1 - GenG
they were easily the most consistent team in a year where so many different teams made top 4 - top 6 at each international, they also won their own region twice and made every grand final other than champs
2 - Edward Gaming
I would rather have the champs trophy after a really shitty year internationally than a masters title and a 4th place finish. There would be a huge argument for Sentinels here if they didn't have such a midseason slump. Even though EDG won their region 3 times, it doesn't have as much weight as an americas / emea / apac doing the same because the other chinese teams are undeniably weaker in comparison
3 - Sentinels
Kickoff winners, madrid winners, 4th place champs with a huge upset against GenG, best americas team this year. definitely have to talent to pick up another title next year.
4 - Team Heretics
2nd place kickoff, 8th at madrid, 2nd at stage 1, 2nd in Shanghai, 3rd at stage 2, and 2nd in seoul. they came close to the trophy so many times and didn't win a single one, but damn if they are not a team to look out for next season.
--- MASSIVE GAP ---
5 - Paper Rex? Leviatan? Fnatic?
Paper Rex uniquely made it to all 3 international events, a feat that only them, EDG, FPX, TH, and GENG have. although they've had ups and downs, they also won their region and came away with a 4th and a 6th internationally.
Leviatan has the highest champs placement out of those not listed yet, with a 3rd place. They looked insane, only getting better throughout the year, and they won their region stage 2 against a highly rated G2, also coming away with a stage 1 runner up.
Fnatic won their region twice, though they had poor international showings for a team that won two trophies last year. They're a lock for 2nd best EMEA team, but how much does that really do for them?
what do we think for top 5? anyone i forgot?
Discord