The skill difference is there to be seen... Also i'd like to point out that the depth in EU tier 2 is light years ahead of Americas tier 2. It was pretty clear from the start after seeing everyone play, that The Guard we're going to win the whole thing with ease. In EU there are 5 (SAW, Apeks, Fokus, M8 and Acend). On top of that, Apeks are the best tier 2 team as it is. So EU tier 2 is still the best even after all the clowning from smoke spam region fans