While Southeast Asia has yet to make its mark in Worlds, more on more surprises have come from the region. The Dark Horse: PSG Talon (Southeast Asia)
If this relatively-untested squad can overcome the mammoth opposition they are sure to face, their hunger for redemption could quickly turn to a hunger for championship glory. While they won't have to go through the Play-Ins and will instead be starting in the Group Stage this year, the pressure is still on MAD Lions to live up to their potential.
Newcomers Irfan "Armut" Tükek and Javier "Elyoya" Prades have fuelled the team's resurgence, and they will be key in finally giving their team that much-awaited breakthrough at Worlds. They had high hopes in last year's tournament, only to be massively disappointed as they were one of the first teams to be eliminated in the Play-In Stage.īut instead of being discouraged by last year's setback, MAD Lions have returned to Worlds roaring and hungry for redemption. While MAD Lions have dominated Europe throughout the year, they will be entering Worlds as a team that still have a lot to prove. Hungry for Redemption: MAD Lions (Europe) However, they will have to muster some the same magic that brought them ultimate victory in 2019 if they hope to be in the running for their second title this year. Gao "Tian" Tian-Liang is another player to look out for, as his stable play will be crucial in keeping FPX a well-oiled machine in their hunt for another Summoner's Cup.Īs one of the four returning champions in Worlds 2021, FPX has as good a chance as any in claiming the mantle of world champions. Nuguri has been the key player for the team throughout the LPL Spring and Summer seasons, and will have to take up that mantle once again for Worlds. They won the 2019 Summoner's Cup with some of the most explosive plays in the history of the game and have not lost that form as they hunt for their second title two years later.Īll eyes are on the team's top laner, Jang "Nuguri" Ha-gwon, this year. While FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) is only the second seed from China, they have been favourites among the community for good reason. If nothing else, you can expect nothing less than a great show from the Demon King and his retinue. However, they are sure to have some surprises up their sleeves on their return to a stage they have become so familiar with over the years. With that said, T1 are a bit of a wildcard this year when considering their absence from last year's Worlds. The likes of Ryu "Keria" Min-seok and Park "Teddy" Jin-seong are more than capable players in their own right, but having them alongside someone like Faker is what makes a T1 a formidable foe for just about any other squad at Worlds. While Faker's abilities and past accomplishments are well known, he won't be solo carrying the team this time around. Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, the Unkillable Demon King himself, has returned to try to claim his fourth Summoner's Cup. T1 have finally made it back to Worlds after missing out on last year's tournament. The Demon King's Comeback: T1 (South Korea) With the momentum they have gained from absolutely dominating Korea, they're definitely one of our best bets to at least take one of the Top 2 spots in Worlds. What could make or break DWG KIA's campaign for a second-straight Summoner's Cup is whether or not Khan can overcome the overwhelming pressure of playing on the biggest stage in LoL esports, and if ShowMaker can continue to live up to both his name and reputation.ĭWG KIA can boast some of the best talent, communication, and chemistry out there. Another player on the team to keep an eye on is Heo "ShowMaker" Su, who is projected to be nothing short of spectacular this year. Fans have divided opinions about the addition of Kim "Khan" Dong-ha as a top laner in November last year, and while he has done well in regional competitions, it remains to be seen how he fares at Worlds. That said, DWG KIA aren't quite as invincible as some would think. The Worlds 2020 defending champion have been both dominant and consistent all season, even bagging the championships of both of the 2021 LCK's Spring and Summer Splits.
South Korea's DWG KIA is arguably the team that have the best chance of winning the 2021 Summoner's Cup.