To summarize all expectations (taken into consideration both my and people's expectations):
DRX [5-6th] - performance according to expectations
Unfortunately, this cursed trend of DRX just being shy of top dogs in the tournaments continues and we see them yet again stumble in crucial moments and they fall under pressure. They are still innovative, exciting to watch, and extremely good in their executes, but they need to polish some things, especially on defense. Shoutout to Rb, people doubted, and you showcased that you are a beast.
FNATIC [4th] - performance slightly underwhelming
We held FNATIC to a higher standard and for a good reason, they were the favorites who seemed to be unstoppable when everything was going to plan. What happened when it didn't? Few hiccups here and there and "why did you do that" moments from all players, accumulated and literally cost them the tournament. Tho, it is reasonable to an extent (LAN jitters, pressure from the bigger stage etc.). Still, one of the most exciting teams coming to Champions. Boaster buff is real, he keeps silently improving with each LAN, which is incredible.
FPX [Winners]- performance above expectations
Uncertainty around the presence of the players was something that made us all doubt. Seider filled the roster, did his part, and than... wow. Just, wow. Giants fell under ANGE1's midround calls, Shao's clutches, SUYGETSU's cold-blooded multi-frags, and Zyppan's Roza ults (kidding, he's a beast lol). But man, oh man, do I have to shout out ardiiis. His come-up story & come-back story in Valo, his performances... He is the glue of this team. True Idols indeed. Even when they would stumble, they would bounce back immediately and adapt, and that certainly is the best thing about this roster, they adapt easily, play different roles with ease, and never seem to be uncomfortable, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Guild [7-8th] - performance slightly above expectations
Guild were given no chance by fans and media, having been placed in a death group. Proud to say, I told you so lol. Playoff hiccups aside, they could've performed a little bit better than they did and push through even further, however just getting a few LAN reps in could mean a lot for them. I love the way they play and can't wait to see what they can do from here. They really have the potential to be the best of the best if they fine-tune their already impressive disciplined playstyle. Man, shoutout to Sayf, consistently a beast.
KRU [9-10th] - performance slightly above expectations
Like Guild, not many expectations from them. But they gave everyone a run for their money and have showcased real improvement. Their placement at the end of the tourney does not tell the full story indeed and I'm more than excited to see them play again. Truly believe that we're gonna see them make a deep run in Champs if they keep polishing their gameplay like they did so far. The improvement from Stage 2 Qualifiers to Masters 2 was impressive and they truly deserve to be back in the spotlight. Mazino needs more attention, so crucial for KRU and their defense especially.
Leviatan [5-6th] - performance slightly above expectations
My biggest I TOLD YOU SO. They are all so flexible in the way they play and adapt their pace according to the situation. Perfect mid rounding. They are a team that is little rough around the edges but have all the potential in the world to be the monstrous team everyone fears facing. Like in Guilds case, few LAN reps could be so important to their further success. Shoutout to Tacolilla, did you know he is also an S tier guitar player. Just check him out!
LOUD [11-12th] - disappointing performance
I'm not going to discredit LLL, because in the end, even they know, they fucked up. A performance like theirs is nothing to be ashamed of, as on this stage anything can happen and just a few mistakes can come back to bite you in your bum. I still think they are a team to beat, but need to address a few inefficiencies they have, especially on their T side. Shoutout to sacy, I hate to see the Reddit analysts bashing his name, like he ain't one of the best in the world.
Northeption [9-10th] - performance according to expectations
I was unfamiliar with them prior to this LAN and I did not expect them to make a deeper run here. It was a reasonable assumption but I think that they are currently little underrated. They are more than capable of giving your favorite team a run for their money and even stealing a match or two. We will see what the future holds for them. Meteor, I am sorry for not realizing how much of a beast you are earlier.
OPTIC [3rd] - performance slightly underwhelming
It is an FNC case 2.0. They were not the OPTIC we have expected to see due to a multitude of reasons but they still managed to make a deep run here, even with a few hiccups on the way. Still an S-tier team, still a contender and I'm glad that they are still confident in themselves. Shoutout to crashies, people keep forgetting how much of an impact you have in this team's success.
PRX [People's champs] - performance above expectations [but according to mine lol]
Nothing much to be said here. Here's a GUILD Sayf tweet to tell you everything I want to tell you about this incredible team. [tweeted prior to final map of the tourney, but sums up their whole playstyle]
"Happy to see PPRX with this comp, proves that there is no specific way of playing this game. Creativeness and different approaches can still lead to tight matches. Take notes people, WE DONT NEED TO FOLLOW A CERTAIN META TO JUICE THINGS UP."
And juice thing up they did. This team deserves ALL THE LOVE. I hope other rosters follow in their footsteps and just go off as they did.
Xerxia [11-12th] - performance according to expectations
I'm not gonna sugarcoat this one. Xerxia is always one step behind of being the top dog for one reason or another and it has been like this for a while. I truly hope that they address this soon as I really think that they have the potential to shake the team tiers list up with few changes in the way they approach the game. And I wish them all the luck going further. Don't forget sScary is still the most underrated player on the international scene.
XSET [7-8th]- performance according to expectations
Breaking the 4th place curse was great indeed, but how do you follow that up? Not like this. While I 100% believe in their individual ability to cause a ruckus, their team lacks something that will make them stand out from the rest. They keep gambling with the way they play, not risking when it would be a good thing to do, and risking too much in advantageous positions. Maybe it is a matter of time, maybe it is a matter of a reality check that they definitely received after this, I am not the one to speculate, but I just want to fully enjoy their incredible performances in the Champs. Young duo of zekken and Cryo is gonna be even more dangerous soon.
Read it all? W for you! Enjoy your day!
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