at Worlds 2018. To many fans, the semifinals were pretty underwhelming with how both Fnatic and Invictus Gaming would dominate the competition. However, this is only a testament to their skill as individuals and as a team. They have proven that they are the two best teams in the world, but only one will rise higher than the others.

Fnatic: The Best Team in the West

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Will Fnatic bring Europe their first World Championship since season one? (Source: Riot Games)

On one side of the Summoner’s Rift, we have Europe’s number one seed, Fnatic. To many people, they are the best team in the Western scene, and for good reason. Their journey was a dominant one, starting with their brilliant performance in the EU LCS’ 2018 Summer Split. They would beat both Misfits and the surging Schalke 04 to seal their spot at Worlds 2018. At the same time, their mid laner, Rasmus “Caps” Winther, would make a case for himself as the best mid laner in the West. Longtime Fnatic ADC, Martin “Rekkles” Larsson, would come back to active duty after benching himself, never losing stride.

At Worlds, Fnatic would find themselves in a group with China’s Invictus Gaming, North America’s 100 Thieves, and the LMS’ G-Rex. The competition was one that many fans expected the Europeans to breeze by. Although they would drop a game against IG, they would have no problem making it to the quarterfinals. Caps currently leads all players with five Player of the Game awards, with their jungler Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen close behind with three. These two were huge factors into their early success and beyond.

Their first test would come from China, through Lee “Scout” Ye-chan and Edward Gaming. Even though Caps would have some trouble against Scout, it would be Fnatic’s impressive macro skills that would capture a 3-1 win over their opponents. Next, it would be the Battle of the Atlantic against North America’s Cloud9. Both teams had a penchant for fighting, but again, it would be Fnatic’s ability to control fights that would win them the series with ease.

Invictus Gaming: China’s Dark Horse

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Or will Invictus Gaming take the crown for themselves and China? (Source: Riot Games)

Not many people gave Invictus Gaming much of a chance after the group stage. Even though they would go 5-1, the rest of their group besides Fnatic was a shoe-in. When they would be put up against KT Rolster in the first round, they were an afterthought. However, they would prove the entire world wrong, over and over. First, they would stun the tournament favorites in KT Rolster, taking them down in five games. Afterward, they would make short work of Europe’s G2 Esports in a 3-0 sweep.

Each player has had a resurgence throughout Worlds. Their top laner, Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok, has been playing like one of the best top laners in the world. Song “Rookie” Eui-jin wants to solidify himself as the best mid laner in the world, and Caps is in his way. Both these players have been polarizing for Invictus Gaming, but we cannot forget about their 17-year-old phenom in the bottom lane.

Yu “JackeyLove” Wen-Bo has been often criticized for his overaggressiveness, often costing his team games. However, it seems that he is also proving that he too may be one of the best upcoming players in the world. He would come out with some huge plays for his team in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. Fnatic will not have an easy time taking down the fiery spirit of this young prodigy.

How to Watch

On November 3rd, the two best teams in the world will battle it out at the Munhak Stadium in Incheon, South Korea.  The Finals of Worlds 2018 will be broadcasting on lolesports’ streaming website, as well as Twitch. Additionally, if you have not watched all the games before this huge matchup, you can catch up with the spoiler-free VOD recordings of the games. Right at 12:30 AM PT, the Opening Ceremony will begin. There are some big acts in store, such as a performance of the 2018 Worlds anthem “RISE”, featuring The Glitch Mob, Mako, The Word Alive and Bobby of iKON. Also, there will be a special new Riot produced song debuting featuring Madison Beer,Miyeon and Soyeon of (G)I-DLE, and Jaira Burns.

The series will begin right after the Opening Ceremony. Afterward will be the Closing Ceremony, where the winning team will lift the Summoner’s Cup, and Finals MVP will be awarded. Don’t miss any of this historical matchup!


What are your thoughts on the Finals of Worlds 2018? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more Worlds coverage, check us out here!